Swimming Pool Chemicals--Safe Storage, Handling and Emergency Response

1. Swimming Pool Chemicals--Safe Storage, Handling and Emergency Response Department of Environmental Health and Safety www.uccs.edu/~pusafety/environmental/index.shtml

2. Chemicals are added to pool water to kill disease-causing germs, maximize the efficacy of the disinfection process (for example, pH control), improve water quality, stop corrosion and scaling of equipment, and protect against algal growth. They are intended to help create a more healthy environment for the user(s). However, pool chemicals can also lead to injury when mixed together or when appropriate personal protective equipment is not used during handling.

3. Objectives Live Green Where can you find out information about pool chemicals What are proper storage/handling procedures to minimize risk of incidents How to protect yourself using personal protective equipment What to do if something goes wrong

4. Safety Data Sheets The SDS is the first source of information regarding pool chemicals They are kept on file. The SDSs are in the lifeguard office Live Green

5. Safety Data Sheets

6. Labeling Container labels are also a valuable source of information • Read the hazard warning label every time you handle a chemical. • The two most common types of hazard label are the manufacturer label and the one developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). • You should be familiar with the meanings of two labels. They are described on the next few slides. Live Green

7. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8queMM7VVfw&index=4&list=PL4qaj9envIYnBaQSPpcOMUqWiQUAgPoMq Video 4

8. Understanding the GHS Labels Product identifiers: Names or numbers used on a hazardous product label or in a safety data sheet. They provide a unique means by which the product user can identify the chemical substance or mixture. • Signal word: One word used to indicate the relative severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label and safety data sheet. The GHS includes two signal words: • “Warning” for less severe hazard categories and; • “Danger” for more severe hazard categories. Hazard statement(s): Phrase assigned to each hazard category that describes the nature of the hazard. Examples of hazard statements are: “Harmful if swallowed,” “Highly flammable liquid and vapor” and “Harmful to aquatic life.”

9. Understanding the GHS Labels Other core information to be provided: Pictogram(s): A symbol inside a diamond with a red border, denoting a particular hazard class (e.g., acute toxicity/lethality, skin irritation/corrosion, etc.). Precautionary statement(s): Phrases that describe recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous product. These phrases cover prevention, response, storage, and disposal of products . Supplier identification:Under the GHS supplier identification would include the name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier of the substance.

10. Understanding the GHS Labels

11. Understanding the GHS Labels

12. Understanding the GHS Labels Precautionary pictograms • Some systems may choose to illustrate precautionary information using pictograms. These are not harmonized in the GHS.

13. NFPA Warning Labels The NFPA label is divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant describes a specific hazard: Blue = health Red = flammability Yellow = reactivity White = special hazards Live Green

14. NFPA Warning Labels Numbers in the three colored quadrants indicate the degree of hazard, from 0-4: 0=Minimal Hazard 1=Slight Hazard 2=Moderate Hazard 3=Serious Hazard 4=Severe Hazard Live Green

15. NFPA Warning Labels The specific hazard in the white is abbreviated. Some of the common abbreviations are: A. OXY=Oxidizer B. ACID=Acid C. ALK=Alkali D. COR=Corrosive E. W=use no water F. The radiation symbol G. Biohazard Live Green

16. Chemical ID Incident From the file Live Green In 1995, a custodian maintaining the indoor school pool ordered 5-gallon containers of chlorine bleach but instead received 5-gallon containers that looked the same but contained acid. Two custodians reported failing to read the product labels and mistakenly pouring acid into the chlorine bleach tank, thus generating chlorine gas. The school was evacuated; at least 81 students, likely exposed to gas spread through the ventilation system, and the two custodians were taken to the hospital with acute respiratory symptoms. Emergency response involved multiple fire departments and government agencies (e.g., the county disaster office).

17. Chemical Identification • sodium hypochlorite, • calcium hypochlorite (aka pulsar briquettes) and, • chlorinated cyanic acids. Identify the swimming pool chemicals that will potentially release chlorine gas.

18. Handling and Storage Always • Read product label and directions before each use. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. • Don't rely on the shape of the bottle or brand name before applying or mixing chemicals into your pool or spa. Know what you're working with and double-check by reading the label. • Use only pool chemicals in original labeled containers. • Use dry tools to handle pool chemicals. • Use a separate, designated tool for each pool chemical. • Wash hands after working with pool chemicals. • Keep children and animals away from pool chemicals. • Add pool chemicals to water, not the reverse.

19. Handling and Storage Always • Know your pool chemical levels before making an adjustment. • Test your water with strips or chemical kits that are not expired. • Adjust pool chemistry with products that are not expired. • Dissolve powders/crystals in water before adding to pool water unless manufacturer directs otherwise • Follow protective measures such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). DO Use Caution When Opening Containers to Avoid Splashing or generating dust when handling powdered or granulated chemicals. • DO Keep the Pool Chemical Storage Area Well-Maintained • Make sure you tighten lids on chemical containers, and don't toss the bottles into your storage area with the thought that you'll clean thing up "later."

