Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Safety Manual

OSHA and Aquatic Facility Safety

Federal OSHA does not maintain a single comprehensive occupational safety standard specifically for swimming-pool or hot-tub operations.

Instead, OSHA requirements apply according to the work performed and hazards present.

Depending on operations, applicable requirements may address:

• Hazard Communication.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Respiratory Protection.
• Walking-Working Surfaces.
• Electrical safety.
• Lockout/Tagout.
• Machine Guarding.
• Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Emergency Action Plans.
• First Aid.
• Hand and power tools.
• Confined spaces.
• Chemical exposure.
• Occupational noise.

State and local health departments also regulate many aspects of public swimming-pool and spa operation.

Facility management should determine which occupational safety, public-health, building, fire, electrical, and aquatic-facility requirements apply to the particular operation.

Model Aquatic Health Code

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) to provide science-based guidance for public aquatic venues.

The MAHC addresses swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, splash pads, and other treated aquatic facilities.

Its subjects include:

• Facility operation.
• Maintenance.
• Chemical safety.
• Employee safety.
• Water quality.
• Lifeguarding.
• Emergency procedures.
• Injury prevention.
• Disease prevention.

The MAHC is guidance rather than a federal OSHA regulation. State or local jurisdictions may adopt or modify portions of it.

Aquatic facilities should follow applicable state and local requirements while using appropriate industry guidance to strengthen their safety programs.

What Should a Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Safety Manual Include?

Depending on operations, the manual may address:

• Aquatic facility safety responsibilities.
• Hazard assessments.
• Job Safety Analysis.
• Pool-deck safety.
• Slips, trips and falls.
• Pool chemical safety.
• Chemical storage.
• Chlorine products.
• Acids and pH-adjustment chemicals.
• Chemical-feed systems.
• Pump rooms.
• Equipment rooms.
• Ventilation.
• Indoor pool air quality.
• Chloramines.
• Hazard Communication.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Respiratory Protection.
• Electrical safety.
• Lockout/Tagout.
• Pumps and mechanical equipment.
• Hot tubs and spas.
• Water testing.
• Biological contamination.
• Drowning hazards.
• Water rescue.
• First Aid.
• Emergency procedures.

Programs should be included according to the facility’s actual equipment, chemicals, services, and employee duties.

Aquatic Facility Safety Program

An effective Aquatic Facility Safety Program establishes responsibilities and procedures for maintaining a safe environment for employees while supporting safe operation of pools, spas, and related equipment.

Management should provide:

• Safe equipment.
• Appropriate employee training.
• Written operating procedures.
• Required PPE.
• Chemical safety controls.
• Emergency resources.
• Appropriate supervision.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Hazard-correction procedures.

Managers and supervisors should:

• Identify workplace hazards.
• Maintain applicable safety programs.
• Establish chemical-handling procedures.
• Maintain equipment.
• Provide employee training.
• Inspect work areas.
• Correct unsafe conditions.
• Investigate incidents.
• Coordinate emergency procedures.

Employees should follow established procedures, use required PPE, report unsafe conditions, and perform only tasks for which they have been trained and authorized.

Aquatic Facility Hazard Assessments

Hazard assessments should consider:

• Pool decks.
• Hot tubs and spas.
• Chemical-storage areas.
• Pump rooms.
• Mechanical rooms.
• Water-treatment systems.
• Electrical equipment.
• Maintenance areas.
• Storage rooms.
• Locker rooms.
• Public areas.

Potential hazards may include:

• Slippery surfaces.
• Chemical exposure.
• Incompatible chemicals.
• Electrical hazards.
• Moving equipment.
• Heat.
• Noise.
• Drowning.
• Biological contamination.
• Manual handling.

Hazard assessments should be reviewed when equipment, chemicals, operations, or facility conditions change.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA)

A JSA/JHA may be used for higher-risk aquatic-facility tasks.

Potential JSAs/JHAs may address:

• Pool chemical handling.
• Chemical delivery.
• Chemical-feed-system maintenance.
• Pump maintenance.
• Filter maintenance.
• Pool cleaning.
• Hot-tub maintenance.
• Electrical maintenance.
• Confined-space work.
• Pool draining and cleaning.

The analysis should identify job steps, hazards, controls, PPE, and employee responsibilities.

Pool Deck Safety

Wet pool decks are one of the most persistent hazards at aquatic facilities.

Employees should maintain walking surfaces to reduce:

• Slips.
• Trips.
• Falls.
• Standing water.
• Obstructions.

Deck surfaces should be maintained in good condition.

Wet Walking Surfaces

Employees should anticipate wet surfaces around:

• Pool edges.
• Showers.
• Locker rooms.
• Hot tubs.
• Splash areas.
• Equipment rooms.

Appropriate drainage and housekeeping should be maintained.

