safety in swimming pools a public safety issue colin mccready

Safety in Swimming Pools

A public safety issue

Colin McCready

Drowning Statistics RoSPA

Public Pools

2001 – 7

2002 – 8

2003 - 11

PAS 65 PAS 39

What is the industry doing

• HSG 179 – Management of health and safety in swimming pools

• BSI PAS 65 – General management, code of practice

• BSI PAS 39 – Water treatment plant and systems, code of practice

Measurement• Audit against the specification

• National Pool Safety Award from the ISRM to inspire public confidence.

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 5)

• Safety Documentation– Policy statements– Risk assessments– Records

• Safety Systems– PSOP (Pool safe operating procedures)– Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plans

• Monitoring Measurement and Review (HSG 65)– Performance evidence should be available

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 6)

• Lifeguarding– Supervision times and zones– Numbers required– Positions – Specialist sessions– Uniform arrangements– Communication arrangements

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 7)

• Physical Environment

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 8)

• Pool Supervision– When a pool requires continuous

lifeguarding– Difference between programmed and

unprogramed sessions

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 9)

• User groups (customers)– Child admission policy– Swim Teaching arrangements– Child protection arrangements– Special needs,

language, disability,

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 10)

• Activities Management– Swimming Lessons– Aqua Aerobics– Inflatables– Sub Aqua– Canoeing

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 11)

• Pool Features– Flumes– Waves– Diving boards– Spas– Rivers and Rapids– Water canons– Bubble jets

PAS 65 Key Criteria (section 12)

• Training– Minimum content of qualifications– Induction and ongoing training– Training records

PAS 39 Water Quality and Treatment

PAS 39 Key Criteria

• Biological Content and monitoring

• Chemical Content and Monitoring

• Filtration and Disinfection Arrangements

• Clarity• Temperature water & air

• Water balance• Dilution with fresh water• Closure Parameters• Outlets and grills (hair

entrapment test)

• Chemical storage handling and use

CATEGORY ONE (Certification)

MINOR AFI’s – Only

CATEGORY TWO (Pending)

Major AFI’s - Written action plan required

CATEGORY THREE (No Certification)

Major AFI’s - Reassessment required

Audit Findings

MINOR - Lack of ongoing training records, e.g. Fire drills

MAJOR - NOP lacks significant detail against MHSSP

MAJOR - Significant absence of risk assessment

SAFETY DOCUMENTATION and SYSTEMS

MINOR - Balance tank access cover proud and rusting

MAJOR - Pool outlet velocity too high

MAJOR - Unsecured access to pool

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AFIs

MINOR - No policy regarding affects of other employment on lifeguard tiredness

MAJOR - Mystery visit identified lack of vigilance I.e. lifeguard talking for 20 minutes

MAJOR - Mystery visit identified lifeguards standing together for extended period

LIFEGUARDING AFIs

MINOR - lack of procedure for localised overcrowding (small pool)

MINOR - Inflatable ‘dry’ storage policy inappropriate

MAJOR - Under 8’s ratio of 5 to 1 for 5-7 year olds exceeds PAS 65 Guidance

ACTIVITIES & USER GROUPS AFIs