1

THE ISPE

AND JOIN

THE ISPE YOU

NEED

In this month’s magazine: Page 1 Child drowning Page 2 Misleading ISPE article Page 3 Legionnaires victims compensated Page 4 ISPE endorsed Legionnaires seminar Page 5 Concern over spray features Page 6 EAP for hand dosing hypochlorite Page 7 Answer to your question Page 8 Showering before swimming Page 9 Real pool help manual Page 10 Another misleading headline Page 10 John Green’s tales of yesteryear Page 11 ISPE application form Page 12 ISPE application form (cont) Page 13 Eric Anorak’s horoscope Page 14 Adverts Page 15 Wilson’s Pool & Spa Manual

Wilson’s News

from Studies In Work Volume 2 Issue 7 August 2015

Sadly this incident occurred on the afternoon on the 13th July at the Quality Hotel, Redbarn, Youghal.

A three-year-old boy has died following an incident at a swimming pool in Cork yesterday.

The little boy, who was from Tipperary and was on holidays with his family, was taken from the water

by two lifeguards who administered CPR before he was airlifted to Cork University Hospital by the

Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter.

He was later transferred to Children's University Hospital, Temple Street in Dublin where he died today.

A statement from the hotel said management and staff were deeply saddened about the boy's death and

are very shocked and upset and their thoughts are with the boy's family.

A full investigation is under way and counselling has been offered to both guests and staff.

Allen says: As a child, I spent the majority of my Summer holidays in Youghal, Co. Cork and travelled

there only last year. I have in recent years been involved in the investigation of pool deaths of young

children in the Mediterranean areas and find this very sad. I can only repeat my warning from the July

magazine where I said, “nobody loves your children as much as you do.” Until their swimming abil-

ity is as good, or better than yours, always accompany them into the water, be it a pool or beach

Three year old dies in hotel pool incident

2

Comment from Allen Wilson

I would comment upon the excellent article in the June ISPE edition by Julia Noe-Frank. The part of the article that however I

take exception to is where she quotes from PWTAG regarding chlorine levels. Her interpretation states:

Disinfectant control: Maintain the level of free chlorine at 1.0 mg/l or below, to an absolute minimum of 0.5mg/l

PWTAG state in their book, ‘Swimming Pool Water’ “this should be possible at less than 1.0 mg/l – provided pH, turnover,

Hydraulics, loading, dosing, filtration, etc are in line with their book’s recommendation. In the less than ideal conditions

that may apply in many UK pools, the free chlorine residual may need to be over 1.0mg/l but the target should be 1.0 to

1.5mg/l” Where PWTAG mentions a minimum of 0.5 mg/l, it states, ‘here a minimum of 0.5 mg/l will generally be necessary at a pH

value no higher than 7.2 – and that assumes the pool is well designed and maintained’

Unfortunately in my own experience, a large percentage of the pools not just in the UK, are not well designed and/or operated.

I personally feel that the American National Swimming Pool Foundation levels you quote are also on the high side.

On my ISPE endorsed pool plant training course manual, it is advocated that the free chlorine level should be maintained

between 1.0 and 3mg/l unless there is an UV or Ozone system and then it can be lowered, following successful microbiological

tests.

The majority of Pools in the UK use either Calcium or Sodium Hypochlorite with pH between 11.00 and 13.00 making it

extremely difficult to maintain the pH in the lower section of the advocated range (7.2 to 7.6).

I would further point out that many pool operators in the UK use stabilised chlorine; Trichloroisocyanuric acid or Sodium

dichloroisocyanuratedihydrate and with these substances, PWTAG advocate that the minimum level should be 1.5mg/l and this

should be increased to 2.5mgl/ if the Cyanuric acid (CYA) content is allowed to reach 100mg/l. I would add that I personally

do not endorse CYA levels above 60mg/l and this should be controlled by adequate dilution.

Please feel free to comment

Allen J Wilson

President ISPE

Reply From: Julia Noe-Frank

Hi Allen,

Thanks for your interest in my article and the opportunity to be in the ISPE magazine.

I used indeed the THE MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF SWIMMING POOL WATER, Pool Water Treatment

Advisory Group, April 2014.

