Terms and Conditions

Swimming Pool Waiver and Release of Liability Form

Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT, YOU CHOOSE TO WAIVE CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE.

To: ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ at Firtree Farm (Owner of premises)

I wish to use your pool facilities during the agreed hire period at the premises. By choosing to use the pool facilities, I recognise and fully understand that:

  • At no time is the pool supervised or a lifeguard on duty
  • You (the hirer) are responsible for the safe operation of the pool facilities and are responsible for all persons using the pool facilities during your hire period
  • The use of the pool facilities during your hire period involves a number of risks, including but not
  • limited to:
    • The risk of injury as a result of possible malfunction of pool equipment during hire;
    • The risk of injuries resulting from slips, trips and falls in the pool area;
    • The risk of injuries resulting from the lack of pool supervision;
    • The risk of injuries as a result of running, jumping, diving or other similar actions;
    • The risk of other injuries resulting from any other actions in the pool and surrounding areas.
  • I recognize and fully understand that the above list is not an exhaustive list of all possible risks, and only provides examples of risks that could possibly occur whilst using the pool facilities.

In exchange for ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ allowing me to utilise the pool facilities and surrounding area during my hire period, I hereby agree to the conditions laid out below.
I fully intend and choose to give up the legal rights, as stated below:

  1. To waive any and all claims that I have or may have in the future against ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ and its owners or representatives, relating to my use of the pool and pool area;
  2. To release ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ owners and representatives from any and all liability for any loss, damage, injury, expense, or other cost that I may suffer or that my next of kin may suffer in connection with my use of the pool and / or pool area to any cause whatsoever, including negligence on the part of the owners or representatives;
  3. To hold harmless and indemnify the owners or representatives from any and all liability to property and personal injury, to any third party, resulting from use of the pool or pool area;
  4. I can confirm that I am over the age of 18 and that I am responsible for all persons in my group and will adhere to all the rules of the premises;
  5. That this Waiver, Release, and Agreement is fully effective and shall be effective and binding upon me, and my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, and assigns, or anyone else authorized to act on my behalf or on behalf of my estate.
  6. I have read and understood this document. I am aware that by accepting the terms and conditions using the online booking system, I am waiving certain legal rights that I may have against ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ owners and representatives, and I fully agree to do so.

POOL SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE – Firtree Swimming Ltd
at Firtree Farm

CONTENTS

Normal Operating Plan (NOP)

  • Pool Details
  • Site Plan & Layout
  • Potential Risks
  • Pool Supervision
  • Conditions of Hire
  • Pool Rules
  • Systems of Work
  • Operational Systems
  • First Aid & Emergency Equipment

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

  • Emergency Evacuation Procedure (inc. Bomb Threat)
  • Overcrowding
  • Disorderly Behaviour
  • Lack of Water Clarity
  • Fire
  • Lighting or Structural Failure
  • Toxic Gas Release
  • Casualties
  • Pool Contamination

Normal Operating Plan (NOP)

Pool Details

  • Pool length: 11 metres
  • Pool width: 5.3 metres
  • Pool depth: Shallow end 0.8 metres, Deep end 1.5meters
  • Maximum bathing load (normal session): 8 persons
  • Pool Capacity: 72m3
  • Pool turnover rate: 1 hour per sessions
  • The swimming pool is fitted with:
  • An automated chemical monitoring and dosing system, checked regularly daily
  • A constantly running filtration system
  • A thermostatically controlled heating system
  • A humidity and temperature-controlled air-handling plant (Calorex System)
  • Pool cover(s)
  • When working efficiently the plant requires no daily adjustment and the routine tests are primarily to check the correct operation of the sensors and the automated systems.

Potential Risks

There are various hazards that make swimming pools potentially dangerous places to use. This
section identifies all known person, activity and physical hazards that apply to all potential users.

