2. Provision and Use of Work Equipment
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) apply to all work equipment, which is used by employees. The primary objective of the Regulations is to ensure that no work equipment gives rise to risks to health and safety, regardless of the work equipment's age, condition or origin. All employees must be competent to use work equipment with due regard to health and safety.
The Approved Code of Practice and Guidance on PUWER Safe use of work equipment. Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 emphasizes the importance of training and proper supervision with the working environment.
3. Supervision arrangements to safeguard pool users
All pools require some measure of supervision but arrangements for each location must be determined by the risk assessment. The risk assessment undertaken at a swimming pool will need to include not only the physical hazards but those relating to swimmers and swimming-related activities.
- Local circumstances
- The pool structure and equipment
- The way the pool is used and the characteristics of those who may use it
4. Potential hazards/risks
- Inadequate or inappropriate supervision
- Health problems(heart trouble, impaired vision/hearing)
- Alcohol or food before swimming
- Youth or inexperience
- Weak or non-swimmers straying out of their depth
- Diving into shallow depth of water
- Unruly behaviour and misuse of equipment
- Unclear pool water
- Absence or inadequate response in an emergency
5. Duties of a lifeguard
- Communicate effectively with pool users
- Anticipate problems and prevent accidents
- Intervene to prevent behaviour which is unsafe
- Identify emergencies quickly and take appropriate action
- Effect a rescue from the water
- Give immediate first aid to any casualty
All lifeguards need to be qualified or effectively trained to enable them to carry out their role and tasks, efficiently for health and safety welfare of all in their charge. Their duties should be restricted and supervised until the necessary competence has been acquired.
REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS
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