CHEMICAL SAFETY
To handle swimming pool chemicals safely they must be used and stored properly.
Problems
occur when careless mistakes are made.
By reading and following the label instructions along
with some easy safety rules below, accidents can be prevented. In addition to these safety
recommendations be certain to always read and follow the directions on the bottle label.
MSDS should be available on the chemical company’s website or telephone hotline
for specific safety and handling instructions.
In the event of an emergency that
requires medical treatment have the product container on hand and immediately call
911 or U.S. Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222
1. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CLOSELY: MIX CHEMICALS ONLY AS INSTRUCTED.
2. NEVER add water to chemicals—add chemicals to water slowly.
3. ALWAYS use the exact dosage specified on the label by the manufacturer.
4. PROTECT eyes with glasses or a mask when handling chemicals.
5. ALWAYS open product containers in a well-ventilated area.
6. NEVER mix different chemicals together.
This can produce a chemical reaction that can
lead to a fire, toxic fumes or explosion.
7. ALWAYS use a clean dipper or scoop; free of oil, grease, or insecticides.
Even a small
amount of residue can combine with the chemicals and produce a danger.
8. ALWAYS keep chemicals in their original containers, tightly sealed.
9. STORE your chemicals in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area away from household items
such as fertilizer, gasoline, oil, or other cleaning solutions.
10. NEVER store any liquid products directly over or directly next to dry pool products (trichlor,
granular chlorinators, shock products).
11. KEEP liquid acid (muriatic) and liquid chlorine products away from each other and away
from all shock products and chlorine-based products.
12. SEPARATE your pool care products with an empty space (at least 3 feet) as a buffer zone
between products.
13. CAREFULLY read the active ingredient section on the front of the product label to
determine what acids, balance chemicals, or oxidizers it contains.
14. ALWAYS clean up spills immediately with a clean broom or dust pan.
Dispose of spilled
materials in clean container.
DO NOT PUT SPILLED CHEMICALS BACK IN THEIR
ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
The chemical may have been contaminated.
15. REMEMBER to rinse plastic dispensing containers with water after use.
16. KEEP chemicals away from electrical equipment and open flames.
17. NEVER FLUSH excessive amounts of chemicals down storm sewers.
In case of large
spills, contact your local fire department for assistance.
18. ALWAYS wash hands thoroughly after handling chemicals.