Person Hazards

  • Persons under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs (including medical purposes)
  • Persons who have consumed food prior to swimming
  • Persons with poor health and / or medical conditions
  • Weak, young, inexperienced and / or non-swimmers
  • Persons exhibiting unruly behaviour
  • Persons using and / or requiring swimming aids
  • Persons wearing incontinence swimwear or similar
  • Persons with communication difficulties
  • Persons accessing the premises without authorisation
  • Persons wearing jewellery in the pool
  • Persons entering the pool inappropriately (i.e. diving, jumping, bombing etc)
  • Absence of, or inadequate response of, group supervisor

Activity Hazards

  • Diving, jumping and bombing into the pool
  • Running, pushing or fighting (in play or otherwise)
  • ‘Horseplay’ in the pool or on the poolside
  • Misuse of facilities and / or rescue equipment
  • Acrobatics and / or throwing games
  • Bullying, smoking and the consumption of food and / or drink
  • Swimming underwater
  • Using flippers, snorkels and / or face masks
  • Using floats, inflatable equipment and / or toys

Physical Hazards

  • Clarity of the water
  • Water Temperature
  • Pool Air Temperature
  • Floor surface conditions
  • Main water outlets and inlets
  • Depth of water
  • Glare and light reflections
  • Storage of equipment
  • Emergency rescue equipment
  • Showers and changing rooms
  • Use of Hairdyers
  • Pool cover(s)

Pool Supervision

The decision that constant supervision in the pool is not required by ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ owners
has taken into account the guidance contained in HSG179 Managing Health and Safety in Swimming
Pools. The key points from this guidance include;

  • The pool is no more than 1.5m deep
  • The pool area is less than 170m2
  • Access to the pool is controlled via a booking process
  • The pool is covered by CCTV
  • Swimmers are informed that Firtree Swimming Ltd does NOT provide for a lifeguard and that the pool is not supervised, Their attention is drawn to the pool rules displayed within the pool area and at the time of booking
  • Authorised/permitted use means the ordinary requirement for there to be A minimum of 2 people, one of whom must also be aged 18 years or older and capable and competent swimmer.
  • A maximum of 8 people in the swimming pool area at any one time
  • No persons under the age of 18 years without group supervision (Group supervisor must be the age of 18 years or over)
  • 1-1 adult supervision, for children under the age of 4 years
  • 1-2 adult supervision, for children between the ages of 4 and 8 years
  • The Group supervisor must have access to a mobile phone incase of an Emergency. First aid kit is located on pool side and identified on the site plan.
  • Rescue equipment is available in the form of a throw line, safety ring and reach pole
  • A risk assessment has been completed and taken into consideration the use of the pool
  • without owner supervision

Access to ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ is restricted to authorised users only.
All users MUST BE aware that ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ does not provide supervision of the pool.

Conditions of Hire

For the Private hire of the facilities concerning the permitted use of the swimming pool at Firtree Farm,

The hirer, on accepting this agreement confirms, both to have first fully read and understood these conditions of private hire and to be responsible for ensuring all users that attend the facilities are made aware of them, and abide by the pool rules at all times.

The hirer must designate a group supervisor who will adopt overall responsibility for the group. This person must be present in the pool area at all times throughout the hire period and have access to a mobile phone. The Group supervisor understands, acknowledges and accepts that no lifeguard or aid is engaged at the premises and/or facilities and the group supervisor is therefore responsible for his/her own safety and any of the members in their group.

Sessions must be booked and payment made in advance and remain operative, for lawful access to the facilities for that session . Firtree Swimming Ltd prohibits anyone entering the facilities unless attending a confirmed session during which the hirer is responsible for all persons.

Vacancies for sessions that can be reserved are available via our webpage (http://www.fritreeswimming.co.uk). The content is updated automatically when bookings are made and or cancelled and the date/time of the latest update is specified.

Each pool hire session is one hour (not including changing before and after your session). Each session will commence and end firmly on the hour. Accordingly, the pool must be strictly vacated at the end of the session or the final session when more than one is consecutively booked in succession. The hirer is granted access to the available changing room 15 minutes either side of their session for changing purposes.

When there is a minimum number of two users only, the requirements are one of whom must also be aged 18 years or older and capable and competent swimmer. The hirer/Group supervisor is responsible for ensuring the age and competency of users in accordance with the conditions and will be responsible for the safety of each member during their session.

For the purpose of supervising, a person must be aged 18 years or above and also be a suitably capable swimmer to be defined as a ‘Supervisor’.