Employees should wear footwear appropriate to the work environment.

Standing Water

Standing water should be corrected where practical.

Potential causes may include:

• Inadequate drainage.
• Plumbing leaks.
• Splash-out.
• Cleaning activities.
• Equipment leaks.

Persistent water accumulation should be investigated rather than treated solely as a housekeeping issue.

Slip-Resistant Surfaces

Walking surfaces should provide appropriate traction for the environment.

Damaged or excessively smooth surfaces should be evaluated and corrected.

Temporary mats should not create additional trip hazards.

Trip Hazards

Potential trip hazards include:

• Hoses.
• Electrical cords.
• Cleaning equipment.
• Pool equipment.
• Uneven surfaces.
• Damaged drains.
• Deck furniture.

Walkways should remain clear.

Pool Deck Housekeeping

Pool decks should be routinely inspected.

Employees should promptly address:

• Spills.
• Broken equipment.
• Debris.
• Damaged surfaces.
• Trip hazards.
• Chemical residue.

Public Access During Maintenance

Maintenance activities may require temporary restriction of public access.

Barriers, signs, cones, or other controls should be used where necessary to prevent patrons from entering hazardous work areas.

Pool Chemical Safety

Pool chemicals can cause serious injury when improperly stored, mixed, handled, or added to treatment systems.

Potential hazards include:

• Chemical burns.
• Eye injury.
• Respiratory irritation.
• Toxic-gas release.
• Fire.
• Reactive chemical incidents.

Only appropriately trained employees should handle pool-treatment chemicals.

Pool Chemical Training

Employees who handle pool chemicals should receive training appropriate to their duties.

Training may address:

• Chemical hazards.
• Product labels.
• Safety Data Sheets.
• Required PPE.
• Chemical storage.
• Chemical incompatibility.
• Chemical-feed equipment.
• Spill procedures.
• Emergency response.

Employees should understand the specific chemicals used at their facility.

Hazard Communication

Aquatic facilities using hazardous chemicals should maintain an appropriate Hazard Communication Program.

The program should address:

• Chemical inventory.
• Labels.
• Safety Data Sheets.
• Employee information and training.
• Workplace containers.
• Non-routine tasks.

Employees should have access to SDSs during their work shifts.

Chemical Labels

Chemical containers should remain properly labeled.

Employees should not transfer pool chemicals into:

• Beverage containers.
• Food containers.
• Unmarked containers.
• Incompatible containers.

Labels should remain legible.

Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets should be available for pool and maintenance chemicals.

Employees should understand how to locate information concerning:

• Hazards.
• PPE.
• First aid.
• Storage.
• Spill response.
• Incompatibilities.

Chemical Storage

Pool chemicals should be stored in areas designed and maintained for their hazards.

Storage areas should be:

• Secure.
• Dry.
• Appropriately ventilated.
• Protected from unauthorized access.
• Properly identified.
• Maintained in good condition.

Chemicals should not be stored where leaking containers can cause incompatible products to mix.

Chemical Incompatibility

Pool chemicals can react violently when incompatible materials are mixed.

Particular care should be taken to prevent unintended contact between:

• Chlorine products and acids.
• Different chlorine products.
• Oxidizers and incompatible organic materials.
• Pool chemicals and fuels.
• Pool chemicals and cleaning products.

Employees should follow manufacturer instructions and SDS information.

Never Mix Pool Chemicals

Employees should never intentionally mix different pool chemicals unless the process and equipment are specifically designed for that purpose and the procedure is authorized.

Employees should not combine:

• Remaining chemical from one container with another product.
• Unknown chemical residues.
• Different disinfectant products.

Even chemicals used for the same general purpose may be incompatible.

Chemical Storage Segregation

Incompatible chemicals should be separated.

Storage arrangements should consider:

• Chemical type.
• Container condition.
• Secondary containment.
• Potential leaks.
• Water exposure.
• Ignition sources.

Chemical containers should be kept closed when not in use.

Secondary Containment

Secondary containment may be appropriate to prevent leaking chemicals from spreading or mixing with incompatible materials.

Containment materials should be compatible with the chemical stored.

Keep Pool Chemicals Dry

Many pool chemicals can react when exposed to water or moisture.

Chemical-storage areas should protect products from:

• Rain.
• Splash.
• Leaking pipes.
• Wet floors.
• Roof leaks.

Wet chemical packaging should be treated as a potential hazard.

Chemical Storage Housekeeping

Chemical-storage areas should remain clean and orderly.

Employees should not store:

• Food.
• Beverages.
• Personal items.
• Unrelated combustible materials.

Spilled chemical residue should be addressed using procedures appropriate to the product.

Chemical Storage Security

Pool chemicals should be protected from unauthorized access.

Access should generally be limited to trained and authorized personnel.

