Management of hygiene and related safety at educational establishment swimming pools
THE MANAGEMENT OF HYGIENE
AND
RELATED SAFETY
AT
EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
SWIMMING POOLS
KCC Education and Young Persons, April 2003i
ContentsManagement of Hygiene and Related Safety at Educational Establishment Swimming Pools
CONTENTS
Page No
SECTION IINTRODUCTION1
SECTION IIROUTINE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLANT AND2
EQUIPMENT AT SWIMMING POOLS
(A)ROUTINE MAINTENANCE2
(B)PRE-SEASON COMMISSION2
(C)PERMANENT MEDIA (OR SAND) FILTERS2
(D)ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND ELECTRIC 2
MOTORS AND PUMPS
(E)HEATING PLANTS3
(F)PROVISION OF FENCES3
(G) CHLORINATION PLANT3
(H)FLOATING SWIMMING POOL COVERS FOR INSULATION3
(I)WINTER CARE OF POOLS4
(J)TRAINING OF STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT4
SECTION IIISWIMMING POOL WATER & HYGIENE5
(A)GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS5
(B)WATER CIRCULATION AND FILTRATION6
(C)CHLORINATION6
(D)RESIDUAL CHLORINE IN THE POOL WATER7
(E)USE OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE8
(F)USE OF SODIUM DICHLORISOCYANURATE
(SOD. DICHLOR) GRANULES8
(G)USE OF TRICHLOROISOCYANURIC ACID TABLETS9
(H)CONTROL OF ALGAE BY SUPER-CHLORINATION10
(I)pH CONTROL11
CONTENTS (continued)
(J)TESTS FOR RESIDUAL CHLORINE, pH AND CYANURIC ACID11
(K)POOL CONDITIONER (CYANURIC ACID)16
(L)USE OF COAGULENTS16
(M)ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE CASE OF
‘ACCIDENTS’ INVOLVING DIARRHOEA16
(N)EMPTYING AND REFILLING OF POOLS17
(O)POOL CARE IN WINTER17
(P)EXTRAORDINARY USE OF SWIMMING POOLS
(KAYAK TRAINING ETC)18
SECTION IVSAFETY IN SWIMMING POOLS19
(A)OPERATION - GENERAL19
(B)GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS19
(C)SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS20
(D)PHYSICAL SAFETY22
(E)USE OF POOLS - FURTHER ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED23
(F)DIVING24
(G)SUB AQUA SWIMMING25
(H)PHYSICALLY DISABLED SWIMMERS25
SECTION VPOOL AND BATHER HYGIENE26
(A)CHANGING ACCOMMODATION, POOL SURROUNDS
AND FOOTBATHS26
(B)PERSONAL HYGIENE26
SECTION VIPUBLIC USE OF SCHOOL SWIMMING POOL27
(A)GENERAL27
(B)TYPE OF USE OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS27
(C)PROCEDURE27
(D)LEGAL AND ASSOCIATED MATTERS29
CONTENTS (continued
(E) FINANCIAL30
(F) INTERPRETATION30
(G)INDEMNITY33
APPENDICES
APPENDIX IHEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ETC ACT 1974 - CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH
REGULATIONS 199932
Assessment No.Contents (of Appendix 1)Page No.
1Sodium hypochlorite (aqueous solution)33
2Sodium hydrogen sulphate35
3Sodium dichloroisocyanuric dihydrate37
4Sodium carbonate39
5Trichloroisocyanuric acid41
6Lovibond DPD No.1 tablets43
7Cyanuric acid44
8Water clarifier45
9Iron-free Aluminium sulphate46
10Golden algicide47
11Diatomaceous Earth48
12Lovibond Phenol Red tablets49
APPENDIX IICHEMICAL SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR SCHOOL
SWIMMING POOLS50
APPENDIX IIIRECORD KEEPING AND SWIMMING POOLS54
APPENDIX IVPLANTAR WARTS AND SWIMMING POOLS56
APPENDIX VADVICE ON RISKS WITH OUTLET PIPES AND
GRILLES IN SWIMMING POOLS57
APPENDIX VIEMERGENCY PROCEDURE, Accidental generation of Chlorine Gas65
KCC Education and Young Persons, April 2003 1
Section IManagement of Hygiene and Related Safety at Educational Establishment Swimming Pools
SECTION I -INTRODUCTION
This advice manual was originally produced in 1978 and some revisions were made during the 1980s and 1990s. It was originally entitled “The Provision Maintenance and Safety of Swimming Pools at Educational Establishments”. The last revision was in May1994.