The Supervision ratio as specified in this part always applies and is a requirement for the permitted use of the facilities, which the hirer is responsible for;

  1. Under the age of 4 years must have 1:1 supervision by a supervisor;
  2. Between the ages of 4 and 10 years must have 1:1 or 1:2 supervision by a supervisor;
  3. Any person suffering from mobility conditions and non-competent swimmers of any age should have 1:1 supervision by a supervisor.

The Supervising ratios are the absolute minimum requirements, and users must always check whether further arrangements are required in the interest of health and safety.

Firtree Swimming Ltd strictly does NOT agree or allow any user to be alone when entering or utilizing the facilities, for any period of time. In particular, no individual user must be in the water of the swimming pool unless they are visible to another user. The restrictions against alone or unattended access and swimming are for the safety and welfare of all users. Checks will be carried out from time to time, without notice, to ensure this does not happen.

The hirer acknowledges that Firtree Swimming Ltd does not provide for lifeguard supervision, or any such person, to be on duty or otherwise present at the facilities during a session. Therefore, the hirer agrees to be responsible for conforming to these conditions regarding permitted use and the supervising ratio. The hirer is responsible for their own assessment of users during sessions.

The hirer, and or group supervisor, must have access and be able to readily use a mobile phone at all times in case of an emergency. The hirer/group supervisor is responsible for checking the device is fully charged and in good working order at the commencement of a session.

The site location is displayed on the pool rules safety signage and should be given to emergency services in the event of an accident.

The next group will be granted access to the available changing room no more than 15 minutes prior to their hire start time. Once pool area has been cleared by the previous hire group, the next group are then permitted access to the pool.

All Swimmers and spectators must remove outdoor footwear before entering the changing rooms.

All external doors and windows must remain closed at all times as this maintains the important temperature balance within the pool complex.

Please ensure you keep to your or your groups allotted session and/or pre-booked session, there is a clock in the pool area.

‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ reserves the right to refuse entry or require users to immediately vacate the
pool in the event of these rules not being adhered to.

For the safety of all swimmers, it is essential that sensible, responsible and mature behaviour is
demonstrated at all times and that pool rules are complied with.

All vehicles parked and personal belongings are left at the owners risk

Please leave the pool and changing rooms as you would wish to find them (eg: Using the squeegee provided to swish the water into the drains. The Facilities must be left in a clean and tidy condition after each use.

The person who made the booking is responsible for any breakages or damage caused by any of their party

Any cancellations or amendments must be notified 48 hours in advance

If the Hirer is to cancel a session, this must be in accordance with Firtree Swimming Ltd requirements.

Firtree Swimming Ltd may cancel the session, where the Facilities cannot be used for reasons beyond the reasonable control of Firtree Swimming Ltd, such as emergency maintenance, breakdown of equipment, or water shortage alike. In those circumstances, the hirer shall receive credit in respect of the cancelled session.

Before entry to the facilities, the group supervisor must read and understand the Normal Operating Procedures and Emergency Action Plans and thereafter sign by acceptance the swimming pool disclaimer form to that affect. The group supervisor must inform ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ of the total number of swimmers in attendance.

In the event of:

  • An emergency arising from activities for the group using the pool; the group supervisor is responsible for following the emergency procedures outlined in this document. The group supervisor must ensure that they notify ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ of any incidents.
  • Other emergencies (e.g., power failure); the group supervisor must ensure that all users exit the pool to an area of safety, as per the Emergency Action Plan, and inform ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ The group supervisor must ensure that they have briefed their group on the content of the Normal Operating Procedures, as appropriate, and ensure that the procedures outlined in this document are being followed at all times. ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ may carry out periodic checks to ensure that the procedures are being followed; these will be without notice to the hirer. The group supervisor must ensure that the pool rules are being adhered to at all times and the pool area remains clear of obstructions and equipment. Any issues arising with the pool and / or the facilities must be communicated to the Business Manager or Supervisor immediately.

Firtree Swimming Ltd reserves the right to access the facilities and the premises at any time to show the facilities and the premises to others or to carry out repairs or maintenance.

Any damage or hazards caused or identified by the hirer/user is to be notified to Firtree Swimming Ltd via email.

