WRITTEN BY GARY SMITH, APARTMENT BUILDING MANAGEMENT
WORKERS COMPENSATION SELF INSURED FUND
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) tracks illnesses and injuries from pesticide exposures. Disinfectants are a class of pesticides that are registered by the EPA. MDCH identified 196 people in the last eight years who were injured by pool disinfectant chemicals. Approximately 15 percent were injured while working, such as maintenance workers or life guards. Most were injured while enjoying themselves at home, schools, parks, motels, etc. The most common activity at the time of exposure was mixing/applying pool chemicals. These injuries can be very serious!
In July 2012, a Wayne County resident mixed calcium hypochlorite with an algaecide and the mixture exploded. He developed first and second degree burns to his face and chest, and had severe pulmonary symptoms including a collapsed lung. He was hospitalized for 31 days.
In July 2011, an Oakland County resident poured pool chlorine granules into a bucket. He then added water, and it exploded. He was hosed down by his wife and took a shower. He developed first and second degree burns over about 50 percent of his body and respiratory failure. He was hospitalized for 13 days. The label requires adding the product to water and not water to the product. These injuries are preventable!
Safe Storage Design
• Keep chemicals in a locked storage area to limit access, especially by children and animals.
• Store pool chemicals in a cool and dry location away from heat, direct light, doors, windows, flammable materials, and water.
• Comply with building codes. Store each chemical separately and in the original container, in a location with adequate lighting for reading labels on containers.
• Keep chemicals off the floor. Store chemicals on anchored shelves with lips or on pallets to prevent chemical containers from falling.
• Store only identical chemicals above or below each other. This prevents accidental chemical mixing, in case of a leak.
Safe Handling
• Read the product label and directions before each use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Use clean and dry Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a separate tool for handling each chemical.
• Keep water away from all chemical containers to prevent accidental mixing of water and chemicals.
• Clean-up pool chemical spills immediately. Consult your local fire department for guidance.
• Dispose of deteriorating, unwanted, or unlabeled pool chemicals safely. Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility for more information.
• Do not mix brands of products.
Adjusting Chemical Levels
• Always add pool chemicals to water. Never add water to a pool chemical.
• Dissolve solid chemicals (e.g., tablets, powders, or granules) in water before adding to pool water.
• Know your pool chemical levels before making an adjustment.
• Test pool water and adjust pool chemistry with products that are not expired.
• Follow protective measures such as wearing PPE and using clean and dry tools to make chemical adjustments.
In Case of Exposure
• In an emergency, call 911!
• If victim has difficulty breathing:
1. Move to fresh air.
2. Call poison control at (800) 222-1222.
• If chemical gets in eyes:
1. Flush eyes with running water.
2. Call poison control at (800) 222-1222.
• If chemical gets on skin:
1, Remove any contaminated clothing.
2. Wash skin with running water.
3. Call poison control at (800) 222-1222.
Should you require assistance with education and training on the safe use of pool chemicals, please contact Gary Smith, CRM, at (517) 338-3367 or Gary.Smith@cmi-yorkrsg.com.
References:
1. Michigan Department of Community Health Fact Sheet: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/Pool_Chemical_Safety_fact_sheet_418403_7.pdf
2. CDC Recommendations for Preventing Pool Chemical-Associated Injuries: http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/preventing-pool-chemical-injuries.html