CAT CAT Emergency Procedures and Response

Question 1

What is the first action an aquatic technician should take upon discovering a pool patron in distress in the water?

Accepted Answer

Activate the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and alert lifeguard staff immediately

Answer

The first step is to activate the facility's Emergency Action Plan and alert trained lifeguard staff, as technicians are not typically the designated rescuers.

Question 2

Which chemical combination is extremely dangerous and must never be allowed at an aquatic facility?

Accepted Answer

Mixing chlorine and acid (muriatic acid) together

Answer

Mixing chlorine (oxidizer) directly with muriatic acid releases toxic chlorine gas, which is immediately dangerous to life and health.

Question 3

When a pool chemical spill occurs, what PPE should an aquatic technician don before attempting cleanup?

Accepted Answer

Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and appropriate respiratory protection per the SDS

Answer

The SDS for each pool chemical specifies the required PPE; at minimum, chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and respiratory protection are needed for spill response.

Question 4

What is breakpoint chlorination, and when is it used as an emergency procedure?

Accepted Answer

Super-chlorinating to 10× the combined chlorine level to destroy chloramines causing water quality issues

Answer

Breakpoint chlorination involves adding enough chlorine (typically 10× the combined chlorine level) to oxidize all chloramines and restore free chlorine effectiveness.

Question 5

How should an aquatic technician respond to a fecal accident (formed stool) in a public pool?

Accepted Answer

Close the pool, remove the feces, raise free chlorine to 20 ppm at pH 7.5, hold for 8 hours

Answer

The CDC/MAHC protocol for a formed-stool fecal accident requires closing the pool, removing the stool, raising free chlorine to 20 ppm at pH 7.5, and maintaining that level for 8 hours to inactivate Giardia.

(CAT) Certified Aquatic Technicians Practice Test

(CAT) Certified Aquatic Technicians Practice Test

CAT CAT Emergency Procedures and Response