20. Handling and Storage NEVER • Store or consume food or beverages near handling locations. • Use a chemical from an unlabeled container. • Unseal more than one container at a time. • Mix different types of pool chemicals together. • Mix old and fresh chemicals, even if the same product. • Pour chemicals into the swimming pool while people are in the water. • Pour chemicals down the drain or sewer without prior approval from EHS • Store Liquids Above Solids - Being above the solids, the liquids could spill on them, creating a toxic mix. • Allow Chemicals to Come in Contact with Oil, Grease, Acid, Etc. • let chemicals contact organic material.

21. Handling incident From the file Live Green In 2008, a homeowner in Suffolk County dumped five one-pound bags of pool shock into his pool chlorinator. His actions produced chlorine gas and an explosion. The police, fire department and emergency medical services responded. The resident was decontaminated at the scene and then transported to the hospital. He was admitted to the hospital with severe burns to his face, respiratory irritation, central nervous system and heart problems.

22. Handling incident From the file Live Green A Rockland County homeowner mixed calcium hypochlorite (pool shock treatment) and hydrochloric acid in an aluminum pan in the kitchen of his home. The chemicals reacted and produced hydrogen and chlorine gas, resulting in an explosion. The explosion blew out a window and sent two adults to the hospital with breathing problems. Four firefighters required decontamination at the scene. The homeowner was advised not to re-enter the home until a hazmat contractor could be hired to complete the cleanup.

23. Storage Area Questions • Is there adequate lighting for reading labels on containers? • Are there leaks from roofs, windows, water pipes, hoses or sprinkler systems? • Are the chemicals kept off the floor on pallets or shelves? • Are the shelves anchored to prevent tipping? • Do the shelves have lips or other means of preventing chemical containers from falling off? • Is there enough room to allow unobstructed movement without bumping chemical containers? • Are containers of chemicals not stacked? • Is the chemical storage area locked? • Is the storage area posted with hazard warning signs? • Are the different chemicals separated from each other?

24. Storage Guidelines at UCCS Store in sanitization (chlorine room) Sodium bicarbonate Calcium chloride, anhydrous Non-Chlorine Shock Pro-guard 60% Algaecide Phosphate Remover Descaler Calcium hypochlorite pucks aka accu-tabs (water reactive) (max of 200 lbs. – excess store in mechanical room) Calcium hypochlorite Granules (water reactive) Store in acid room "Acid Magic" (most hazardous component is hydrochloric acid) Pro-guard 60% Algaecide Phosphate Remover

25. Preventing Chemical Wetting Live Green • What is chemical wetting? Addition of a limited volume of water to a chemical. • Why is chemical wetting dangerous? It can produce an unwanted chemical reaction and release a toxic gas.

26. Potential Sources of Water Live Green Leaks from roofs, windows, doors, wall and floor joints, water pipes, hoses, sprinkler systems, and drains. Moisture from air when the humidity is high.

27. Preventing Contact with Water Live Green ALWAYS Close containers properly and tightly. Enclose opened or damaged packaging in waterproof containers. Store chemicals off the floor and away from doors and windows. Check for faulty or clogged floor drains. Be careful when water is used for cleanup of areas near stored packages.

28. Storage incident From the file Live Green One example of an incident involving chemicals that release chlorine was a fire at a chemical distribution facility in Springfield, Massachusetts, on June 17, 1988. Rainwater leaked into a storage room where 600 to 800 cardboard drums, each containing 300 pounds of solid swimming pool chemicals (probably trichloroisocyanuric acid), were kept. The chemicals exploded, starting a fire which set off the sprinkler system. That water soaked the remaining drums and set off more explosions, spreading the fire to other rooms in the building. The fire, explosions, and release to air lasted three days. Over 25,000 people were evacuated; 275 people were sent to the hospital with skin burns and respiratory problems.

29. Storage incident From the file Live Green At a Rensselaer County home, a lid was left open on a five-gallon pail that contained chlorine tablets allowing moisture to enter the pail. The chlorine tablets reacted with the water, producing chlorine gas and a strong odor in the area. An environmental agency and a hazardous materials team responded to the home and conducted cleanup.

30. Personal Protective Equipment Live Green DO Wear Protective Clothing When Handling Pool Chemicals That would mean a lab coat or old shirt, preferably with long sleeves. The same goes for long pants. The reason: if any of the chemicals spill or get splashed on your arms or legs -- bare skin -- it can be dangerous. A less traumatic but still important reason to wear the old lab coat or smock is to protect your regular clothing from getting chemical stains on them. Don't wear your newest and favorite pair of jeans to do this task. Don't go barefoot or wear sandals -- an old pair of shoes is a wise "fashion" choice here. On the subject of protective gear, go ahead and wear a pair of safety glasses (not your Oakleys)and gloves.