11.4.1 For all pools using hypochlorites, assuming the pH value is 7.2, the free chlorine levels

should be maintained at 1mg/l or below, to an absolute minimum of 0.5mg/l. The use of ozone or

UV (see 5.7) can help minimise the required free chlorine levels. These values can be achieved

only where the pool is designed and engineered and operated well with effective pre-swim

hygiene and not overloaded. For pool using chlorinated isocyanurates as disinfectant, free chlorine should be

maintained at 2.5-5mg/l and the cyanuric acid at 50-100mg/l.

I agree that these values are provided by PWTAG assuming ideal conditions of design and operation, which might not always

reflect the operation conditions for many UK pools. Lacking of context, the values I provided can appear impossible to reach.

Surely training will help to manage operations and control chemical levels at acceptable levels for the pool and the bathers.

Julia Noe-Frank

Hi Julia

Sadly you are now mentioning the important facts that were omitted in your original article and should have initially been

pointed out at that stage to the ISPE magazine readers.

I would point out also that you in your original article you failed to mention the importance of Ozone or UV systems or indeed

levels when using stabilised chlorine.

I appreciate that training will help but as the recent Welsh EHO report on pools pointed out, training is often the exception and

not the rule .

My concern is that people will see your article as ‘Gospel’ and apply it in circumstances that are often far from ideal.

Regards

Allen Wilson

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

Misleading ISPE magazine article quoting chlorine levels

3

Stoke-on-Trent Legionnaires’ Disease Victims Receive Substantial settlement

Victims of the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease caused by a hot tub on display at the JTF Warehouse in Stoke-on-Trent in 2012 have avoided a court battle after specialist public health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell managed to secure a substantial six-figure settlement on their behalf. The families of three people who died from the disease and 14 people who also contracted Legionnaires’ disease instructed specialist public health lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause of their illnesses and to represent them after the outbreak struck in summer 2012. Irwin Mitchell issued court proceedings against JTF Wholesale Limited earlier this year in an attempt to bring the final 4 cases to a close and now an undisclosed sum in damages has been agreed for the remaining claims. After JTF admitted civil liability for the claims, the group has now received damages for their pain and suffering, lost earnings and care. The families of those who sadly died have received damages for their bereavement, funeral expenses and other losses as a result of the deaths of their loved ones. Inquests into the three deaths are also due to be held later this year and the Crown Prosecution Service is also considering whether to pursue criminal charges. The outbreak of illness struck more than 20 people in the summer of 2012, with the Health Protection Agency confirming that a spa pool on display at the JTF Warehouse, off King Street, Fenton, contained the same strain of Legionella as those that had become ill. Expert Opinion “Nothing can turn back the clock but we are pleased to have finally con-cluded these cases allowing those families affected to begin to move on with their lives. “There are strict controls in place which are designed to reduce the risk of Legionella contamination in public spaces, but sadly all of those who contracted this dreadful condition were badly let down by JTF Wholesale on this occasion. “It’s important that lessons are learned from this incident to ensure that the risk of any similar out-break in the future is reduced.” "There are strict controls designed to reduce the risk of Legionella contami-nation, but sadly all of those who contracted this dreadful condition were badly let down by JTF. “the

adequacy of Legionnaires’ prevention control is an important issue for my team and I, and I would urge anybody who feels that they have been affected by this issue to get in touch.”

said Amandeep Dhillon, an expert public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell,

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

ISPE endorsed Legionnaires Aware-ness training course & seminar One day ‘hands on’ training course or half day seminar. Aims: To develop the knowledge and skills to recognise environments where the Legionella bacterium will thrive and multiply. Who will be exposed and the steps to minimise this hazard.

Seminar Syllabus What is Legionnaires disease History The law Installations that present a risk Assessing the risk Control measures: frequency & action: what we should be doing Monitoring and recording Whole day training course

What is Legionnaires disease

History The law Installations that present a risk Assessing the risk Control measures: frequency & action: what we should be doing Monitoring and recording Legionella risk audit & assessment This course is limited to twelve delegates Examination is by the student demonstrating their competence in areas covered Student entry cost £10.00 + VAT Certification of participation is by Studies In Work Costs Seminar £79.00 + VAT Whole day training course £95.00 + VAT

SPECIAL OFFER Each delegate will receive a free infra red

thermometer (normal price £20.00) plus model legionella risk assessments on DVD (priceless)

Courses and seminars are scheduled in the next few months in the

Gloucester, Birmingham and London area, plus other areas on

demand.

