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HEALTH & SAFETY IN SWIMMING POOLS Pool Plant Training And HSG179


RICHARD LAMBURN, STA’S POOL PLANT TECHNICAL OFFICER LOOKS AT THE REQUIREMENT FOR POOL PLANT TRAINING UNDER HSG179: MANAGING HEALTH & SAFETY IN SWIMMING POOLS


HSG179 reflects the latest law changes and new developments concerning equipment, facilities and supervision. It provides guidance for anyone involved in managing pool health and safety but especially for owners (including local authority clients), operators (including management contractors), architects, engineers, designers, manufacturers and constructors. This article reviews the stipulation of having qualified pool plant operators to undertake the safe operation of swimming pools within the UK.


WHY THE NEED FOR TRAINING IN THE FIRST PLACE?


Pools operate using very volatile, reactive chemicals and it is paramount that staff are equipped with the knowledge to both handle these chemicals and dose them correctly into a pool that will be used by the general public.


undertaken on the individual’s site so that candidates are trained on the equipment they will operate. We must ensure all training is recorded and certified. This can be done by ensuring that training providers are accredited with Ofqual – the Government’s regulatory body for qualifications.


• “Be given to enough employees to ensure that the plant need never be operated by untrained staff”.


This brings in the question of who should be trained? Anyone with the responsibility of operating the swimming pool plant – anyone ensuring that safe conditions are provided within the water must be trained via a pool plant training course. This may include Pool Contractors, Caretakers, Duty Managers, Lifeguards and of course: “Include pool managers to ensure they understand the functioning of the pool water system”.


• “Require those who have been trained to demonstrate that they can operate and maintain the plant safely”. Training should always have an element of practical on-site sessions; these may be incorporated into the training programme, and competence should also be demonstrated on a regular basis and witnessed by a senior member of staff.


IMPORTANCE OF ONGOING TRAINING AND KEEPING CERTIFICATION IN DATE • Updated on Industry Best Guidance • Demonstration of competency in individual’s occupation


Biological pollution can thrive and grow in pool conditions that do not have satisfactory biocidal properties. This can include very harmful organisms such as Legionella, Pseudomonas and Cryptosporidium.


WHAT DOES HSG179 STIPULATE? Training must: • “Be related specifically to the operation and maintenance of a particular plant”. Training needs to be appropriate, Fit for purpose, and be related to the individuals role in the operation of swimming pool plant. Training should ideally always be


40 April 2014 SPN


• Ensure correct practices are followed and undertaken. This can be undertaken a number of ways either by attending revalidation seminars that are organised by pool plant qualification awarding bodies or via completing online revalidations provided by the STA. The stipulation of HSG179 to have appropriate, regulated training for all staff who operate a swimming pool is one of the most integral items of legislation in relation


to ensuring pools are operated in a manner to ensure bathers’ safety.


‘FIT FOR PURPOSE’ POOL PLANT QUALIFICATIONS: • Level 3 Award in Pool Plant Operations (QCF): The Pool Plant Operations qualification focuses on teaching candidates on how to manage and maintain swimming pool, s pa and interactive play feature operations, and reflects the most up-to-date requirements and standards for pool plant operation.


• Level 2 Award in Swimming Pool Water Treatment (QCF): The Swimming Pool Water Treatment qualification aims to enable candidates to understand the basic principles of the treatment of swimming pool water. It provides candidates with the knowledge and skills to test water and maintain safe bathing conditions competently.


• Level 2 Award in Swimming Pool Water Testing (QCF): The Swimming Pool Water Testing qualification aims to provide the basic information needed and skills necessary to competently test swimming pool and spa water, and to provide a basic understanding of the outcomes of those tests.


For further advice on managing pool plant operations, please contact the STA. SPN


STA 01922 645097 www.sta.co.uk


www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk


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