Swimming Pool Safety : Safety Advice
For the Operator
It is the duty of pool operators to ensure risks are adequately identified, assessed and controlled to prevent harm to employees or those affected by work activity ie. pool users. Central to this is the use of risk assessment. Without a risk assessment it is not possible to develop safe systems of work that will lead to accident prevention or introduce control measures to minimise hazards. Hazards in swimming pools arise from:
- · The design and layout of the pool tank, pool hall and ancillary areas and the materials used
- · The equipment in the pool
- · The supervision arrangements in place
- · The maintenance of plant, equipment and the treatment system to ensure water quality
- · The pool users and the activities taking place
The management of health and safety in swimming pools is governed by both statute and regulations and involves many aspects concerning both protection of employees and protection of visitors. The Health and Safety Executive Guidance 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools' HSG 179 (see resources for supplier) is the essential guide for a pool operator and provides practical advice on how to comply with the law relating to the management of health and safety in swimming pools as well as sharing good practice.
HSG 179 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools' (see resources) says that operators need to consider the number of under 8 year olds allowed into the pool during unprogrammed swimming, under the supervision of a parent/carer. The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) has issued guidance on this, which includes a standard ratio to be applied, www.isrm.co.uk/news/admissionpolicy.htm. Adoption of this guidance by swimming pool managers often brings them into conflict with parents who see it as too restrictive. The guidance is supported by the Forum, but it is emphasised that a risk assessment must be the basis for any admissions policy and a blanket adoption of the standard ratio is not appropriate and may be open to challenge.
HSG 179 'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools' applies to all types of pools used for swimming or leisure, except:
- · Pools designed for medical or therapeutic purposes (while in use for such purposes); and
- · Private swimming pools in domestic premises while being used solely by the owner, family and guests.
Therefore the guidance does apply to pools in gyms, hotels, leisure parks etc. and it is important that owners of these facilities familiarise themselves with the guidance and implement it. Even though the guidance does not apply to private domestic pools, it does contain principles which will promote a safer environment.