Chemical-storage rooms should not be used as general storage areas.

Chemical Delivery

Chemical deliveries should be planned so products are:

• Correctly identified.
• Delivered to the proper storage area.
• Protected from damage.
• Kept separate from incompatible materials.

Damaged or leaking containers should be handled according to established procedures.

Moving Chemical Containers

Employees should use appropriate material-handling methods when moving heavy chemical containers.

Controls may include:

• Carts.
• Dollies.
• Mechanical assistance.
• Team lifting.

Containers should be protected from dropping or puncture.

Chlorine Products

Swimming pools and spas may use different chlorine-containing disinfectants.

Potential products include:

• Sodium hypochlorite.
• Calcium hypochlorite.
• Stabilized chlorine products.
• Other approved disinfectants.

Employees should be trained on the actual product used.

Different chlorine products should not be assumed to have identical hazards.

Sodium Hypochlorite

Liquid sodium hypochlorite can cause:

• Skin irritation or burns.
• Eye injury.
• Respiratory irritation.
• Dangerous reactions with incompatible chemicals.

Employees should use appropriate PPE and handling procedures.

Calcium Hypochlorite

Calcium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizer.

Contamination with incompatible substances can contribute to:

• Fire.
• Heat generation.
• Toxic gases.
• Violent reaction.

The material should be stored and handled according to manufacturer instructions.

Chlorine Gas Systems — When Applicable

Some facilities may use chlorine gas systems.

Chlorine gas presents severe inhalation hazards and requires specialized controls.

Where chlorine gas is used, the safety program should address applicable:

• Storage.
• Leak detection.
• Ventilation.
• Emergency procedures.
• Respiratory protection.
• Employee training.
• Equipment maintenance.

Chlorine-gas procedures should not automatically be assigned to facilities using only liquid or solid chlorinating products.

Acids and pH-Control Chemicals

Aquatic facilities may use acids or other chemicals to control water pH.

These products can cause:

• Severe eye injury.
• Skin burns.
• Respiratory exposure.
• Dangerous reactions.

Employees should follow chemical-specific handling procedures.

Acid and Chlorine Separation

Acids should be kept separate from chlorine products.

Accidental mixing can generate toxic chlorine gas.

Storage and chemical-feed systems should be designed and operated to minimize this possibility.

Chemical Feed Systems

Automated chemical-feed systems can reduce manual chemical handling but introduce equipment and process hazards.

Employees should understand:

• Feed-system operation.
• Chemical connections.
• Alarms.
• Shutoff procedures.
• Maintenance requirements.

Only trained personnel should adjust or service chemical-feed equipment.

Preventing In-Line Chemical Mixing

Chemical-feed systems should be configured and maintained to prevent incompatible chemicals from mixing under abnormal flow conditions.

Chemical feeders should not continue feeding into systems when loss of circulation creates the potential for dangerous chemical reactions.

Required interlocks and safety devices should be maintained.

Recirculation Pump Interlocks

Where chemical-feed safety depends on water circulation, interlocks or other appropriate controls should prevent continued chemical feed when circulation is lost.

Safety devices should not be bypassed.

Chemical Feed Lines

Chemical-feed lines should be:

• Properly identified.
• Compatible with the chemical.
• Protected from damage.
• Routinely inspected.

Leaks should be addressed promptly.

Chemical Feed Equipment Maintenance

Before servicing chemical-feed equipment:

• Stop chemical feed.
• Isolate applicable energy.
• Relieve pressure.
• Control chemical exposure.
• Use required PPE.

Employees should follow manufacturer procedures.

Pump Rooms and Equipment Rooms

Pump rooms can contain:

• Pumps.
• Motors.
• Filters.
• Chemical-feed systems.
• Electrical equipment.
• Piping.
• Heaters.

Access should be limited as appropriate.

Rooms should remain adequately illuminated, ventilated, and orderly.

Pump Room Housekeeping

Pump-room floors and access routes should remain clear.

Employees should control:

• Leaks.
• Chemical containers.
• Tools.
• Hoses.
• Stored materials.

Electrical equipment should not be obstructed.

Pump Safety

Pool pumps can expose employees to:

• Electrical energy.
• Pressure.
• Moving parts.
• Unexpected startup.

Employees should not service pumps until applicable hazardous-energy controls have been implemented.

Filters

Pool filtration systems may contain stored pressure.

Before opening or servicing a filter:

• Shut down equipment.
• Isolate energy.
• Relieve pressure.
• Verify safe conditions.

Employees should not loosen filter components while equipment remains pressurized.

Pressurized Systems

Pool systems may contain pressurized:

• Water.
• Air.
• Chemical lines.
• Filters.
• Piping.

Stored pressure should be released before equipment is opened.