If you want your own one day training course the cost is only

£395.00 plus travel costs, plus £20.00 per delegate + VAT

A Seminar is £315.00 plus travel costs, plus £20.00 per delegate +

VAT

Adequate training is a legal requirement!

Contact Allen on info@studiesinwork.co.uk for more details

4

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

Avoiding Legionnaires Disease

An ISPE endorsed seminar from Studies In Work

H&S Consultants Who needs to attend?

If you are an employer, or someone in control of premises, health clubs, leisure centre,

schools, offices, factories, hotels, etc, or an engineer working on water systems, you must

understand the health risks associated with legionella bacteria. Knowledge helps you to

control these risks. Duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSWA)

extend to risks from legionella bacteria.

Seminar aims To develop the knowledge and skills to recognise environments where the Legionella

bacterium will thrive and multiply. Who will be exposed and the steps to minimise this

hazard. It is a legal requirement that there should be adequate knowledge and training on

this important subject.

Syllabus

What is Legionnaires

History

The law

The Duty Holder and the Responsible Person

Installations that present a risk

Assessing the risk

Control measures: frequency & action: what we should be doing

Monitoring and recording

Seminar duration: 10.00 to 13.00

This seminar is limited to 25 delegates

Venue:

Certification of participation is by Studies In Work

Delegate cost: £79.00 + VAT including refreshments, notes, 15 point

plan and model Risk Assessment on DVD, plus a suitable thermometer for carrying out

temperature checks.

To arrange your own course:

Call us now on 01452 417533 or 07885 615547

Studies In Work H&S Consultants

90 Tuffley Crescent, Gloucester, GL1 5NE

Tel 01452 417533 mob 07885 615547

Email info@studiesinwork.co.uk website www.studiesinwork.co.uk

Visit our website for details

5

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

Outbreak News Today

Outbreak News Today is a new American health and disease “magazine” news website focused on the latest news and information pertaining to infectious diseases. Non- communicable diseases and other health news is also covered. The website breaks down the latest news by area of the globe for easy searching. This is a recent article taken from it; Interactive fountains (also known as spray parks and pads) feature water discharged from jets, sprinklers, cannons, spray nozzles and sculptures, which are mounted on accessible, ground-level play platforms. Children can manipulate varieties of valve caps and nozzles to control how they are sprayed or doused with water. These venues provide accessible and free entertainment with their very shallow or ‘zero-depth’ environments; drowning potential is extremely low. They require relatively lower construction costs and far lower operating costs than outdoor swimming pools–in some municipalities, public swimming pools account for the highest operating cost of any recreational or cultural facility. It is not surprising, then, that interactive fountains are appearing in parks everywhere, while many city pools are closing. Interactive fountains must draw their water from one of two sources: continuous flow from a jurisdiction’s treated drinking water system or a self-contained re-circulating treatment system. Continuous flow systems require relatively less upfront construction costs, but many operators prefer to build self-contained systems—these collect water from the play area into underground storage reservoirs for filtering, chlorination and re-use. Because water from re-circulating systems is not lost to sewerage, water wastage and operating costs are far lower. Within re-circulating systems, storage tanks can hold four to five times their flow rate, so their valves can stream unrestricted for maximum soaking effect and at a warmer ambient temperature, without the need for mechanical heat—a preferred experience for bathers. In theory, with the proper chlorination and filtration equipment in place, a re-circulating system should be nearly as hygienic as a continuous flow system. Unfortunately, interactive fountains with re-circulating systems have been implicated as the source of outbreaks since 1997 of recreational water-associated diarrheal disease caused by a protozoan, Cryptosporidium. This parasite infects over 45 species of animals, including birds, rodents, dogs, cats, while two of its species are associated most often with human infection, C. parvum and C. hominis. Symptoms, which include malaise, profuse and watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever and severe cramping, typically wax and wane for 30 days before self-resolving, but many cases are asymptomatic. Infection in immuno-compromised persons can manifest like cholera, become debilitating, lead to severe weight loss and even death. This organism produces oocysts, its infectious stage, which are shed by the millions in a single bowel movement. Transmission occurs via ingestion of faecally-contaminated water or food; since only as few as ten oocysts are necessary to initiate infection, a mouthful of water will suffice. Continued on next page.