A great deal has changed since its original inception. Schools are now largely responsible for their own budgets, maintenance etc. Also, a number of new sources of advice * have been published which give guidance on many of the areas covered in Kent County Council’s original advisory booklet.
* The sources of advice referred to are:-
(i)“Managing School Facilities Guide 2 - Swimming Pools” - Department for Education ISBN 0 11 2708714 Price £3.95 - A5 booklet from HMSO;
(ii)“Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools” - HSE/Sport England, 1999, 2nd edition, Price £10.50, ISBN 0-7176-1388-7 (HSE guidance series HS(G)179 );
(iii)“Swimming Pool Water - Treatment and Quality standards” - Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group Price £35.00 - available from LRO Books Ltd, Holly Lodge, Botesdale, Diss, Norfolk IP22 1PZ;
(iv)“Safe Practice in Physical Education, BAALPE 1999 published in Dudley LEA ISBN1-871228115 (copy already issued to each school, Dec 1999).
Publication (i) above is common to all school swimming pools and therefore it should be obtained by all schools with swimming pools.
Publication (ii) above should also be obtained by all schools with swimming pools. Health and Safety is of course a wide subject area in its own right. This County Council document makes no attempt to cover health and safety other than by reference and, in some limited detail, regarding the handling and use of water treatment chemicals. Further detail is given in Section V (A).
Publication (iii) specifically covers water treatment for swimming pools and associated hygiene. The publication recognises that there are some situations, such as at well regulated school pools, where some methods of chemical treatment, including hand dosing, may be used successfully whereas they would not normally be recommended at more heavily bathed public pools. Similarly, there are a number of school swimming pools where the type of filtration/circulation systems fitted may not be sufficient to cope with the increased demands placed upon them by heavier bathing loads eg from lettings. This publication should therefore be obtained by all schools with pools which are used other than just for teaching the school’s own pupils to swim. It contains completely uptodate advice (as at April 2000) on principles of design and equipment and should always be referred to where changes to the pool and associated equipment are to be made.
Publication (iv) is common to all schools and should already be in their possession. Further details are contained in Section IV (D).
This revised Kent County Council document recognises the above excellent sources of advice and is designed only to give guidance on the water treatment at school swimming pools used for normal swimming activities. Hence its change of name to “The Management of Hygiene and Related Safety at Educational Establishment Swimming Pools”.
KCC Education and Young Persons, April 2003
Section IManagement of Hygiene and Related Safety at Educational Establishment Swimming Pools
SECTION II -ROUTINE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AT SWIMMING POOLS
A.ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
1.Daily running of the pool and related plant will be the responsibility of the headteacher. It is essential that schools with swimming pools enter into a routine and emergency maintenance agreement with a reputable, specialist contractor.
2.In view of the large variety of equipment installed for the filtration and chlorination of swimming pools, these notes are intended for general guidance only. Operator’s should refer to the makers’ instructions for the specific information relative to their particular plant or, if in doubt, should contact your maintenance contractor.
3.Headteachers should ensure that all safety fittings, such as pool steps, handrails, etc., and also diving boards and other equipment, are kept in good repair and that broken or missing grids to water outlets at the bottom of pools are replaced immediately. Headteachers are reminded of the letter from the DfEE and HSE in April 1999 regarding pool outlets which was circulated to schools. Acopy will be found in Appendix V.
B.PRE-SEASON COMMISSION
An initial pre-season commissioning visit should be made by a specialist swimming pool contractor to check fully all controls and equipment and leave the plant running or ready for immediate use. During the swimming season it will be the operator’s responsibility to maintain the plant.
C.PERMANENT MEDIA (OR SAND) FILTERS
No mechanical maintenance is required by the operator other than cleaning the pre-filter strainer pot, backwashing at the requisite time (indicated normally by the pressure gauge reading) and periodically to check the valves, etc., and report any defects for maintenance/repair. Arrangements for the replacement of the sand at the appropriate time interval should be discussed with the specialist swimming pool contractor.
NB:Only this type of filter, preferably amedium rate type, should be used at school swimming pools. (i.e., the cheapest filtration system may not be the best).
D.ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND ELECTRIC MOTORS AND PUMPS
1.An annual electrical test of the complete installation should be carried out by an approved contractor.