Lockout/Tagout

Pool-maintenance employees may perform servicing on:

• Pumps.
• Motors.
• Filters.
• Chemical feeders.
• Heaters.
• Mechanical equipment.

Where unexpected startup or hazardous-energy release could injure employees, applicable Lockout/Tagout procedures should be followed.

Hazardous Energy

Energy sources may include:

• Electrical.
• Mechanical.
• Hydraulic.
• Pneumatic.
• Pressure.
• Thermal.
• Chemical.

Employees should identify all applicable energy sources before servicing begins.

Machine Guarding

Pumps, motors, belts, couplings, and other equipment should have required guards.

Employees should not operate equipment with required guards removed.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance should address:

• Pumps.
• Filters.
• Feed systems.
• Heaters.
• Ventilation.
• Drains.
• Electrical equipment.
• Safety devices.

Defects affecting safe operation should be corrected promptly.

Indoor Pool Air Quality

Indoor swimming pools require appropriate ventilation to control humidity and airborne contaminants.

Air quality concerns may include:

• Chloramines.
• Chemical vapors.
• Humidity.
• Mold.
• Poor air circulation.

Employees should report persistent eye, nose, throat, or respiratory irritation.

Chloramines

Chloramines can form when chlorine reacts with substances introduced into pool water by swimmers.

Chloramines can move from the water into the air.

At indoor facilities, inadequate ventilation can allow airborne chloramines to accumulate near the water surface and in occupied areas.

Potential symptoms may include:

• Eye irritation.
• Nose irritation.
• Throat irritation.
• Coughing.
• Respiratory discomfort.

Indoor Pool Ventilation

Indoor aquatic-facility ventilation should be maintained to:

• Bring in appropriate outdoor air.
• Move fresh air across occupied areas.
• Remove contaminated air.
• Control humidity.
• Reduce chloramine accumulation.

Ventilation problems should be investigated when employees or patrons repeatedly report irritation.

Chemical Room Ventilation

Chemical-storage and pump-room ventilation should reflect the chemicals and equipment present.

Air from chemical-storage areas should not be intentionally distributed into occupied facility areas.

Ventilation systems should be inspected and maintained.

Respiratory Protection

Respirators should not be treated as a substitute for proper chemical storage, ventilation, or process controls.

Where respirator use is required, an appropriate Respiratory Protection Program should address:

• Medical evaluation.
• Respirator selection.
• Fit testing.
• Training.
• Inspection.
• Maintenance.
• Program evaluation.

Employees should not enter dangerous chemical atmospheres with ordinary dust masks or inappropriate respirators.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected through an appropriate hazard assessment.

Potential PPE for aquatic-facility employees may include:

• Chemical goggles.
• Safety glasses.
• Face shields.
• Chemical-resistant gloves.
• Protective clothing.
• Chemical-resistant footwear.
• Hearing protection.
• Respiratory protection.

The required PPE depends on the chemical and task.

Eye and Face Protection

Chemical handling may require splash goggles and additional face protection.

A face shield should not automatically be considered a substitute for required primary eye protection.

Chemical-Resistant Gloves

Gloves should be selected for the specific chemical.

Employees should inspect gloves and replace damaged or contaminated gloves as appropriate.

Chemical Protective Clothing

Aprons or other protective clothing may be necessary when employees handle corrosive or oxidizing pool chemicals.

Contaminated clothing should be removed and handled appropriately.

Emergency Eyewash and Shower

Where employees may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body should be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use as required.

Emergency equipment should be:

• Accessible.
• Unobstructed.
• Maintained.
• Appropriate to the chemical hazard.

Employees should know its location.

Pool Chemical Spills

Chemical-spill procedures should be based on the specific material involved.

Employees should:

• Keep unauthorized persons away.
• Identify the chemical.
• Review applicable emergency information.
• Use appropriate PPE.
• Avoid mixing spilled chemicals.
• Follow established cleanup procedures.

Employees should not attempt cleanup beyond their training and equipment.

Pool Chemical Emergencies

A chemical incident may require emergency response when it involves:

• Toxic gas.
• Fire.
• Significant chemical release.
• Unknown chemicals.
• Uncontrolled reaction.
• Conditions beyond employee capabilities.

Employees should understand when to evacuate and summon emergency assistance.

Chlorine Gas Release

Accidental mixing of chlorine products and acid can produce toxic chlorine gas.

If a suspected chlorine-gas release occurs:

• Keep people away.
• Evacuate affected areas as appropriate.
• Avoid entering the contaminated area without appropriate training and protection.
• Contact emergency responders.

Employees should not attempt an uncontrolled rescue or cleanup.

Emergency Action Plan

The facility’s Emergency Action Plan should address foreseeable aquatic-facility emergencies.

