Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment

April 2007

Appendix A

Kent County Council

Risk Assessment
For
(Insert School Name)
School Pool
(Insert Date)

Kent County Council

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007

MODEL RISK ASSESSMENT

ESTABLISHMENT
Source of Hazard

Pool Design
i.e. Blind spots, glare

SUBJECT OF ASSESSMENT*
School Swimming
Persons
Affected &
Number

Control measures in place

Pool Surround

Insufficient lighting

Environment
i.e. humidity / temperature

Kent County Council

ASSESSOR(S)

Competent & trained staff.

Qualification renewed every 2
years.
Ongoing staff training.
Lifeguard positions defined in
NOP and actions to take in
the event of glare.
Non slip floor surfaces.
Effective cleaning schedules
& inspections.
Checked on a daily basis by
caretaker.
The poolside should be
washed down every night to
clear any residual chlorine
from the tiles to ensure the
longevity of the pool surround.
Regular maintenance
program in operation.
If the bottom of the pool
cannot be seen then no-one
is allowed to swim.
Air handling systems in place.
Humidity and temperature
checks taken on daily basis.

DATE
High
Risk

Medium
Risk

Low
Risk

Further action required, by whom,

timescale or reference to other
assessments plus information
NB. Lifesavers will need to move around the
poolside to avoid glare, and be able to see the
pool bottom.

NB. If the pool surround is slippery, non-slip

matting is available that can be laid over the
existing tiles.

NB That change in weather will result a change

in the environment of an indoor pool as well as
outdoor pool.

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007
Pool inlets and Outlets

Pool Access ladders

Disabled access

Unauthorised access

Kent County Council

Suitable and sufficient lighting

Inlets and outlets of the pool
circulation system should
have suitable covers to
prevent limbs and fingers
getting trapped.
Undue suction should not be
created which could result in
a body being held against a
grille.
There should be no exposed
sharp edges.
Regular inspections of the
steps to ensure that there are
no sharp edges or damaged
steps.
Inspections are recorded.

Poolside hoist in operation.

Regular service and
maintenance by reputable
contractor.
Staff trained in operation.
Pool secures when not in use.
Fencing is in good condition
and locks are fit for purpose.
Caretaker checks pool area
as part of opening and closing
procedures.
NOP and EAP in operation.

NB. Check size of apertures for existing pools,

they should not exceed 8mm (BS EN: 13451
(HSE managing health and safety in swimming
pools)).

NB Where moving or handling operations are in

place please complete the relevant manual
handling risk assessment.
Staff training may also be required.
NB. Pool covers should be used during holidays
and winter.

Water Quality

Deep Water / Shallow Water

supervision

Diving / Jumping

Kent County Council

Competent / trained staff.

Effective water quality control
in place.
Pool water tests including
chemical levels, clarity and
temperature are performed
every? hours.
Planned Preventative
Maintenance schedule in
place.
Reactive maintenance
schedule is ongoing.
Specialist contractors brought
in for regular service of pool
water treatment plant and
equipment. NOP and EAP in
place.
Competent & trained staff.
If water depth exceeds 1.2m
the National Pool Lifeguard
Qualification is required.
Water depth signs around the
pool.
Shallow area segregated
where necessary from deep
water by use of lane rope /
boom.
See additional guidance
regarding supervision
competencies on Clusterweb.
The minimum depth of water
where shallow diving should
be allowed is 1.5m.
Clear warning signs should be
visible around the pool to

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007
NB. For additional information on pool water
treatment please acquire the Swimming Pool
Water Treatment and Quality standards produce
by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group
(PTWAG).
NB. Manual dosing systems tested every 2
hours. Automated systems to minimum of 3
times a day.

NB Where changing rooms lead directly on to

poolside (especially to deep water) it is
recommended that there is a physical barrier to
stop children from gaining unauthorised access
to the pool i.e. balustrading.

NB. Where diving platforms are in use they

should meet the FINA regulations.

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007

Level and Quality of Supervision

for programmed sessions
i.e. Risk of drowning

Level and Quality of Supervision

for unprogrammed sessions
i.e. Risk of drowning

Swimmers with Special needs

Kent County Council

advise swimmers of water

depth, safe diving areas and
general diving rules.
NOP and EAP in operation.
Competent / trained staff.
Induction & ongoing staff
training.
Staffing ratios in accordance
with ASA and Managing H&S
in swimming pools guidance.
Defined in the Normal Pool
operating (NOP) procedure.
Emergency action plan (EAP)
in place.
For unprogrammed swimming
staffs are to be trained to the
National Pool Lifeguard
qualification (NPLQ).
Bather loads are imposed as
per managing safety in
swimming pools and not
exceeded.
Induction & ongoing staff
training. Staffing ratios in
Managing H&S in swimming
pools.
Normal Pool operating (NOP)
procedure and Emergency
action plan (EAP) in place.
Refer to KCC heath and
safety policy for swimming
and water safety section 5.
For participants who require
specialist help or prefer
segregation a range of

NB. Please see KCC heath and safety policy for

swimming and water safety

NB. Please see managing safety in swimming

pools for a table regarding bather loads
dependant on the size of the pool (table 2 page
63).