Danger from Low content interactive spray parks and fountains

Allen says,

A hazard that appears to have been overlooked is the real

threat from Legionella bacteria. Anywhere where the water

can be slow moving or relatively stagnant and is between 20

and 45 degrees C the Legionella bacteria can reproduce and

multiply.

In the 2003/4 outbreak in Northern France that resulted in

more than ten fatalities, 80 people up twelve kilometres away

were affected. Thirty cases did not leave their local area of

residence, and 12 did not leave their home during the 10

days before becoming ill. This indicated that the bacteria once

it become airborne can stay in sufficient concentrations to

affect people a long way from where the bacteria is released.

So think of Gran and Gramp who may be sat on a park bench

close by watching, while their Grandchildren splash around

This is why it is of paramount importance that these facilities

should be both well maintained plus the level of disinfectant

and pH meticulously controlled. If they are using Sodium or

Calcium Hypochlorite then the levels, in my opinion, should

be kept between 2.0 and 4.0 mg/l with a pH within 7.2 and 7.4.

Also there should be ongoing flocculation and ideally a UV

system. The flocculent and the UV will give us the best

available protection against Legionnaires, Cryptosporidium

and Giardia.

If a stabilised chlorine donor such as Trichlor or Dichlor is

used, the disinfectant level should be maintained between 3.0

and 5.0mg/l. Because circumstances can change so rapidly

these features should always be automatically controlled. And

not subject to a ‘bucket & chuckit’ regime.

Legionnaires: yet another hazard

from interactive features

“Did you bring the Face masks for us to wear?”

“No! Allen. I only had enough room in my bag for the Werners and your spare incontinent pants!”

6

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

Continued from previous page However, even where fountains are operated under the same standards as swimming pools, often filtration and chlorination processes are not adequate to remove infective Cryptosporidium organisms from the water. Even at CDC mandated chlorine concentrations (1-3 mg/L) for recreational water venues, the parasite’s oocysts can survive for up 10 days. The CDC advises that treatment with ultraviolet light or ozone and enhanced filtration should complement chlorination for controlling this parasite in interactive fountains. Unhygienic activities by bathers are as much to blame for the transmission of Cryptosporidium in interactive fountains. In one outbreak, children played in an enclosed water area that had been designed only as a decorative fountain. Unattended accessibility for bathers presents no bar to entry for the pathogens that adhere to their feet and bodies (it has been estimated that bathers shed an average of 0.14 grammes of faecal material). There are no venues that can match spray parks for their potential to accumulate and spread the microbes of a community and aerosolise them in fine water droplets across an entire play area. It does not matter if water comes from a fresh or re-circulated source when it deflects off an infected bather’s bottom, especially a diapered one, and splashes into the face of a child playing nearby. Many jurisdictions have taken appropriate steps to make their interactive spray parks safer, but many still have not. Before you let your children enjoy your local interactive fountain, you should consider a few things. Investigate the hygienic standards set by your local authorities and the record of compliance and maintenance by the managers of the spray park. Check to see if bath-rooms, diaper-changing stations, showering facilities are available nearby. Inspect the venue to ensure that jets of water do not project up from the floor and that nozzles are not placed where children can sit on them. Cryptosporidium is only one reason to take extra care.

You asked, “ How much chlorine do I need to add manually if my controller packs up?”

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for addition of Calcium or Sodium Hypochlorite. This should only be undertaken in an emergency and never be the normal method of dosing. 1. Spas should never be hand dosed. If auto-dosing fails, close until repaired/replaced. 2. Chemicals should never be added to the pool whilst bathers are present. 3. Staff carrying out this task shall be competent, having received adequate training) to do so. 4. The correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should always be worn, e.g. Goggles, respirator, gauntlets, apron, overalls,

wellingtons, etc. 5. The approximate addition values (supplied) should be followed. 6. It can be added via a made up solution through the pump strainer basket or balance tank. Note; this will then take a