Firtree Swimming Ltd reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions at any time, including the right to undertake a review of the applicable prices.

The hire arrangement granted by the agreement is personal to the hirer and is not assignable and the rights given under the agreement may only be exercised by the hirer.

Firtree Swimming Ltd shall not be liable for any injury, complaint or other ailment suffered by himself/herself or any member of a group (if applicable) arising out of any breach by the hirer or its users, with the hirer being liable for all such instances. The hirer expressly acknowledges that Firtree Swimming Ltd will have no such liability whatsoever. This does not exclude Firtree Swimming Ltd statutory liability for loss or damage arising out of any negligence identified on its part.

The Hirer is responsible for all costs incurred by the owner through misuse of the pool or failure to adhere to the pool’s rules or any of the terms of these conditions and agreements.

Firtree Swimming Ltd reseve the right to terminate this agreement with immediate effect (including if necessary, part way through a session) where the hirer or any of its users fail to comply with these conditions or the pool rules.

In such circumstances, the hirer agrees:

  1. If the agreement is terminated part way through a session, they forfeit the fee in respect of that session in its entirety; and
  2. Firtree Swimming Ltd has sole discretion in deciding whether the particular hirer and / or user is further entitled to attend the facilities at any point of time in the future, under any circumstances, whether in the capacity of the hirer or user.

Agreeing to these terms and conditions and swimming pool rules:
The hirer agrees to these terms and the hire agreement on behalf of themselves and each lone Swimmer in their session.

THESE TERMS HAVE BEEN ENTERED INTO ON THE DATE THE BOOKING ORDER IS CONFIRMED AND PAID.

THE HIRER MUST INDICATE THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, AND THE HIRE AGREEMENT INCLUDING THE SWIMMING POOL WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY FORM BY AGREEING TO THESE USING THE ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM.

Pool Rules

  • A maximum of 8 persons in the swimming pool at any one time
  • A minimum of 2 people of which one must also be aged 18 years or older and capable and competent swimmer
  • No persons under the age of 18 years without group supervision
  • 1-1 adult supervision for children under the age of 4 years
  • 1-2 adult supervision, for children between the ages of 4 and 8 years
  • Small children and babies must wear suitable swimwear designed for the purpose (Swimming Nappies) and then disposed in the bins provided in the toilets.
  • The group supervisor must remain in the pool area at all times during the hire period
  • No glass permitted on the premises
  • No food, drink or illegal substances permitted on the premises
  • Food should not be consumed immediately prior to using the facilities
  • No smoking is permitted anywhere on the premises
  • Do not use rescue equipment unless specific need is required
  • No animals / pets permitted on the premises
  • No outdoor footwear is permitted in the pool area or changing rooms
  • All jewellery should be removed prior to entering the pool
  • No running, pushing, jumping, diving, bombing or other dangerous activities
  • Use of electrical devices in the pool area is not permitted
  • At least one adult in each party must be a competent swimmer
  • All Swimmers must shower before entering the pool
  • The Facilities must be left in a clean and tidy condition after each use. Please use the squeegee to sweep the water back into the pool.
  • No Vaping is permitted inside the premises
  • The Pool Rules (as above) are displayed in the pool area for the attention of all swimmers.

Systems of Work

Areas of Responsibility

Firtree Swimming Ltd hold overall responsibility for safety management on the premises which includes;

  • Hirer, and any user(s) attending under their control and responsibility, have exclusive use of the facilities during the booked session. This is subject to Firtree Swimming Ltd person(s) authorized third-party representatives on behalf accessing the facilities, without notice, in respect of inspections, maintenance cleaning, or other reasonable reasons for the ongoing operation of the facilities.
  • Ensure changing facilities are available for use by the hirer and its users.
  • Ensure that the pool is fit for use during the session.
  • Identifying risks & ensuring risk assessments are completed
  • Reviewing risks and risk assessments as required
  • Ensuring the development and regular review of this Pool Safe Operating Procedure
  • The completion of Emergency Action Plans detailing procedures to be taken by all visitors,
  • guests and other relevant persons whilst using, or working within, the premises
  • Ensuring all incidents / accidents on the premises are recorded
  • Completion of opening checks, daily tests and closing checks
  • Completion of recorded weekly fire safety checks
  • The Pool Maintenance Engineer for the premises will undertake the following;
  • Routine periodic inspections, tests and tasks (as required by the business)
  • Reactive maintenance and repairs

Operational systems

Access to the pool

Access to the pool is gained via the main entrance to the premises and through one of two changing
rooms. Pool access is controlled through the use of an online booking system and is monitored by
CCTV installed.

