Aleting the team to danger in the swimming pool environment

GUIDANCE

Do you need a pool alarm? 

HSG179:2018 states that where there is only one lifeguard providing constant poolside supervision, there should be adequate means for summoning emergency support (para 90). In most cases, this will be achieved by installing a fixed or portable pool alarm. 

Do your staff need to use any alarm provided? 

Yes, HSG179:2018 requires staff to raise the alarm if further assistance is required (para 128 and 277). 

When might you need to alert the team to danger? 

The following incidents commonly require you to alert your team to an identified danger: 

• A pool rescue is required (HSG179:2018, para 112, 119-120, 125). 
• A person is experiencing a heart attack (HSG179:2018, para 125). 
• A person requires first aid. 
• A fire is detected or suspected.

How might you alert the team to danger?

HSG179:2018 requires all workers to know how to raise the alarm in the event of an emergency (para 40) and that each alarm is distinctive to enable staff to distinguish one alarm from another (para 41).  Automatic alarms to alert the team that: 

• Chemical dosing of the pool water has ceased. 
• Carbon monoxide levels have reached dangerous levels. 
• Chlorine gas has reached dangerous levels. 
• Fire or smoke has been detected. 
• A pool user is in danger in the water (drowning detection system). 

Manual alarms require activation by a member of the team and alert the team that: 

• A pool user is in danger in the water. 
• Fire or smoke has been detected or suspected. 
• An emergency cord has been activated in a changing, fitness, or relaxation area. 
• A person has breached an access door or turnstile (HSG179, para 72 and 124). 

What should be done to manage alarm systems? 

HSG179:2018 requires that alarm systems are maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the PSOP (para 42), including: 

• Daily testing to ensure they are primed. 
• Periodic visual inspection for damage or obstruction.
• Periodic servicing to check for structural integrity, safety and function.

When should the team use an alarm? 

The team should be encouraged to use an alarm if they suspect a person is in danger. It is important that the safety climate encourages the use of alarm systems and does not penalise false activations. 

High numbers of false activations may result in "alarm apathy", a learnt reaction to repeated false alarms that may lead to poor performance in the event of a genuine activation. Operators should seek specialist advice to reduce false activations and improve response performance. 

References

HSE. 2018. Health and Safety in Swimming Pools. HSG179, version 4. 

EN ISO 7731:2008. Ergonomics. Danger signals for public and work areas. Auditory danger signals

EN 50849:2017. Sound systems for emergency purposes

Citation: Jacklin, D. 2021. Alerting the team to danger in the swimming pool environment. Water Incident Research Hub, 27 December.