Chemical spill at Portishead Open Air Pool

 

 

SWIMMERS had to be evacuated from Portishead Open Air Pool following a chemical spill.

Pool staff evacuated the lido after 20 litres of sodium hypochlorite, a chemical used to disinfect the pool, was spilt in the chemical store in the rear yard.

The spill happened when staff were transferring the chemical from the storage tank into the day tank.

The incident happened at just before 11am on Sunday and all the people in the pool had to be evacuated onto the grass banks nearby.

The emergency services were called and customers were given free tea and coffee by staff at the Lockhouse Lounge while crews dealt with the incident.

Pool staff had already started to wash down the chemical and dilute it using hoses when fire crews - including the brigade's environmental response unit  - arrived.

Crews took over and continued to dilute the chemical and clear it from the area.

Two staff - duty manager Stuart Young and lifeguard Richard McCabe - had to go to Frenchay Hospital after complaining of breathing difficulties and sore eyes after inhaling the chemical vapours.

Both were released from hospital after being checked over by medics.

The pool was closed for around 40 minutes while emergency crews dealt with the spill.

Pool trustee Andy Thatcher said: "A member of staff was transferring sodium hypochlorite from the storage tank to the day tank when some was spilt on the floor.

"Our procedures are such that if there is a chemical spill we evacuate the pool and contact the emergency services.

"Everyone was evacuated safely and quickly.

"This was a minor incident and at no time was there any risk to the public as the spill took place in the yard area in a room where the chemicals are stored.

"Not only did the staff and volunteers do everything they were supposed to, quickly and efficiently, they also made sure they kept customers informed and let everyone back in to the pool as soon as they were given the all clear.

"We would also like to thank the fire brigade which did a fantastic job."

Roads around the pool were closed off while eight crews from Portishead, Weston-super-Mare and Brislington, dealt with the incident.

A spokesman for Avon Fire and Rescue said: "This was a small chemical spill of around 20 litres which happened in a plant room and not in a public area."

Fire crews used specialist equipment to check the air for toxic vapours before giving the lido the all clear.

This is the second time in the last month that the pool has had to be closed.

Earlier this month sun tan oil worn by swimmers turned the pool water cloudy.

Regulations say that lifeguards must be able to see to the bottom of the pool at all times.

Swimmers had to be vacated from the pool temporarily to allow the filtration system to clear the water.