Pool Monitoring

‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ perform opening checks and routine checks throughout the day to ensure;

  • Pool rules are being adhered to
  • Group supervision requirements are being complied with
  • Only authorised persons are in the pool area
  • The poolside fire exit is kept closed at all times
  • Emergency escape routes remain clear and free from obstruction
  • Closing checks are completed at the end of each day.

Security

The main entrance and pool area is monitored at all times by CCTV in order to control access. When
/ if the pool is not fit for use, the main entrance doors will be locked and secured until such time that
the pool is fully functional and fit for use.
The pool storage areas and plant rooms must be kept locked when not in use to prevent any
unauthorised access. Access to such areas is only permitted by the Business Manager and
Supervisor.
Cleaning materials and pool chemicals must be restricted as per HSE Guidance; HSG179 Managing
Health & Safety in Swimming Pools and COSHH Regulations 2002. COSHH storage must be kept
locked at all times.

First Aid & Emergency Equipment

The Business Manager, Supervisor and all users of the pool have a responsibility to ensure the safety
of themselves and others whilst working or using the pool facilities. All persons will have read and
understand this Pool Safe Operating Procedure (including Emergency Action Plans).
The Business Manager and Supervisor must ensure ‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ risk assessment and its
significant findings are adhered to at all times and regularly reviewed as required by relevant
legislation and regulations.

A First Aid Kit including a face shield, is available on pool side and identified on the site plans.

In the event of an accident or incident please complete the accident book. This is located on the windowsill in the reception room.

Alarm Systems

The premises is protected by a fire alarm system. There are smoke detectors,
heat detectors and sounders throughout the premises which are subject to regular servicing by an
approved service provider

Emergency Lighting has been installed in the pool area, changing areas and main entrance. These
are checked weekly by the Business Manager or Supervisor during recorded fire safety checks. All emergency lighting is tested and inspected annually by an approved service provider.

Fire Extinguishing Equipment is installed in the pool area, plant room and main entrance. These are checked weekly by the Business Manager or Supervisor during recorded fire safety checks. All fire extinguishing equipment is tested and inspected annually by an approved service provider. Fire extinguishers must only be used by competent persons or to aid escape in the event of a fire.

Emergency Rescue Equipment by means of a throw line, safety ring and reach pole are provided and available on pool side. This equipment is checked for damage / defects daily prior to opening. Rescue equipment must only be used to aid emergency rescue attempts.

Emergency Action Plans (EAP)

The following Emergency Rescue Equipment is provided and available on the poolside;

  • Throw-line
  • Safety ring
  • Reach Pole

This equipment MUST only be used in an emergency to aid rescue. This equipment must not be used
for swimming aids or any other purpose.

In the event of an emergency and / or serious incident 999 must be called this is the responsibility of the group supervisor , the location details are displayed on pool side next to the changing room doors. Where possible all lifesaving should be carried out from the poolside. All swimmers
must exit the pool immediately and congregate in a safe area.
In the event of a person becoming incapacitated in the pool, the casualty’s head must be supported
above water until safe rescue can be carried out and / or the arrival of emergency services.
‘Firtree Swimming Ltd’ emergency action plans consist of the following procedures;

  • Emergency Evacuation Procedure
  • Bomb Threat
  • Over Crowding
  • Disorderly Behaviour
  • Lack of Water Clarity
  • Fire
  • Lighting or Structural Failure
  • Toxic Gas
  • Casualties
  • Pool Contamination

Emergency Evacuation Procedure

Evacuation Procedures are required for a number of reasons, these include;

  • Fire
  • Bomb alert
  • Escape of toxic gases
  • Structural failure
  • Serious incident / accident to a pool user

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF AN EVACUATION
The Business Manager or Supervisor must be contacted at the earliest opportunity. Groups should
vacate the premises via the nearest fire exit, leaving all personal belongings behind. Fire exits are
located in the pool area, changing rooms and main entrance.

