HSG179: Managing Health & Safety in Pools
HSG179 Health and Safety in Swimming Pools are considered within the industry as the holy grail of best practices for ensuring that your meet all of your obligations as a pool operator. Importantly, the latest document recognises how Drowning Detection Technology can integrate within your operations. View the full document here.
Table of Contents
What legislation is the guidance based on?
HSG179 outlines your responsibilities as a pool operator based on the Health & Safety at Work Act 197 and Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Carrying out a site specific risk assessment.
The first step in ensuring compliance is to carry out a site-specific risk assessment. The risk assessment must include not only the physical hazards but those hazards relating to swimmers and swimming-related activities;
- Pool design
- Pool depth
- Abrupt changes in depth
- Pool & pool hall features (glare, reflections, blind spots)
- Occupancy levels
- Pool features (flumes, turbulent water etc.)
What should you focus on?
All sites must have a robust system to ensure the safety of pool users focusing on:
- Preventing pool users getting into difficulty by intervening early
- Identifying pool users in difficulty
- Procedures to effectively perform a rescue
What if risk assessment determines that constant poolside supervision is not necessary?
If a risk assessment shows up that constant poolside supervision is not needed, effective control measures must be implemented to reduce the risk as far as is reasonable practicable. These can include:
- Provide poolside supervision in specified circumstances/specified times
- Emergency contact arrangements – alarms to summon help
- The use of technology and drowning detection systems
- Control of lone swimmers
What to consider when implementing CCTV-style monitoring:
If CCTV is used to monitor pool use, it should be arranged to see all parts of the pool hall:
- There has to be effective arrangements for monitoring the CCTV feeds, with robust procedures to help pool users in difficulty and perform a rescue if required
- The person monitoring the CCTV should be able to identify pool users in difficulty as well as anyone behaving irresponsible
- Take effective measures to prevent unauthorised access to a pool that is meant to be closed
- Where computerised drowning detection systems are installed, staff must be trained in their use.
How can we help you?
To reduce risk to your staff, your employees and you as a pool operator it is critical to ensure that your facilities fully comply with HSG179. We can help you ensure that you fully comply with the current guidance while identifying potential operational improvements. Simply get in touch with us to discuss your pool needs.
