NP4 - Legal Framework

Purpose

The Australian Aquatic Industry involves a comprehensive legal framework that pertains to the breadth of activities in and around aquatic facilities. These include functions and responsibilities in health, training, education, sport, workplace health and safety, rescue, first aid and facility management.

The Australian Governments Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) provides for a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces. The WHS Act is established within the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations as one of the main sources of legal requirements for Aquatic Safety and is supported by state/territory legislation in specific areas such as Dangerous Goods and Health.

The Australian Government has an established agreement with RLSSA to provide services on behalf of the Australian Aquatic Industry. Specifically within this agreement, RLSSA develop and maintain a National Aquatic Industry Safety Framework. The National Aquatic Industry Safety Committee is intended to be as a best practice guide to Managers, Lifeguards, Instructors and the like on the safe operation of aquatic locations.

As part of this agreement RLSSA shall maintain a comprehensive up to date register of relevant industry policies and standards for Aquatic Safety. These include but are not limited to:

• National and state/territory legislation and regulations
• International and Australian Standards
• Building Code of Australia
• Safe Work Australia’s Codes of Practice
• Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines
• Australian Quality Training Framework

References

RLSSA / Australian Government Agreement