complete turnover period of the pool for all parts to be disinfected. 7. To add to a pool where bathers are not present: 8. With a deck level pool shut off circulating pump for 15 mins. whilst solution is being added 9. Use a pre-cleansed plastic watering can. 10. Fill with a 50/50 mix of water and sodium hypo (water in first). 11. If using Cal Hypo, add 50 grams to each five litres of water, (water in first). Stir to dissolve. 12. Walk around pool periphery spreading hypo solution evenly over surface of water. 13. Leave (or ideally sweep pool to ensure even distribution) for 15 mins. 14. Test to ensure adequate min level; 1. 0mg/l. 15. Also check pH as the addition of hypo solutions are likely to have raised it. 16. Enter actions & chlorine/pH levels on log sheet. 17. Reopen pool. 18. Rinse watering can and store. 19. Store chemicals. 20. Remove & store PPES (clean and/or discard as necessary) 21. Report defects to line manager.

Pool capacity = Length x Width x average depth To raise Calcium hypochlorite re-

quired Sodium hypochlorite

reqd.

100,000 litres (22,000 gallons) 1 mgl (PPM) 165 grams 0.8 litres

200000 litres (44,000 gallons) 1 mgl (PPM) 330 grams 1.6 litres

300,00 litres (66, 000 gallons) 1 mgl (PPM) 500 grams 2.4 litres

400,000 litres (88,000 gallons) 1 mgl (PPM) 660 grams 3.2 litres

500,000 litres (110,000 gallons) 1 mgl (PPM) 825 grams 4.0 litres

For Cyptosporidium multiply by 30 and Keep

pool closed for six turnovers or 24 hours before

backwashing . Refer to your EAP

7

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

“I find it extremely uncomfortable working pool side as a lifeguard due to the high air temperature in our indoor pool. What is the legal minimum/maximum temperature in the workplace?” Anon. Allen says ; The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment. Regulation 7 deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that: ‘During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.’ The law does not state a minimum or maximum temperature, but the temperature in workrooms should normally be at least: 16°C or 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort Pool hall air A meaningful maximum figure cannot be given due to the high air temperatures found in pool halls. In such environments it is still possible to work safely provided appropriate controls are present. Factors other than air temperature, i.e. radiant temperature, humidity and air velocity, become more significant and the interaction between them become more complex with rising temperatures. But first of all the reasons for the temperature of pool air being so high: Bather comfort When a swimmer is wet, body heat energy is lost through evaporation of the water on the swimmer’s skin. An inside air tem-perature exceeding the pool’s water temperature by up to 1oC reduces this heat loss, creating thermally comfortable condi-tions, but primarily as stated for bathers. Limiting evaporation Also this temperature reduces evaporation and excessive condensation and this helps to protect the fabric of the building. To demonstrate this, simply put wet hands under a hand drier. Initially the air feels cold as your body attempts to evaporate the water on them. Once your hand are dry this stops and now the air feels warm. A competent risk assessment should address this hazard (something with the potential to cause harm or injury) and generally this indicates rotation periods, ensuring adequate ventilation, moving around the pool constantly and other measures to ensure adequate vigilance is maintained. This may not be the answer that you were looking for, but there are others (at least two) reading this who may well be able to add other relevant factors. One of these is Simon Wesolowski of Planetwas training who said”

Your Question

“Good article Allen, this question is often asked by Lifeguards. As you have rightly identified a suitable humidity and temperature risk assessment should be carried out by the pool operator to identify any risks in relation to temperature and humidity within the pool environment. The Normal Operating Procedure (NOP) should state the maximum poolside working time for a Lifeguard. It may be necessary for the pool operator to consider reducing Lifeguard rotation times if a risk is identified, as high humidity levels could reduce the Lifeguards concentration time. Consideration should also be taken to the lifeguards uniform, shorts and breathable t-shirt may help with poolside comfort for Lifeguards”. Yanek Kowal with forty three years experience of working in the Aquatic Industry commented: ‘To maintain the high levels of vigilance and concentration required by lifeguards, pool operators should make allowances for a number of factors including inadequate ventilation systems, poor acoustics, extreme temperatures or excessively high humidity, or hot sun in open air pools. NOPs’ should reflect this and be adjusted to accommodate relevant duty spells and the structuring of duties’. Yanek also added: ‘Equally HSG 179, Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools Guidance, recommends that lifeguards should have a good level of physical fitness appropriate to the environment in which he or she works in.’ Allen says, “thanks to both of you for your invaluable advice”.

