CAT CAT Emergency Procedures and Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What procedure should be followed if a pool patron reports eye or skin irritation that may be caused by pool chemicals?
- Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15–20 minutes and contact Poison Control if needed (Correct answer)
- Apply a neutralizing cream and continue swimming
- Test the pool water and adjust chemistry while the patron stays in the pool
- Advise the patron to rinse off and return to swimming
Correct answer: Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15–20 minutes and contact Poison Control if needed
Chemical exposure to eyes or skin requires immediate flushing with large amounts of water for 15–20 minutes, followed by contacting Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) if irritation persists.
Question 2: Which response is correct when chlorine gas is detected leaking from the pool chemical storage room?
- Evacuate all personnel upwind, call 911, and do not re-enter without SCBA equipment (Correct answer)
- Ventilate the room by opening windows and attempt to stop the leak
- Neutralize the leak with ammonia spray
- Isolate the room and wait for the gas to dissipate
Correct answer: Evacuate all personnel upwind, call 911, and do not re-enter without SCBA equipment
Chlorine gas is a toxic, heavier-than-air gas; the correct response is to evacuate all personnel upwind, call 911, and allow only trained hazmat personnel with SCBA to re-enter.
Question 3: What is a cryptosporidium (crypto) outbreak response protocol at a public pool?
- Close the pool and hyperchlorinate to 20 ppm free chlorine at pH 7.5 for at least 28 hours (Correct answer)
- Raise chlorine to 5 ppm and reopen after 2 hours
- Drain and refill the pool entirely without chemical treatment
- Shock dose with algaecide and close for 1 hour
Correct answer: Close the pool and hyperchlorinate to 20 ppm free chlorine at pH 7.5 for at least 28 hours
Cryptosporidium is chlorine-resistant; the MAHC/CDC protocol requires hyperchlorinating to 20 ppm free chlorine at pH 7.5 and maintaining that level for 28 hours to achieve 99.9% inactivation.
Question 4: When should an aquatic facility be closed due to lightning?
- Immediately when lightning is observed or thunder is heard within 8 miles (30-second rule) (Correct answer)
- Only when lightning strikes within 1 mile
- When the National Weather Service issues a tornado watch
- Only during an active thunderstorm with visible strikes overhead
Correct answer: Immediately when lightning is observed or thunder is heard within 8 miles (30-second rule)
The standard lightning protocol requires closing outdoor pools when lightning is seen or thunder heard (the 30-30 rule: 30 seconds between flash and thunder = lightning within 6 miles), with many facilities using an 8-mile radius as the threshold.
Question 5: What does the term 'secondary drowning' or 'dry drowning' mean for aquatic facility staff?
- Respiratory complications occurring hours after a near-drowning water aspiration incident (Correct answer)
- A second drowning event at the same facility within one season
- Drowning that occurs in very shallow water
- Cardiac arrest caused by cold water shock
Correct answer: Respiratory complications occurring hours after a near-drowning water aspiration incident
Secondary drowning (now termed post-immersion syndrome) involves delayed respiratory distress hours after a water aspiration incident, requiring patrons to seek medical evaluation even after an apparently minor event.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure for storing and transporting pool chemicals to prevent an emergency?
- Store oxidizers and acids separately, in a cool dry area with secondary containment, and never mix containers (Correct answer)
- Stack all chemicals together in a locked room for convenience
- Transport all chemicals in the same vehicle compartment to minimize trips
- Store chlorine tablets and liquid acid next to each other for quick access
Correct answer: Store oxidizers and acids separately, in a cool dry area with secondary containment, and never mix containers
Pool chemicals, especially oxidizers (chlorine) and acids (muriatic acid), must be stored separately with secondary containment to prevent reactive mixing and potential toxic gas release or fire.
CAT CAT Emergency Procedures and Response 2
What procedure should be followed if a pool patron reports eye or skin irritation that may be caused by pool chemicals?