There are many areas to look at with safety in swimming pools and spa safety. At the end of this document we have designed a checklist to help you as a starting point in identifying health and safety problems.
Where Else Can I Get Help?
Some of the help you need may be specialist knowledge relating to the equipment or chemical system you are using. You may need to contact the supplier or installer for further advice. They may be able to offer you or your staff training.
Reference Books
For reference material, the following two books are quite useful as a guide and there are some addresses below of other organisations.
- “Management of Spa Pools – Controlling the risks of infection” 2006, priced £10, ISBN 0901144800. This has been produced jointly by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and HSE. You can download this document from the Health Protection Agency
- "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools" 2003, HSG179, ISBN 0717626865, priced at £10.95. This has been produced jointly by the Health and Safety Commission and Sport England, and is available from:
- HSE Books
PO Box 35
Wetherby
West Yorkshire
LS23 7LZ
or
- "Swimming Pool Water” 1999, priced £35.00, ISBN 0951700766. This has been produced by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group, and is available from:
- Greenham Publishing
Holly Lodge
Botesdale
Norfolk
IP22 1BZ
Telephone: (01379) 890721
Swimming Pool and Spa Disinfection
Disinfection (i.e. chlorine or bromine) must be added to swimming pools and spas to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. The designated / responsible person should have adequate training and a good understanding of how the disinfection system works, or an understanding of the correct procedures for manual dosing a swimming pool or spa. Acceptable disinfection levels will depend on the type of disinfection being used, whether it is a swimming pool or spa and use. The above referenced documents have details on acceptable parameters for disinfection levels and pH.
Monitoring – Some automated systems will automatically monitor the level of disinfection and pH in swimming pool and spas and dose the water to maintain levels within acceptable parameters. Otherwise manual testing should be done with testing kits prior to the use of the swimming pool or spa and every two hours thereafter through to closing.
Microbiological sampling of swimming pools and spas - A monthly regime of monitoring the quality of swimming pool and spa water is strongly recommended. This is to ensure that the pH and disinfection levels are rendering harmful bacteria as harmless. This can be arranged through a pool water treatment / servicing company.
Checklist
Chemical Safety
- When was your COSHH assessment last reviewed?
- What chemicals are used and how are they used (including storage)
- What information do you have regarding safety precautions that should be taken when using these chemicals? Manufacturer's instructions? Safety data sheets?
- Who may come into contact with these chemicals? Have they received any training? Do they wear protective equipment?
- How are chemicals disposed of?
Emergency Procedures
- Is the pool supervised?
- Is the rescue equipment available?
- Are lifeguards adequately trained?
- Are there emergency procedures for:
- First aid?
- A chemical spillage?
- A major leak of toxic gases?
- Soiling / fouling in the pool?
- An emergency evacuation?
- Are enough staff trained in these procedures?
Raising the alarm
First Aid
- What provisions are in place for first aid?
- Is there a nominated person for first aid?
- What training, if any, have they received in first aid?
- Is there an accident book? Are staff aware of accident reporting requirements (RIDDOR)?
- You also have a duty of care towards people using the pool and those people must be considered as part of the risk assessment in relation to first aid provision.
General Poolside Safety
- What procedures for pool supervision are in place?
- Are lifeguards trained?
- Are rafts and toys used safely in the pool?
- Is the bottom of the pool visible?
- What signs are present in the pool area?
Controlling Access
- What is the maximum loading for the pool? How is this controlled?
- How is unauthorised access prevented?
- When the pool is not in use, is it secure?
- Will the pool cover support the weight of a person walking over it?
- Is the pool cover resistant to vandalism?
Manual Handling
- What manual handling activities are in operation?
- How are heavy cylinders moved?
- What training is provided for employees?
Electrical Safety
- When did a registered electrician last inspect the electrical installation?
- Are socket outlets located in wet areas? Do they comply with the correct standard?
- Are RCDs used and are they inspected regularly?
- Are any portable electrical appliances used near or at the poolside?
- Is this done in a secure manner with safe equipment?
- Does a competent person regularly inspect portable electrical appliances?
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