8

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

Reproduction courtesy of Matt Giovanisci, of

Common Courtesy Being considerate of others is always important. Showering before you jump into somebody else’s pool will remove anything on your body that could dirty their pool. If someone is letting you use their pool, you should try to do everything you can to make sure it stays as clean as it was before you got in. Taking a quick shower before you get in is one of the best and most considerate things you can do for pool owners and other swimmers. Remove Contaminates from Your Body Unless you just stepped out of the shower, there is a good chance that your body will have substances on it that will contaminate a pool. These include sweat, soap, perfume, shampoo, deodorant, urine and even faeces. While you may not want to admit that there is urine and faeces on your body, they could be present in such small amounts that you would never even notice. However, once they come in contact with pool water, they will contaminate the water. Now imagine if every swimmer in the pool for that day had a little urine or faeces on them. The amounts would begin to add up, wouldn’t they? (AW: OUTBREAK NEWS TODAY say each bather will shed 0.14 grammes of faecal debris into pools.) A simple shower with water only can wash these substances from your body so they don’t get into the pool water when you go for a swim. This will help the pool remain cleaner for much longer and it will also prevent you or your friends from swimming around in your own urine! Easier on the Pool The more contaminated the water becomes because of what you introduce to the water, the harder the pool has to work to be sure it is clean. More chlorine has to be added to be sure the water is clean and safe and the pool’s pumps and filters will have to work hard to remove these contaminates in the water. It’s also easier on the pool owners as well. The less they have to do to keep the pool clean, the easier it is on them both in terms of their time and their money

Cleaner is Safer While this may be last on our list, it is probably the most im-portant reason of all. Think about why pools use chlorine to keep them clean? Chlorine is used to kill potential harmful bacteria and other pathogens that not only impact on how clean the water looks, but also how safe it is. Water that is filled with this bacteria can cause you to become sick if you spend enough time swimming in it. Most people associate the smell of chlorine as a sign that a

pool is clean. However, they couldn’t be more wrong. The smell generated by chlorine is only present while it is oxidizing contaminates. Therefore, a pool that is completely clean will have very little, if any, odour at all. The stronger the smell the more work the chlorine is having to do meaning the pool is actually dirtier. As you can see, showering before swimming is one habit that everyone should try to develop. Not only is it common courtesy and better for the pool, but in the end it means that less chlorine will have to be used to make sure that it is safe and clean for everyone. So before you decide to take a dip in either a public pool or your own, take a few minutes to take a short shower to be sure your body is properly clean. That way, you can do your part in helping the owner of the pool maintain a clean pool that is free from both harmful chemicals and contaminates on your body. AW says, Thank you, Matt .

“C’mon

Allen! To

the

showers.”

9

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

Help page for those of us that have ever used a Pool Help Manual Manual: Rotate anticlockwise.

Translation: Clamp with molegrips then beat repeatedly with a lump hammer anticlockwise.

Manual: This is a snug fit.

Translation: You gonna skin your knuckles!

Manual : As described in Section 7...

Translation: That'll teach you not to read through before you start, now you are looking at incredibly

scary diagrams of the inside of an automatic controller.

Manual : Pry...

Translation: Hammer a screwdriver into.

Manual: Retain small spring...

Translation: "God! what was that, it nearly had my eye out"!

Manual: Press and rotate to remove bulb...

Translation: OK - that's the glass bit off, now fetch some good pliers to dig out the bayonet part,

ideally with rubber covered handles. It is wise at this juncture to check the electricity is turned

off.

Manual: Weekly checks...

Translation: If it isn't broken don't fix it!

Manual: Routine maintenance...

Translation: If it isn't broken... it's about to be!

Manual: Compress...

Translation: Squeeze with all your might, jump up and down on, swear at, throw at the plant room

wall, then search for it in the dark corner of said plant room whilst swearing prolifically under your

breath.

Manual: Inspect...

Translation: Squint at really hard and pretend you know what you are looking at, then declare in a

loud knowing voice to your customer "Yep, as I thought, it's going to need a new one"!

Manual: Carefully...

Translation: You are about to cut yourself!

Manual: Retaining nut...

Translation: Yes, that's it, that big corroded blob of rust underneath the leaking chlorine injector.

