Posted By Merv Newman The risk is, of course, mainly to the employees who are handling the chemicals and controlling the dosing. Usuall cosh information and training. Chemical dosing tends to be done in a small, confined building with only one exit. A sudden release of chlorine can be quite distracting. I've experienced it personally and it is not fun. Buttered tea was the advice from the old hands and it worked quite well to soothe the throat. Also need some training on what to do if they get it wrong. Overdose, high concentration, chlorine cloud. Evacuation direction depending on wind direction. However, on the few camping sites/swimming pools we have been asked to audit, the most significant hazards have been for the clients. Tripping hazards on loose tiles, diving hazards, falls from heights, and the odd release of chlorine. And advice on sunburn. There have been a few issues for employees, mainly on coshh and, suprisingly, confined spaces. Children are the most at risk of being unguarded and forgotten. Sure, you are going to install a "guard post" with an experienced swimmer/rescuer. But the position of this post needs to be changed morning and afternoon. Even with polarised sun glasses reflections can hide someone with difficulties. Think about, at the minimum, a morning and an afternoon position for surveiling the swimmers. Boredom, even when surveilling pretty young girls can be a problem. The less pretty young boys tend to be ignored (well, for some. depends which way your guardian swings) (I know which way I swing) Hate to say it, but watch out for the paedophiles. Often men, who get too close or offer to help kids who are learning to swim. Enuff said there. Presume that you guardians are trained in resucitation and know how to do a dynamic assessment of risk and how to get someone to call the ambulance. Are your guards all trained first aiders ? Merv

Posted By Clairey O hi Paula There are many things that need to be considered for your risk assessment: -size, shape, depth of pool -inside/outside -water features -physical hazards -people hazards -activity hazards -who are your clients? -will you be using qualified staff - as is in professionally qualified in aquatic rescue not just cpr. there's more to being a lifegaurd than you would imagine. as already mentioned - get a copy of managing safely in swimming pools, it will be your best friend. as for pool chemicals and managing your pool water get yourself the person who does the pool maintenace on a pool plant course and that will give you the information that you need. in a former life i was a sports centre manager and even now still teach all manner aquatic rescue courses.

Posted By Bob Thompson CMIOSH Dont forget to include access to the pool by people with disabilities, how do they get in/out what extra training would staff need especially life guard staff etc. Bob

Posted By Red Ones Quote: As stated by previous respondents, a copy of Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG 179) is a good place to start. Other useful publications are; Swimming Pool Water Treatment and Quality Standards (ISBN 0 951 7007 6 6) These are not just useful - they are essential - they are almost ACOP in standing and the Bible as far as you should be concerned