31. Personal Protective Equipment Hand Protection – gloves – pick the right one for the job and the chemicals in questions Eye Protection – goggles – glasses – face shield – use the right one for the job Body Protection –aprons, sleeves Respiratory Protection - masks

32. PPE Incident From the file Live Green A homeowner in Chautauqua County was applying stabilized chlorinating tablets to his swimming pool. The warning on the product label indicated that proper eye protection was necessary while using the tablets. The young man did not wear proper eye protection and dust from the product got into his eyes. He called the Poison Control Center and consulted his private physician about eye irritation that he experienced from the dust.

33. Empty Containers/Disposal Live Green Do Use All of the Chemical Before Disposal Containers of partially filled pool chemicals can perforate or spill, creating a toxic hazard and adding to overloaded landfills and waste. Simply put: it's a very ungreen thing to do. DO Wash Hands After Working with Pool Chemicals DON'T Dispose in Trash or Sewer Any spilled or unused chemicals should be disposed of according to the instructions on the label.

34. Potential for Chemical Exposure 4 ways that chemicals can enter your body • Eye or Skin contact and absorption • Ingestion • Inhalation of dry chemical dust/powders and/or vapors • Cross contamination to food, clothes or other non-lab materials. Live Green

35. First Aid • If someone breathes in a chemical: • Remove the person to fresh air • Stay with them until you are sure they are ok • If symptoms persist, call 911 or campus police • Report the incident to your supervisor • If someone gets a chemical on their skin/eyes: • Immediately flush for 15 minutes with cold water at an eye wash station or shower as appropriate • Always remove contacts immediately after contamination • Seek medical attention if symptoms develop (rash or hives are typical symptoms) • Call 911 or campus police • Seek medical treatment • Report the incident to your supervisor • If someone ingests a chemical: • Remove the person from the area • Call 911 or campus police • Have someone locate the SDS for instructions • Report the incident to your supervisor

36. Accidental Release Measures Determine if the spill is Incidental Spill or Emergency Response Spill

37. Accidental Release Measures Incidental SpillA spill you can handle on your own (or with the help of a coworker)

38. Accidental Release Measures Incidental Spill How do you know if you can handle the spill? Ask yourself if you: • Have the right kind of spill cleanup materials. • Have the proper gloves, goggles and other protective equipment (i.e.: apron, face shield). • Have no exposure risk because it is a low toxicity chemical. • Have no one with a chemical exposure or injury. • Have experience or training in cleaning up this type of spill. • Have a spill that will not go down the drain. • Have spilled less than a gallon, minimizing the fire and exposure risks.

39. Accidental Release Measures Incidental Spill Cleanup Warn Wear Wipe Wrap How do you clean up an Incidental Spill? Follow the 4W Procedure:

40. Accidental Release Measures An Incidental spill becomes an Emergency Response spill if you: Do not have the proper spill cleanup materials. Do not know how to safely clean it up. Do not have your PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coat) to clean it up. Have to clean up more than a gallon of a toxic or volatile liquid. If any of these factors come into play and you cannot safely clean up your spill, and you should implement the Emergency Response spill procedure, described on the next page.

41. Accidental Release Measures Emergency Spill Response If you have a chemical spill that is too large to handle on your own, or one in which you do not have the proper cleanup equipment or PPE, it is an Emergency Response spill and you should follow these 4 steps: Warn others and evacuate the area. If there is a fire, pull the fire alarm. Secure the area: close the door, use caution tape, a sign, or post an employee (at a safe distance) to warn others not to enter.* Report the spill from a safe location. (Call the UCCS Police at 911 or x3111. Give your name, call back phone number, building name, location of release, and the name and quantity of the chemical released. Wait for the emergency responders from Environmental Health and Safety to provide them spill details. *Important If there is a fire or large-scale release of toxic or flammable gases, pull the fire alarm and evacuate all building occupants. Give verbal instructions to those in the immediate area to ensure they do not evacuate through the affected area of the chemical release.

42. Accidental Release Measures Live Green DON'T Use Other Cleaning Compounds When Cleaning Up Chemical Spills You accidentally sloshed some chlorine on the pool deck. Please don't clean it up with another cleaning solvent. Again, that don't-mix-chemicals rule.

43. From the file Live Green During 2002--2008, an estimated 28,071 cases of illness or injury associated with pool disinfectants and other pool chemicals occurred nationally (an average of 4,010 cases per year). Most cases occurred at private residences. In the six states participating in the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risk (SENSOR)--Pesticides surveillance program, 40% of cases were work-related, 9% of which involved loss of 1 or more days from work. The most frequently identified causes of illness or injury were mixing incompatible chemicals, spills and splashes of pool chemicals, lack of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use, lack of proper training and supervision, and dust clouds or fumes generated by opening a pool chemical container.

44. From the file Live Green FIGURE. Estimated number of emergency department visits for injuries associated with pool chemicals --- United States, 1998--2007

45. If you have questions or need additional information or assistance contact Department of Environmental Health and Safety Cindy Norton – cnorton@uccs.edu 255-3212