Manual: Obtain assistance...

Translation: Prepare to humiliate yourself in front of the customer/colleague/friend.

Manual: Prise away plastic locating pegs...

Translation: Snap off...

Manual: Index

Translation: All the things in the book bar the one thing you need to do!

10

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

Continued from July magazine

So I asked to the manager at the THF Hotel in Minehead, if they per

chance had one at Brixham, as our next contract was to build a new

pool at Wall Park.

Staff turned up at the Holiday Park one morning to find the old pool

had broken it's back and was totally empty.

First response by contractors was to drill and pile. Unfortunately there

were lime stone caverns and the vast amounts of concrete were costing

a fortune, until they realised the problem.

Anyway, no they did not have a hotel at Brixham, but they did have

one at Paignton. Very impressive it was too. Big pillared canopy at the

entrance, plush dining room and so on.

Manager gave manager a reference for us, also gave us the offer of a

party.

Goodbye's said and off to Paignton.

Came the day we needed a concrete pump , phoned Pochin and they

were able to divert a driver to us on his way home from a job in Corn-

wall. He had only gone for a day, so only had the clothes he stood up

in.

We booked him in to our hotel, gave directions and instructions that if

he was late, we would be in a pub round the corner.

Well when he pulled his lorry up at this splendiferous hotel, he thought

he was in the wrong place. Putting his head through the doors into re-

ception in his overalls, he asked if John Green's men were staying here.

Yes - come in, the restaurant is still open and the lads are in the pub

round the corner.

Explaining he was en-route home when he got the call and only had

the clothes he was wearing. Reception arranged for him to have a meal

in his room and sent up four pints to accompany it. Not bad service eh?

It gets better. We met up next morning and said for him to come in to

the restaurant for breakfast - a lavish affair with a buffet breakfast

choice fit for a king.

No way was he coming in there, so he went and sat in his lorry. I

explained the problem to the waiter and he said to leave it to him. Next

thing we see the waiter, white cloth on arm with a full breakfast, and

coffee pot on a large salver walking passed the window. We watched

as he walked to the lorry, knocked on the cab door and saw the driver's

reaction as he was presented with his breakfast. Priceless!!!

John Green of J.W.Green Swimming Pools Ltd

More tales of yesteryear from John Green

YSK MANAGEMENT

SOLUTIONS

E: ysk.man.sol@virgin.net

M: 07719 669567 FOR ALL YOUR

POOL LIFEGUARDING AND

FIRST AID TRAINING

Don’t just read the

headline!!

In an email, to myself and numerous others

received from Howard Dryden he said, ’Dutch Government ban the use of

coagulants and flocculants for water

treatment’ What I contend is that what it should have said was:

’Dutch Government ban the use of coagulants and flocculants containing

Lanthanum for water treatment’ The obvious question this begs is which flocculant contains Lanthanum and I spoke to Jenny Lunn, Marketing Manager of Brenntag who told me, “ there is no Lanthanum present in any of the PAC products that we distribute in the UK.“ I also spoke to Althea of Mineral Supplies Interna-tional (MSI) who manufacture and supply Jollygel, one of the most widely used flocculant in small & me-dium sized pools and now being successfully mar-keted for larger commercial pools both in the UK & Europe. She told me, “there is no Lanthanum in our product. Jolly Gel, has just achieved another first by gaining REACH (Regulation for Registration, Evalua-tion, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) registration after undergoing rigorous assessment of the key compounds in its formulation “. Allen says, “I do agree with Howard that this seems almost unbelievable and irresponsible by the Dutch Government and places the environment and the pub-lic at risk in the Netherlands. Will they now advo-cate banning mouthwash that contains Lantha-num. I would however comment that the headline from Howard should have been more specific and less scary to the pool industry in general as, apart from my magazine, many readers, during the Summer season only have time to read headlines”.