Potential emergencies include:

• Drowning.
• Serious injury.
• Chemical release.
• Fire.
• Electrical incident.
• Severe weather.
• Equipment failure.

Employees should understand alarm, communication, evacuation, and emergency-reporting procedures.

Drowning Hazards

Employees who work around pools, spas, tanks, or other water features may be exposed to drowning hazards.

Facility procedures should address:

• Water access.
• Rescue equipment.
• Emergency communication.
• Employee responsibilities.

Employees should not enter the water to perform a rescue unless they are trained and capable of doing so safely.

Water Rescue Equipment

Where appropriate, rescue equipment may include:

• Rescue tubes.
• Reaching poles.
• Throwing devices.
• Backboards.
• Other facility-specific equipment.

Equipment should be readily accessible and maintained.

Lifeguards — When Provided or Required

Where lifeguards are provided or required, they should:

• Hold required qualifications.
• Maintain required certifications.
• Understand facility procedures.
• Have appropriate rescue equipment.
• Participate in emergency drills as appropriate.

Lifeguard requirements may be established by state or local aquatic-facility regulations.

Non-Lifeguarded Facilities

Hotels, apartment complexes, fitness facilities, and other operations may operate pools without lifeguards where permitted.

The absence of a lifeguard does not eliminate the need for:

• Required signage.
• Barriers.
• Emergency equipment.
• Emergency communication.
• Employee procedures.

Applicable state and local requirements should be followed.

First Aid

First-aid resources should reflect facility hazards and emergency-response availability.

Potential emergencies may involve:

• Drowning.
• Slips and falls.
• Chemical exposure.
• Burns.
• Cuts.
• Heat illness.
• Electrical injury.

Employees should know how to obtain emergency medical assistance.

CPR and AED

Where employees are assigned aquatic-rescue responsibilities, appropriate CPR and rescue training should be maintained.

Automated External Defibrillators should be maintained and used according to applicable requirements and facility procedures where provided.

Biological Contamination

Aquatic facilities may experience contamination involving:

• Feces.
• Vomit.
• Blood.
• Other body fluids.

Employees should follow established contamination-response procedures.

Fecal Contamination

Procedures for fecal incidents should reflect applicable public-health requirements.

Employees responsible for response should be trained in:

• Closing affected areas.
• Disinfection procedures.
• Required contact times or treatment procedures.
• Documentation.
• Reopening requirements.

Facility procedures should distinguish between formed stool and diarrheal incidents where required.

Vomit Contamination

Vomiting incidents may require both:

• Water-treatment response.
• Surface cleanup.

Employees should use appropriate PPE and follow established disinfection procedures.

Blood Contamination

Blood on surfaces should be handled using appropriate exposure-control procedures.

Employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials should be covered by applicable Bloodborne Pathogens requirements.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Where employee duties create reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, an Exposure Control Plan may be required.

Potentially affected employees may include personnel assigned to:

• First aid.
• Rescue.
• Cleanup of blood.
• Certain emergency-response activities.

Applicability should be based on employee duties rather than assumed for every aquatic-facility employee.

Water Testing

Employees may perform routine testing for:

• Disinfectant.
• pH.
• Other water-quality parameters.

Employees should be trained in:

• Testing procedures.
• Test chemicals.
• Required PPE.
• Documentation.
• Corrective actions.

Water-quality limits and testing frequencies should follow applicable state or local requirements.

Water Quality Records

Facilities should maintain required records for:

• Water testing.
• Chemical adjustments.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Facility inspections.
• Contamination events.
• Corrective actions.

Records should meet applicable jurisdictional requirements.

Hot Tub and Spa Safety

Hot tubs and spas present many of the same hazards as swimming pools but may require additional attention because of:

• Elevated water temperature.
• Smaller water volume.
• Higher bather load relative to water volume.
• Chemical demand.
• Suction systems.
• Slippery entry and exit areas.

Hot-tub procedures should reflect applicable state and local requirements.

Hot Water Exposure

Employees servicing spas should be aware of elevated water and equipment temperatures.

Maintenance should be performed only after equipment and water conditions are safe for the task.

Spa Deck Safety

Water accumulation around hot tubs can create significant slip hazards.

Employees should maintain:

• Drainage.
• Walking surfaces.
• Handrails.
• Steps.
• Lighting.

Pool and Spa Drains

Drain covers and suction-system components should be inspected and maintained according to applicable requirements.

Damaged, loose, or missing drain covers should be treated as serious hazards.

Aquatic venues should not operate with required drain protection missing or defective.

Pool Cleaning

Employees may use:

• Brushes.
• Vacuums.
• Automatic cleaners.
• Pressure equipment.
• Chemicals.

Cleaning procedures should consider:

• Wet surfaces.
• Electrical equipment.
• Chemical exposure.
• Manual handling.
• Public access.