If required, a fire blanket is available and is located at the pool side fire exit.

Groups should congregate at the fire assembly point situated in the main car park on the grassed
area. A role call must be completed by the group supervisor to ensure all persons are present.

If possible and safe to do so, the Business Manager or Supervisor should check the following areas to
help identify the source of the problem and ensure all persons have evacuated the premises;

  • Check the bottom of the pool and surrounding area
  • Check both changing rooms including toilets
  • Check the plant rooms

On leaving the premises, the Business Manager or Supervisor should consider securing all entry
points to prevent unauthorized access.

The necessary professional services should now be contacted including the emergency services if
required.

Consideration should be given to relocate groups to a warm / safe area until the problem is resolved.

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF A BOMB THREAT

In the event of a bomb threat, the above evacuation procedure should be followed.

Over Crowding

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF OVER CROWDING

Users of the premises will be allocated a ONE HOUR time slot. This does not include the time taken
to change before and after their swimming sessions. Users will be permitted access no more than 15 minutes prior to their hire start time.

Upon arrival at the premises, users will enter the main entrance and locate the available changing
room. One changing room allocated per hire. Users must not enter the pool area until the previous hirers have vacated the area.

Groups are made aware of the requirement to keep to a maximum number of 8 persons in the pool. Should the pool area become over crowded and exceed this number, the group supervisors must alert the Business Manager or Supervisor immediately.

On notification or observation that the pool area is over crowded, non-swimmers / spectators will be
asked to vacate the area, keeping in mind the need for adequate supervision of the remaining swimmers.

Groups will be informed to remove swimmers from the pool area until the maximum number of 8
persons in the pool has been met.

Repeat offenders showing a blatant disregard for the ‘Pool Rules’ will not be permitted back on the
premises for future use.

Disorderly Behaviour

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF DISORDERLY BEHAVIOUR

Any incidents of disorderly behaviour within the pool or surrounding areas that may distract the
attention of the group supervisor from their primary responsibilities of pool supervision must be
addressed immediately.

Firtree Swimming Ltd reserve the right to terminate this agreement with immediate effect (including if necessary, part way through a session) where the hirer or any of its users fail to comply with these conditions or the pool rules.

In such circumstances, the hirer agrees:

  1. If the agreement is terminated part way through a session, they forfeit the fee in respect of that session in its entirety; and
  2. Firtree Swimming Ltd has sole discretion in deciding whether the particular hirer and / or user is further entitled to attend the facilities at any point of time in the future, under any circumstances, whether in the capacity of the hirer or user.

Lack of Water Clarity

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF LACK OF WATER CLARITY

It is vital that all users of the premises can clearly see the bottom of the pool at all times, to ensure
that swimmers can be seen in the event of an emergency.

The following process will be followed in the event of poor water clarity;

  • If the pool water becomes cloudy, clear the pool immediately and inform Firtree Swimming Ltd
  • A water test will be carried out and the plant will be checked for correct functioning. If required, remedial action should then be completed
  • If remedial action is not possible or appears ineffective, the pool must remain ‘out of use’ until the problem has been rectified

The pool will only be reopened once the water clarity has improved sufficiently to enable the pool bottom to be seen clearly, and a satisfactory chemical balance has been confirmed.

Fire

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF DISCOVERING A FIRE

All users of the premises must follow the below procedure;

  • Raise the alarm at the nearest fire alarm call point (pool area or reception area)
  • Do NOT put yourself at unnecessary risk
  • Do NOT attempt to fight the fire unless competently trained to do so
  • Assist in evacuating all persons from the pool area
  • Proceed to the fire assembly point via the nearest fire exit
  • If required, a fire blanket is located near to the pool side fire exit
  • Do NOT stop to gather personal belongings
  • Carry out a role call to ensure all persons have been accounted for
  • Wait at the fire assembly point until authorisation is given to re-enter the premises

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF HEARING THE FIRE ALARM

If there are no immediate signs of danger on hearing the alarm;

  • All persons must prepare to evacuate the pool area
  • If the presence of fire is NOT in the pool area or changing rooms, persons should exit the pool and make their way to the fire assembly point until authorised that it is safe to return

