6 Tips for Handling Pool Chemicals

Lifeguards handle pool chemicals regularly. As a result all lifeguards are required to take the OSHA Chemical Handling webinar. This training teaches guards how to work safely with the potentially hazardous chemicals they come in contact with at the pool.

Pool chemical related injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has caused thousands of emergency room visits in a given year.  In most cases, these injuries could have been prevented.

Follow Guard for Life’s top six tips for properly handling pool chemicals for a chemical injury free summer:

	Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (safety goggles and/or chemical resistant gloves). Even if you think you look silly, remember, you are protecting the only two eyes and two hands that you have!
	Read chemical product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.
	+ Handle in a well-ventilated area.+ Open one product container at a time and close it before opening another. + Use caution when opening containers to avoid splashing chemicals or generating dust (i.e., minimize the amount of dust generated when handling powdered or granular products). + Measure carefully.
	Never  mix…
	+ Chlorine products with acid! This can create toxic fumes. + Different pool chemicals (for example, different types of chlorine products).
	Never add water to pool chemicals, add the pool chemical to water. A violent, potentially explosive reaction can occur.
	Dedicate equipment such as scoops, buckets, crocks, and their lids to one pool chemical. Do not use this equipment for any other chemical.
	Wash hands after working with pool chemicals.

And lastly and most importantly, if there is ever a spill you must respond immediately and contact your supervisor ASAP. For more of what to do if there is an accident watch this video.