Pool Chemical Safety

WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND

It’s that time of year again to focus on safe use of pool chemicals through employee education and training.

Chemicals are added to pool water to kill disease-causing germs, maximize the efficacy of the disinfection process (for example, pH control), improve water quality, stop corrosion and scaling of equipment, and protect against algal growth. However, pool chemicals can also lead to injury when mixed together or when appropriate personal protective equipment is not used during handling. In typical years, there are about 4,000 emergency room visits related to pool chemicals1. In other years, the total is nearer to 5,000 emergency room visits.

Follow these guidelines for the safe use and storage of pool chemicals:

Before Using and Storing Pool Chemicals

  • Provide education and training to employees (see resource list).
  • Encourage employees to ask for help if NOT trained for specific tasks.
  • Review the entire product label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before using pool chemicals.
  • Develop an Emergency Chemical Response Plan for the pool and practice it.

Using Pool Chemicals Safely

  • Provide, and require the use of, appropriate safety equipment such as safety goggles, gloves and mask.
  • Handle chemicals in well-ventilated areas.
  • Open one product container at a time and close it before opening another.

Never mix:

  • Chlorine products with acid, this could create toxic gases.
  • Different pool chemicals / chlorine products with each other or with any other substance.
  • Minimize dust, fumes and splashes.
  • Measure carefully.
  • Only pre-dissolve pool chemicals when directed by the product label. If the product label directs pre-dissolving, add pool chemical to water; NEVER add water to pool chemical because violent (potentially explosive) reaction can occur.

Storing Pool Chemicals Safely

  • Follow product label directions for chemical storage:
  • Require use of appropriate safety equipment, such as safety goggles, gloves, and mask.
  • Separate incompatible chemicals (e.g., acid and chlorine).
  • Lock chemicals up to protect people and animals.
  • Keep chemicals dry and do not mix different chemicals / chlorine products.
  • Keep chemicals cool in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep chemicals closed in original, labeled container.
  • Store liquid chemicals low to prevent accidental contact (e.g., by leaking) with chemicals or substances stored below them.
  • Secure the chemical storage area and pump room to limit access.
  • Provide locking mechanisms for the chemical controller to prevent unauthorized tampering.
  • Follow product label directions for safe disposal; never reuse containers.

Resource List

Should you require additional assistance with pool chemical safety training in your workplace, please contact Gary Smith, CRM, at (517) 338-3367 or gary.smith@yorkrsg.com.

Footnote:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Recommendations for Preventing Pool Chemical-Associated Injuries.

 

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