Drained Pool Work

Empty pools can create additional hazards involving:

• Falls.
• Confined access.
• Chemicals.
• Cleaning equipment.
• Slippery surfaces.

Employees entering drained pools should use safe access and appropriate fall controls where necessary.

Pool Covers

Employees installing or removing pool covers may be exposed to:

• Slips.
• Falls into water.
• Manual handling.
• Pinch points.

Mechanical systems should be maintained and operated according to manufacturer instructions.

Electrical Safety Around Water

Water substantially increases electrical hazards.

Aquatic-facility electrical equipment should be installed, maintained, and repaired according to applicable electrical requirements.

Employees should report:

• Damaged cords.
• Broken receptacles.
• Exposed wiring.
• Damaged fixtures.
• Electrical equipment exposed to water.

Ground-Fault Protection

Ground-fault protection should be provided where required.

Protective devices should not be bypassed.

Electrical problems should be evaluated by qualified personnel.

Portable Electrical Equipment

Portable electrical equipment should be suitable for its location and use.

Employees should avoid using damaged electrical equipment in wet areas.

Extension cords should not be used as substitutes for permanent wiring.

Underwater Lighting

Underwater lighting and associated electrical systems should be serviced only by appropriately qualified personnel.

Pools should be taken out of service where an electrical defect could expose patrons or employees to shock.

Electrical Maintenance

Employees should not perform electrical work unless they are qualified and authorized for the task.

Applicable electrical energy should be controlled before maintenance.

Ladders and Steps

Pool ladders, handrails, steps, and access equipment should be:

• Secure.
• Maintained.
• Free of sharp edges.
• Appropriate for intended use.

Damaged equipment should be repaired or the area restricted.

Diving Boards and Platforms — When Applicable

Diving equipment should be inspected and maintained.

Employees should report:

• Loose hardware.
• Damaged surfaces.
• Structural defects.
• Slippery access.

Public-use requirements should follow applicable aquatic-facility regulations.

Splash Pads — When Applicable

Splash pads may involve:

• Wet walking surfaces.
• Water-treatment systems.
• Pumps.
• Chemical systems.
• Biological contamination.

Employees should follow facility-specific operating and maintenance procedures.

Water Features — When Applicable

Aquatic facilities may contain:

• Fountains.
• Slides.
• Lazy rivers.
• Interactive features.
• Spray equipment.

Maintenance should address equipment-specific hazards and public access.

Water Slides — When Applicable

Water-slide maintenance may expose employees to:

• Heights.
• Slippery surfaces.
• Confined access.
• Pumps.
• Mechanical equipment.

Applicable fall protection and hazardous-energy controls should be used.

Confined Spaces — When Applicable

Certain aquatic facilities may contain spaces that meet the definition of confined spaces.

Potential examples may include:

• Tanks.
• Pits.
• Certain surge tanks.
• Underground equipment spaces.

Spaces should be evaluated individually rather than automatically classified as permit-required confined spaces.

Permit-Required Confined Spaces

Where a space meets applicable permit-required criteria, procedures should address:

• Hazard evaluation.
• Entry permits.
• Atmospheric testing.
• Isolation.
• Ventilation.
• Attendants.
• Rescue.

Employees should not enter permit spaces without required controls.

Manual Material Handling

Aquatic-facility employees may handle:

• Chemical containers.
• Furniture.
• Pool covers.
• Cleaning equipment.
• Pumps.
• Filters.
• Supplies.

Mechanical assistance or team lifting should be used where appropriate.

Chemical Container Handling

Large chemical containers can create both chemical and ergonomic hazards.

Employees should avoid lifting loads beyond safe capability.

Carts or other handling devices should be used where practical.

Heat Stress

Outdoor aquatic-facility employees may work in hot environments despite being near water.

Heat exposure can be increased by:

• Direct sunlight.
• Humidity.
• Physical work.
• PPE.
• Hot mechanical rooms.

Heat-illness prevention should address hydration, acclimatization, rest, shade or cooling, and employee monitoring.

Sun Exposure

Outdoor employees may experience prolonged ultraviolet exposure.

Protective measures may include:

• Shade.
• Protective clothing.
• Hats.
• Sunscreen where appropriate.
• Work scheduling.

Cold Stress

Year-round outdoor pool maintenance may expose employees to cold, wind, or wet conditions.

Appropriate clothing and work practices should be used.

Severe Weather

Outdoor aquatic facilities should maintain procedures for severe weather.

Potential conditions include:

• Lightning.
• High winds.
• Heavy rain.
• Flooding.
• Extreme heat.

Employees and patrons should be moved to appropriate locations when conditions require closure.

Lightning

Employees should follow facility procedures when lightning threatens.

Outdoor pools should be cleared as required by applicable facility procedures or local requirements.

