This document provides information from a seminar on pool plant operations. It focuses on recent legislation affecting pool management responsibilities. The module discusses responsibilities of lifeguards, supervisors, and managers. It outlines reporting requirements for cryptosporidiosis under the Health Protection Regulations 2010. Pool operators must assume cryptosporidium is present in diarrheal contamination and take emergency action. Circumstances that could lead to pool closure include ongoing cases, lack of procedures or schematics, and poor operational practices. Record keeping of water tests is important for insurance and legal purposes.

1. Physical Activity and
Leisure Management Ltd
POOL PLANT OPERATIONS
INFORMATION UPDATE SEMINAR
(on-line option)

2. Physical Activity and
Leisure Management Ltd
MODULE 1:
The IMPACT of LEGISLATION

3. This module highlights the recent
legislation, both from Europe and the
UK, which affects the responsibilities
that we all have when we provide a
swimming pool for others to enjoy.
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013
In this Module we will be focusing on:

4. Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013
• Management Responsibilities
• Health Protection Regulations 2010
• What health Authorities require
• What about Cryptosporidium?
• Circumstances for Pool Closure
• Recording and Reporting

5. MANAGEMENT
RESPONSIBILITIES
 The lifeguard (carries out a water test)
 The supervisor (takes any corrective action)
 The manager (ultimately responsible , especially for
ensuring that the above is done properly)
Who needs to know about
pool plant operations?
The staffing structure needs
to acknowledge a ‘cascade’
of operational responsibilities?
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013

6. THE HEALTH PROTECTION
(LOCAL AUTHORITY POWERS) REGULATIONS 2010
• Cryptosporidiosis, (the symptom caused by the
cryptosporidium organism), is now a reportable
disease.
• A medical professional MUST report this to
her/his health authorities, if the symptoms are
presented.
• The health authorities then have the options of
some wide ranging actions that they can take.
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013

7. THE HEALTH AUTHORITIES CAN REQUIRE THE POOL TO:-
 Put in place a system or process to prevent
swimmers who have presented with
suspected cryptosporidiosis from using
pools until at least 14 days after the last
symptoms.
 Undertake any necessary remedial works.
 Closure of the pool(s).
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013

8. HOW WILL THE POOL OPERATOR KNOW IF
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM IS IN THE WATER?
 There is a high risk of Cryptosporidium being
released in diarrhoeal contamination, but it is
NOT 100% certain.
 The safest option is to ASSUME that it is, and
take the prescribed Emergency Action.
But what is likely to happen, in reality?
• Tummy upsets will stay out of the pool for 2 days.
• If a child has had to go to a Doctor, then 2 weeks?
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013

9. SOME OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT COULD LEAD TO
THE CLOSURE OF A POOL, COULD INCLUDE:-
 Evidence that cases may still be occurring.
 A written procedure for dealing with faecal
contamination, that is understood by all appropriate
staff.
 Absence of ‘as-built’ schematics being readily
available, as these could identify any ‘dead-legs’, that
could present an imminent risk to bathers.
 Absence of adequate pool operations and maintenance
policies and procedures.
 Evidence of poor operational practices.
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013

10. What’s the link
between these
pictures and your
Emergency Action
Plan?
Cryptosporidium
Oocysts are carried in
the lining of the gut,
and can be released
as diarrhoea.
10
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013

11. “RECORD & REPORT”
 Water test records can be used in insurance
claims, civil and criminal court cases.
 The frequency and type of tests to be taken,
have come from a Risk Assessment (to
ensure pool water is fit for use)
 What are the implications of a test that is
NOT taken or recorded, then?
Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013

12. Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013
That is the end of Module 1
What you need to do now:
1. Return to the course page
2. Download the module update notes and save them
on your computer
3. Read through the notes
4. Print out the notes and insert them in your manual

13. Carlton Associates Ltd (c) 2013
End of Module 1 Presentation