NB. An individual risk assessment should be

undertaken for each individual to ensure that
safety measure and are in place and risks are
controlled.

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007

Swimmers with known medical

needs

Missing Children

CRB Checks / child protection

Kent County Council

provision may be both

possible and preferable.
Their participation may be
fully integrated, integrated
and supported or a specialist
disabled session.
These specific needs can be
determined through direct
consultation with the
individual or parent, their
swimming background and
observation on how the
disability affects their
swimming style.
Written parental consent must
be obtained before pupils can
take part.
Pupils must be supervised
carefully and by a responsible
adult. This may require
additional staff to aid in
supervision.
A register / headcount should
be recorded prior to and after
the swimming session to
ensure all children are
accounted for.
Implementing the buddy
system is also recommended.

NB. Pupils with epilepsy require careful

observation, as shimmering water or flickering
lights may trigger a seizure.

NB. This is a higher risk if you are swimming off

site.
Some may wish to perform a headcount during
the swimming sessions.

All teachers have enhanced

CRB checks.
Any coaches or teachers
being employed from outside
of the school should be
subject to the CRB checks

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007

First aid Provision

Rescue Equipment

Pool Equipment

Kent County Council

before commencing work.

Volunteers that help out
swimming sessions maybe
required by the school to have
a CRB check.
Adequate levels of trained
first aiders on site.
When administering first aid
staffs where possible to wear
PPE.
A fully stocked 1st aid kit is
easily accessible.
Face shields should be
available on request from staff
for resuscitation.
Communication network in
place.
NOP and EAP in operation.
Suitable and sufficient rescue
equipment.
This includes Throw bag,
reach pole, torpedo buoy,
face shield, first aid kit,
blankets etc.
Staffs are trained and
competent in its use.
Woggles, floats and other
equipment should be in a
good condition.
Equipment needs to be
checked prior to lessons.
Children misusing equipment
to be disciplined accordingly.
The equipment should be
stored in a safe and dry

NB. Only staff that has received training in the

correct use of a face shield should use it.

NB. Spinal board may be required where staff

have received the National Pool Lifeguard
Qualification due to the depth and/or nature of
the pool.

NB. It is worth noting that to prolong the life of

perishable items i.e. floats, a periodic cleaning of
equipment with fresh water is good practise.

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007
Pool Covers
(covering the pool)

Pool Covers
(Removing the cover)

Goggles / Masks

Changing facilities

Kent County Council

location.
Minimum of 2 person
operation.
Ensure the pool cover is
pulled tight allowing no water
to get on top to reduce the
chance of it sinking and
ensure it covers the whole
pool.
Minimum 2 person operation.
Slowly pull the cover off and
whilst doing so, fold in a
concertina fashion.
Push all air out of fold, wipe
down and dry as far as
possible.
When the cover has been
removed, roll it up and move
to storage area immediately.
These should not be worn
unless in exceptional
circumstances.
Any goggles used should be
made of unbreakable plastic
or rubber.
Pupils should be taught to
remove them by slipping them
off their head, rather than by
stretching the retaining band.
Each school will need to
assess the risk for the own
sites with regards to the
following: - showers and other
washing facilities, seating,
floors, equipment i.e.
hairdryers and toilets.

NB. It is all suggested that laced non-slip training

shoes be worn for this task.
Safe working practise should be introduced and
manual handling assessment undertaken.

NB. It is all suggested that laced non-slip training

shoes be worn for this task.
Safe working practise should be introduced and
manual handling assessment undertaken.

NB. Flippers, snorkels etc. are not allowed in the

majority of pools unless being used by a
swimming club.

NB. Where possible the temperature should be

maintained at 24c and have 10 air changes per
hour (discuss).

Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007

Hygiene

Clubs / private hire / lettings

Kent County Council

Separate changing facilities

for girls and boys.
Disabled changing facilities.
Pupils should be encouraged
to perform the recommended
hygiene procedures before
entering the water.
Hirers must provide minimum
of 5million cover for public
liability.
Must produce a risk
assessment of activities being
undertaken.
Must provide adequate
lifeguard and 1st aid cover.
Must sign contract of letting.
School to provide the hirer
with copies of NOP and EAP.
Site manager to ensure that
water quality is maintained to
good standards.
Hirers must adhere to
instructions form the school.
Any specialist equipment i.e.
scuba diving needs to be risk
assessed and lifeguards have
appropriate qualification to
perform rescue.
Coaches taking sessions
must provide evidence of
qualifications.
Supervision ratios for
programmed and
unprogrammed sessions
apply to private lettings.

NB. The Institute of Sport and Recreation

Management have posters that can be
purchased regarding pool hygiene.
NB. Please refer to Invicta manual for letting
information.
Normal NPLQ does not include recovering
casualties with breathing apparatus i.e. scuba
divers.

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Kent County Council Schools Health and Safety Handbook

Section 9.10 Safe Practice in School Swimming: Appendix A Risk Assessment
April 2007

Review Date .
Signed by .
Job Title

Kent County Council

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