Employees should not remain exposed simply to continue routine maintenance.

Maintenance Shops

Aquatic facilities may have maintenance areas containing:

• Hand tools.
• Power tools.
• Chemicals.
• Electrical equipment.
• Parts.
• Fuel.

Shop areas should be maintained in a safe and orderly condition.

Hand & Power Tools

Tools should be:

• Appropriate for the task.
• Inspected.
• Maintained.
• Used according to safe procedures.

Damaged tools should be removed from service.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is particularly important at aquatic facilities.

Employees should control:

• Water.
• Chemicals.
• Hoses.
• Cords.
• Equipment.
• Debris.
• Cleaning supplies.

Emergency exits and equipment should remain accessible.

Working Around the Public

Maintenance work may occur while swimmers, hotel guests, residents, students, or other patrons are present.

Employees should establish controlled work areas where activities could expose the public to:

• Chemicals.
• Tools.
• Electrical hazards.
• Open equipment.
• Slippery surfaces.
• Maintenance operations.

Barriers and Signage

Signs, cones, barriers, or other controls may be necessary for:

• Wet floors.
• Closed pools.
• Chemical work.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Electrical work.
• Damaged surfaces.

Controls should remain in place until the hazard has been corrected.

Pool Closure

A pool, hot tub, or other aquatic feature should be closed when conditions present an unacceptable health or safety hazard.

Examples may include:

• Chemical emergencies.
• Unsafe water conditions.
• Electrical hazards.
• Missing required drain protection.
• Major equipment failure.
• Biological contamination.
• Severe weather.

Reopening should follow applicable regulatory and facility requirements.

Contractor Safety

Aquatic facilities may use contractors for:

• Electrical work.
• HVAC.
• Pool equipment.
• Chemical systems.
• Plumbing.
• Major maintenance.

Facility and contractor responsibilities should be coordinated.

Contractors should be informed of relevant hazards.

Chemical-Service Contractors

Where outside contractors provide chemical service, the facility should coordinate:

• Chemical delivery.
• Storage.
• Equipment isolation.
• Access.
• Emergency procedures.
• Hazard communication.

The presence of a service contractor does not eliminate the need for facility employees to understand relevant emergency hazards.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Injuries.
• Chemical exposures.
• Chemical mixing incidents.
• Near misses.
• Electrical incidents.
• Drowning or rescue incidents.
• Equipment failures.
• Unsafe conditions.

Prompt reporting can prevent recurrence.

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents should be investigated to identify:

• Immediate causes.
• Contributing factors.
• Root causes.
• Corrective actions.

Investigations may consider:

• Chemical storage.
• Employee training.
• Equipment.
• Ventilation.
• Maintenance.
• Procedures.
• Public access.
• Supervision.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis may identify underlying issues involving:

• Procedures.
• Training.
• Equipment design.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Chemical storage.
• Ventilation.
• Staffing.
• Supervision.
• Corrective-action systems.

Corrective actions should address identified causes rather than simply assigning blame.

Aquatic Facility Safety Inspections

Periodic safety inspections should evaluate applicable:

• Pool decks.
• Hot tubs.
• Chemical-storage areas.
• Pump rooms.
• Mechanical equipment.
• Electrical systems.
• Ventilation.
• Rescue equipment.
• PPE.
• Emergency equipment.
• Barriers.
• Walking surfaces.

Deficiencies should be corrected according to risk and applicable requirements.

Daily Opening Inspections

Facilities should conduct appropriate inspections before opening to patrons.

Potential inspection items include:

• Water condition.
• Required water-quality parameters.
• Pool decks.
• Barriers.
• Drain covers.
• Rescue equipment.
• Electrical hazards.
• Equipment condition.
• Emergency access.

Inspection requirements should reflect applicable state and local codes.

Pool Chemical Safety Inspections

Chemical areas should be periodically evaluated for:

• Leaking containers.
• Proper labels.
• Chemical segregation.
• Water intrusion.
• Ventilation.
• PPE.
• Emergency equipment.
• Unauthorized materials.

Unsafe conditions should be corrected promptly.

Aquatic Facility Safety Training

Employee training should reflect assigned duties.

Depending on responsibilities, training may address:

• Pool chemical safety.
• Hazard Communication.
• Chemical storage.
• Chemical-feed equipment.
• PPE.
• Lockout/Tagout.
• Electrical safety.
• Biological contamination.
• Emergency response.
• First Aid.
• Water rescue.

Employees should not independently perform specialized work until appropriately trained.

New Employee Orientation

New aquatic-facility employees should receive appropriate safety orientation before independently performing assigned work.

Orientation may address:

• Facility hazards.
• Pool chemicals.
• Wet surfaces.
• Emergency procedures.
• PPE.
• Hazard reporting.
• Restricted areas.