2.Electric motors should be monitored weekly.
3.Motors and pumps should be (where necessary) oiled and greased periodically. Motors and pumps should be checked periodically and signs of excessive wear, leakage of water, overheating or other defects and reported accordingly, to your maintenance contractor. Any damage to or deterioration of the electrical wiring requires immediate attention.
KCC Education and Young Persons, April 2003
Section IIManagement of Hygiene and Related Safety at Educational Establishment Swimming Pools
E.HEATING PLANTS
The County Council is not responsible for the heating of swimming pools unless there are individually approved cases.
Annual arrangements for the servicing and maintenance of the heating equipment should be made by the person responsible for the pool with the appointed maintenance contractor. Filling and draining down of the heating system should be carried out in conjunction with works within Section II Items B and I.
F.PROVISION OF FENCES
Close fencing needs to be provided at most uncovered pools to act as a windbreak. See also SectionIV, paragraph B.4 concerning fencing required for reasons of security and safety.
G.CHLORINATION PLANT
1.The majority of chlorination equipment should be subject to amaintenance agreement with a specialist contractor. Any difficulties or breakdown should be notified immediately.
2.Where chlorinating equipment is installed and problems or breakdowns occur, the unit should be switched off and the appointed maintenance contractor notified. The Education & Libraries Health & Safety Manager should also be notified in order that he/she can advise on temporary chlorination methods. The operator should clean and change injectors regularly and have spare injectors available when using this type of unit.
H.FLOATING SWIMMING POOL COVERS FOR INSULATION
There have been a number of problems of disintegration of this type of cover, particularly the plastic bubble cover. For this reason the following advice has been obtained from a supplier:-
(i)Before a cover is chosen make sure that both ends are at least reinforced for roller application in particular, or for general use when being moved over water surface. The inclusion of eyelets (approximately every 2 ft) allows better movement by use of pulling cords/rope, etc.
(ii)After any ‘shock dosing’ of sanitisation agent leave solar cover off the surface of the pool to allow the relatively high level of agent to fall off to a safer level. Leave off for approximately 2-3 hours.
(iii)At the end of each swimming season wash cover down with direct mains water (water from the pool should not be used because of its chemical content), leave to dry then pack away in cool dry area. Keep cover away from rodents.
(iv)When a solar cover is left on a roller over the summer period use a white dust sheet or similar to act as a protection against strong sunlight and heat.
(v)Do not leave solar covers in the pool under winter protection covers over the winter layoff period.
(vi)Where in the case of ladders, etc., that cannot be moved away when solar covers are on the water surface - allow for cutouts, etc., when first manufactured.
The lightweight versions of the bubble covers will often only last for 2-4 years. They must then be discarded immediately the bubbles are seen to be disintegrating as they could cause choking and asphyxiation.
I.WINTER CARE OF POOLS (see also paragraphs O.2 and O.3 of SectionIII)
A service visit (as Section II B) should take place to “winterise” the pools (with the exceptions indicated).
The following general points may prove useful:-
(i)If possible, completely empty the pool filter, heater and associated pipework;
(ii)partially drain the pool to below skimmer pot level, place logs, partially submerged plastic containers or similar floating articles in the water, secured away from the sides, to obviate ice pressure; and
(iii)with pool having no actual plant room, the advice of the appointed maintenance contractor should be sought regarding the winter protection of plant, or from Kent Property Services’ Service Desk Tel: 0845 3000 346.
J.TRAINING OF STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGEMENT
For many years the County Council has provided training for staff responsible for the operation of school swimming pools. It is essential that the person responsible for the day to day operation, of the pool together with a representative of management at the school attends at least one days formal training on the hygienic management of swimming pools and related safety. Refresher training should be attended after 3years and there is also a specialist halfday session for operators of school pools in use for longer than just the Summer Term.
KCC Education and Young Persons, April 2003
Section IIIManagement of Hygiene and Related Safety at Educational Establishment Swimming Pools
SECTION III -SWIMMING POOL WATER TREATMENT AND HYGIENE
A.GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
1.A properly controlled swimming pool is an asset to a school, giving benefit to all who use it: a pool which if not adequately controlled can present both a health risk and a physical danger. These notes are intended only as a guide on hygiene management at less heavily bathed school swimming pools. i.e., those used only for teaching the school’s own pupils to swim. They cannot cover every aspect of swimming pool management although further guidance is contained in the documents referred to in the introductory page. Advice can also be obtained in the first instance from the Client Services Manager (Resources Division) as well as numerous swimming pool contractors, suppliers of equipment and chemicals etc.