11

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Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

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Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

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WORK EXPERIENCE: Please give details of your experience in the swimming pool industry, gained from the positions

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full membership of the ISPE are required to demonstrate, via this c.v. at least seven years’ experience

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13

Pisces 21 February - 20 March So you now wish to take action against Eric for last month’s advice on becoming a technonerd . Your letter from your solicitor contends that you caught a virus from reading his horoscope. Eric suggests that you ensure you’re getting plenty of antioxidants and from your symptoms; crippling joint pain, it sound like Chikungunya from a bite from an Asian Tiger mosquito. We would point out that we are not medically qualified but as a teenager Eric used to deliver ‘the Lancet’ as an integral part of his paper round. Aries 21 March –20 April Mercury is in retrograde and for eternity will sadly continue to be so. Although they use an alternative front man he will never be a patch on Freddy. But as the man said, ‘Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go, Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth’. Pick up some electric tokens tomorrow from Tesco Express The only horoscope that accu-rately monitors your energy requirements. Taurus 21 April - 20 May An opportunity arises in the workplace for you to accept the post of Indignation Coordinator. This will provide endless prospects of demeaning other members of staff and customers. On Facebook, those who are envious of what you have achieved and are indignant will allege that you only got the job because you are the Boss’s daughter. The stars sincerely hope the boss’s wife do not find out this tasty snippet of information. Gemini 21 May - 21 Jupiter's influence over you has weakened. So grasp the opportunity and you make the decisions that radically affect your life style. Although corduroy bell bottoms does not really go with Jimmy Choo shoes, you can get away with it, but for Goodness sake, lose the Amy Winehouse bouffant Don’t listen to your mother with her Bonny Tyler mullet; big hair is not on its way back. Cancer 22 June - 22 Good fortune is raining down on everyone but you, nonetheless help is at hand from Venus herself. She is today offering a special deal on lady shavers. Do you need one. That sort of growth may look chic on David Beckham's or Margaret Beckett’s chin but on your shins, I don’t think so! Leo 23 July - 23 You will doubtless find this hard to believe but it is your cat who has changed your milk order from low fat to full cream. Your partner’s birthday is fast approaching and she is hoping to get an iPAD. However from the state of your shirts I would suggest getting her an iRON Virgo 24 August - 23 September Unfortunately you have been outbid on eBay for the ‘worn only once’ surgical stockings So swollen ankles and chapped thighs are all the stars can foresee for you in the long term. In the short term try an emollient cream, apply copiously after bathing. Libra 24 September - 23 October Stock up with candles Thursday, ideally of the perfumed variety to cover your partner’s flatulence ensuring of course that they are kept well away from the vicinity of his offending orifice. The reason is; you will experience a power cut filling your life with darkness, well your three bed semi anyway. This information come direct from Mithra the Persian god of light and truth and she is the Simon Cowell of the Gods. Unfortunately the outage will take place just as Phil Mitchell puts his diabolical plan into action. No dumbo! You can’t record it you haven’t got any electric. Now I don’t want to say I told you so, but didn’t I advise you to get a system with catch up TV on it! That’s what I’m here for. Scorpio 24 October - 22 November February Sharon writes claiming the Eric is repeating his predictions, is repeating his predictions, is repeating his predictions, is repeating his predictions. Eric comments that he is not getting paid for this, it is just time off his community sentence hours. This is more than can be said for Sharon who in reality is reading this when she should be working. Sagittarius 23 November - 21 December I would offer to you my best wishes for a limited recovery in view of what is going to happen to you later this week. The colours, blue and black will then figure prominently in your life after you are filled in, big time by a big issue seller after pointing out that the reason you don’t buy her magazine is because it’s a load of crap! Capricorn 22 December - 20 January In the next week or so your roses may cause you grave concern from mildew and black spot, both of which can be arrested by the application of a good quality fungicide and prudent pruning. The name Rose originated from the Latin word Rosa and the Romans considered the rose as a tribute to their Goddess of love. Basically there is a carefully concealed message here from Saturn, yet another Roman God, this time of love and agriculture, stating that you have major problems with your own love life. It is likely that it will take more than a treatment with fungicide to address this problem and you should consider the likelihood of being pruned, aka dumped. Aquarius 21 January - 20 February You are run down, depressed and may well be thinking you are suffering from Chicken pox when actually it is a reactivation of that virus, known in medical circles as the varicella-zoster virus or to the less worldly: Shin-gles. Treat with an anti itch lotion and visit your witch doctor. Although this is a Herpes infection, it is not sexually transmitted variety in this case... and certainly in your society imposed, highly celibate self, extremely unlikely.

(C) Eric anorak 2015

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

14

Wilson’s News from Studies In Work

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