Lighting or Structural Failure

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF LIGHTING FAILURE

Should lighting within the premises fail, the following steps should be taken;

  • Clear the pool immediately, instructing persons to vacate the pool area
  • Instruct all spectators to vacate the pool area through the normal entry and exit points
  • Proceed to the changing room and remain there until all pool users are present
  • When all persons are present, make your way to a safe area (i.e. fire assembly point)
  • Contact the Business Manager or Supervisor immediately
  • The Business Manager or Supervisor will undertake remedial action, keeping the group updated if required

ACTION TO TAKE IN THE EVENT OF STRUCTURAL FAILURE

If there is any sign of structural failure whilst the pool is in use, evacuate the premises immediately
and FOLLOW THE EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE.

The Business Manager or Supervisor must be alerted as soon as it is safe to do so.

Toxic Gas Release

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF ESCAPE OF TOXIC GAS

This procedure is written on the basis that relevant gases can be released by the handling and / or
mixing of chemicals. Generally, these chemicals will be restricted to the plant room or chemical
storage areas, but there remains a low risk that toxic gases could contaminate the pool area.

Action to be taken by group supervisors;

  • Upon discovering a release of toxic gas, clear the pool area immediately and evacuate the premises
  • Activate fire alarm using the nearest manual call point
  • Do NOT stop to gather your personal belongings
  • Congregate at fire assembly point
  • Complete a role call to ensure all persons have been accounted for

Actions to be taken by the Business Manager or Supervisor;

  • Assess the situation (if safe to do so)
  • Contact the Pool Maintenance Engineer and / or the emergency services for immediate assistance
  • If safe to do so, ensure all persons have vacated the pool area and changing rooms (checking toilet cubicles) and escort them to the fire assembly point

IMPORTANT TO NOTE;

In the event of a toxic gas being released into the atmosphere within any part of the premises, the
emergency services MUST be called. It should be noted that Fire, Police and Ambulance will respond
to an emergency call involving the release of toxic gas and you should expect firemen to arrive
wearing full breathing apparatus.

Prevent anyone from re-entering the premises until emergency services confirm it is safe to do so.

Casualties

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF INJURY AND / OR INCAPACITATION

Should a member of the group become injured and / or incapacitated whilst in the pool, the following
steps should be taken by other members of the group;

  • Do not put yourself or others at unnecessary risk
  • Support the casualties head above of the water (this may require 2 persons)
  • A member of the group must contact the emergency services immediately
  • The Business Manager or Supervisor must be informed as soon as possible
  • Remaining members of the group should exit the pool and vacate the area
  • Emergency First Aid and / or CPR should be administered as soon as possible and should continue until the arrival of emergency services
  • The pool area should be evacuated of all non-assisting group members
  • An incident / accident form must be completed

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF DISCOVERING A CASUALTY IN THE WATER

  • On discovering the casualty and if safe to do so, enter the pool and keep the casualties head above water
  • Emergency services must be contacted immediately explaining the situation
  • The Business Manager or Supervisor must be contacted as soon as possible
  • If safe to do so, a rescue attempt should be made to remove the casualty from the water
  • As soon as the casualty has been removed from the water, commence CPR

Pool Contamination

ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN THE EVENT OF BLOOD, VOMIT, FAECAL FOULING OR SHARPS

In the event of contamination by blood, vomit, faeces, broken glass and / or sharp objects, all group
Members should follow the below steps;

  • Exit the pool and make your way to the changing room
  • Contact and notify the Business Manager or Supervisor as soon as possible

In the event of solid faecal contamination, the following action will be taken by the Business
Manager or Supervisor;

  • Evacuate the pool and safely remove solid faeces
  • Check disinfectant levels and ensure they remain within the acceptable range

In the event of diarrhoea contamination, especially if illness is admitted or strongly suspected, the
following action will be taken;

  • Evacuate the pool immediately
  • Maintain disinfectant levels at the top of the target value
  • Sweep or vacuum the pool
  • Add coagulant; filter for 6 turnover cycles
  • Back wash all affected filters
  • Only re-open the pool if disinfectant levels remain within acceptable range
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