Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP) The PSOP consists of two documents: 1. Normal Operating Plan (NOP), outlining the day to day running of the building 2. Emergency Action Plan (EAP), a detailed document outlining what to do in foreseeable emergencies

Sample Normal Operating Procedures Pool operators will have set out a procedure within the NOP containing the potential risk factors, set-out systems of work and some operation systems following the completion of a risk assessment

NOP (a)Details of the pool(s) (b)Potential risk (c)Dealing with the public (d)Lifeguards’ duties and responsibilities (e)Systems of work (f)Operational systems (g)Detailed work instructions (h)First aid supplies and training (i)Details of alarm systems and any emergency equipment (j)Conditions of hire to outside organisations

EAP (a)Overcrowding (b)Disorderly behaviour (including violence to staff) (c)Lack of water clarity (d)Outbreak of fire (or sounding of the alarm to evacuate the building) (e)Bomb threat (f)Lighting failure (g)Structural failure (h)Emission of toxic gases (i)Serious injury to a bather (j)Discovery of a casualty in the water

Sample Normal Operating Procedures Pool operators will have set out a procedure within the NOP containing the potential risk factors, set- out systems of work and some operation systems following the completion of a risk assessment P 34 / 2.7

Potential risk factors - NOP Your employer will have completed a detailed list of the hazards within each pool Each pool will have identified its high risk areas with control measures on how to reduce the risk of an accident or injury occurring Many centres complete an accident analysis to detail the cause and location of accidents This information is vital and will allow systems and procedures to be improved all the time P 34 / 2.7.1

Potential risk factors - NOP Knowing the hazards you have the ability and knowledge to intervene early, by educating and supervising pool users You will need to know all of the risk areas for each pool that you work at You should know the most common accidents and where these are located within the swimming pool environment to enable you to be a far more proactive lifeguard Inform your line manager if you feel more can be done to prevent accidents or injury to pool users

Systems of work - NOP Your employer will establish a set of work arrangements including: Lines of call out and supervision Work rotation Shift pattern Poolside rotation – Static or high chair positions Maximum poolside work times – In one session – Per shift – Exceptional circumstances and temporary measures

Systems of work - NOP Understand and apply the rules of your pool in accordance with your training and the procedure set out by your employer These arrangements have been developed to protect you. It is essential that you adhere to the systems set out

Operational systems - NOP Your employer will have considered operational systems such as controlling access to pools and safe use of equipment. Some examples: Control of access to pools – Gates – Locks – Staff Safe use of pool covers

Detailed work instructions - NOP Pool-cleaning procedures: – Daily – Weekly – Monthly Opening and closing checklist Safe setting up and checking of equipment: – Pool hoist – Inflatables – Play and fun equipment Diving procedures – Diving boards Setting up pool for galas: – Lane ropes – Starting blocks – Timing system and boards Moveable floors Spas Paddling pools Regular maintenance Pool water treatment

Case Study Based on a real life court case P 38