Pool Operator Training

Employees responsible for pool or spa operation should receive training appropriate to applicable state or local requirements and assigned duties.

Training may address:

• Water treatment.
• Chemical handling.
• Equipment.
• Testing.
• Recordkeeping.
• Emergency procedures.

Chemical Handler Training

Employees handling pool chemicals should receive task-specific training before beginning the work.

Training should address the actual chemicals used at the facility.

Refresher Training

Additional training may be appropriate following:

• Chemical incidents.
• Equipment changes.
• Procedure changes.
• Unsafe practices.
• Near misses.
• Changes in employee duties.

Applicable regulatory requirements should determine mandatory refresher frequencies where established.

Safety Meetings

Periodic safety meetings may reinforce topics such as:

• Pool chemical incompatibility.
• Slips and falls.
• Chloramine concerns.
• Pump-room safety.
• Lockout/Tagout.
• Emergency response.
• Recent incidents.

Recordkeeping

Aquatic facilities should maintain safety and operational records required for their activities.

Records may include:

• Employee training.
• Chemical inventories.
• Safety Data Sheets.
• Water testing.
• Equipment inspections.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Incident reports.
• Corrective actions.
• Required pool-operation records.

Records should be retained according to applicable requirements.

Additional Safety Programs

Depending on facility operations and employee exposures, additional programs may be necessary for:

• Swimming Pool Safety.
• Hot Tub & Spa Safety.
• Aquatic Facility Safety.
• Pool Maintenance Safety.
• Pool Chemical Safety.
• Chemical Storage & Compatibility.
• Chlorine Safety.
• Acid Safety.
• Chemical Feed Systems.
• Pump Room Safety.
• Indoor Pool Air Quality.
• Chloramine Control.
• Hazard Communication.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Respiratory Protection.
• Emergency Eyewash & Shower.
• Chemical Spill Response.
• Emergency Chemical Response.
• Lockout/Tagout.
• Electrical Safety.
• Machine Guarding.
• Walking-Working Surfaces.
• Slips, Trips & Falls.
• Bloodborne Pathogens.
• First Aid.
• Water Rescue.
• Emergency Action Plan.
• Confined Space.
• Heat Stress Prevention.
• Cold Stress.
• Severe Weather.
• Manual Material Handling.
• Hand & Power Tools.
• Working Around the Public.
• Barriers & Signage.
• Contractor Safety.
• Incident Reporting & Investigation.
• Root Cause Analysis.

Programs should be included when the facility’s operations and employee exposures make them applicable.

Building a Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Safety Manual

A useful Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Safety Manual should reflect the aquatic facility’s actual equipment, chemicals, staffing, and operations.

A municipal aquatic center may require extensive procedures for pool chemicals, chemical-feed systems, lifeguards, water rescue, indoor-air quality, public access, maintenance, emergency response, water testing, and biological contamination.

A hotel or resort may operate pools and hot tubs without a dedicated aquatic-maintenance department. Its manual may place greater emphasis on maintenance employees, chemical-service contractors, wet walking surfaces, guest safety, emergency equipment, chemical storage, and coordination between engineering and housekeeping personnel.

An apartment community or homeowners’ association may use outside pool-service contractors while its own employees remain responsible for facility inspections, public access, barriers, wet surfaces, emergency procedures, and contractor coordination.

A fitness club or school may operate an indoor pool requiring additional attention to chloramines, ventilation, chemical handling, locker rooms, lifeguarding, water rescue, and employee exposure.

A waterpark or large aquatic facility may require more extensive programs for slides, splash pads, water features, pumps, chemical systems, elevated maintenance, crowd management, lifeguarding, and emergency response.

A facility using chlorine gas may require specialized chemical-release and respiratory-protection procedures that would be unnecessary at a facility using only liquid or solid disinfectants.

The safety manual should therefore be based on actual aquatic operations rather than automatically assigning every possible pool-related program to every facility.

Customized Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Safety Manuals

A Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Safety Manual can be developed around the facility’s pools, hot tubs, spas, splash pads, chemicals, pump rooms, treatment systems, electrical equipment, maintenance activities, employees, contractors, and public operations.

The finished manual may incorporate applicable programs for Pool Chemical Safety, Chemical Storage and Compatibility, Chlorine Safety, Hazard Communication, PPE, Pump Room Safety, Lockout/Tagout, Electrical Safety, Indoor Pool Air Quality, Chloramine Control, Slips and Falls, Water Rescue, Bloodborne Pathogens, Emergency Planning, Contractor Safety, Incident Investigation, and other hazards associated with aquatic-facility operations.

This provides public pools, hotels, resorts, apartment communities, homeowners’ associations, fitness clubs, schools, recreation centers, waterparks, and other aquatic facilities with a practical occupational safety manual organized around the work their employees actually perform.