2.Water treatment procedures at County school pools vary in detail so far as equipment and types of chemicals used are concerned, but in all cases the system is designed to maintain the water in a hygienic condition by continuous circulation through a filter and by the maintenance in the water of an effective concentration of disinfectant. The disinfectant normally used is chlorine and its functions are to kill bacteria and other organisms, some of which may be harmful to bathers, and to oxidise organic matter. Enough chlorine has to be added to ensure an adequate ‘residual’ of free chlorine in the water during its passage through the pool so that bacteria contamination from bathers and other sources is dealt with as it occurs. While it is essential for the health and comfort of bathers that enough chlorine is added, it is also important that too much is not used; not only would this affect the chemical balance of the water so as to require further treatment which would otherwise be unnecessary, but it could also adversely affect bathers.
3.The pH (acidity/alkalinity) of the water is an important factor (see SectionIII, paragraph I, 1to7). Incorrect pH causes problems: it can reduce the efficiency of the chlorine, give rise to irritation of mucus membranes of bathers causing smarting of eyes and other discomfort, result in cloudiness of the water and also in scaling of surfaces and, indeed, in corrosion of metal fittings, pipelines and water treatment plant.
4.The pH of some mains water supplies may be outside the range recommended for swimming pools and where this is so, immediate treatment of pH correction will be necessary when the pool is refilled and may be necessary when it is topped up.
5.Cloudiness of pool water is an indication of some problem of water treatment and advice should be sought as necessary; excessive cloudiness presents a bathing hazard because of the increased risk of accidental drowning.
6.In consequence, NO POOL SHOULD BE USED FOR BATHING UNLESS:
(i)the free residual chlorine is within the recommended range (see paragraphsE, F and G);
(ii)the pH is within the recommended range (see paragraph I.1); and,
(iii)the water has no noticeable colour and is clear. (It should be clear enough for all parts of the bottom of the pool to be visible when viewed obliquely across the pool.)
Please note that these limited requirements apply only if no other chemicals besides chlorine and the appropriate chemical to correct pH have been added to the water, but see paragraphsF and G re the use of sodium dichloroisocyanurate and trichloroisocyanurate. To avoid possible health risk, and unnecessary expenditure, it is recommended that no chemical, other than those above and an approved algicide, should be added to the pool water to be used for swimming unless specialist advice has been taken..
7.It is important that a daily record is kept of all test results, pool refilling, chlorinator setting, chemical additions and other useful information relating to the condition of the pool water. Aspecimen log sheet is contained in the appendices to this booklet.
B.WATER CIRCULATION AND FILTRATION
1.Water circulation and filtration are most important in swimming pool water treatment and no pool should operate without them. If either circulation or filtration is inefficient, there is greater chance of the water becoming turbid and increased demand will be made on the chlorination process: in these circumstances bacteriologically unsafe conditions are more likely to occur. Modern design favours higher circulation rates than in the past, giving aturnover period of four hours or less depending upon the type of pool and bathing load. Filters should always operate at maximum efficiency to ensure results as satisfactory as possible and this is particularly important if the design turnover period is longer than stated above/
2.Details of the types of filter most widely used at school pools are given in paragraphC of Section II. A strainer usually precedes the pump in the water circulation system. Filtration efficiency will suffer if the cleaning of strainers and the backwashing, etc., of filters are not undertaken at sufficiently frequent intervals. These operations should be carried out as indicated by the pressure gauge readings or at least weekly, whichever is more frequent.
3.Too low a water circulation rate of inefficient design of water inlet(s) or outlet(s) at a pool can result in “dead” pockets of water in certain locations. Chlorine concentration may be less than the minimum requirement in these locations; poolside tests for chlorine may give some indication of this and algal growth. If it should occur, is likely to be apparent here before anywhere else. Advice should be sought in such circumstances.
4.Skimmer outlets are often installed to extract water from the pool surface into the circulation system. Suitably located in relation to water flow and direction of prevailing wind, they do much to rid the pool of surface contamination quickly, but the water level has to be kept within certain limits and the flow rate from each individual skimmer needs careful adjustment to avoid emptying the skimmer and drawing air into the system. The skimmers should be cleaned at least weekly.