CAT CAT Emergency Procedures and Response 2

Question 1

What procedure should be followed if a pool patron reports eye or skin irritation that may be caused by pool chemicals?

Accepted Answer

Flush the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15–20 minutes and contact Poison Control if needed

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Evacuate all personnel upwind, call 911, and do not re-enter without SCBA equipment

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Close the pool and hyperchlorinate to 20 ppm free chlorine at pH 7.5 for at least 28 hours

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Immediately when lightning is observed or thunder is heard within 8 miles (30-second rule)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory complications occurring hours after a near-drowning water aspiration incident

Answer

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.

(CAT) Certified Aquatic Technicians Practice Test

(CAT) Certified Aquatic Technicians Practice Test

CAT CAT Emergency Procedures and Response 2