Chemical Storage Spaces

Nothing in this section shall be construed as providing relief from applicable requirements of fire CODES, mechanical CODES, electrical CODES, etc.

POOL-chemical associated injuries have been routinely documented.²⁸⁰,²⁸¹ For 2007-2008, 32 POOL chemical--associated health events that occurred in a public or residential setting were reported to CDC by Maryland and Michigan. These events resulted in 48 cases of illness or injury; 26 (81.3%) events could be attributed at least partially to chemical handling errors (e.g., mixing incompatible chemicals). ATSDR's Hazardous Substance Emergency Events Surveillance System received 92 reports of hazardous substance events that occurred at AQUATIC FACILITIES. More than half of these events (55 [59.8%]) involved injured persons; the most frequently reported primary contributing factor was human error. Estimates based on CPSC's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data indicate that 4,574 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2,703--6,446) emergency department (ED) visits attributable to POOL chemical--associated injuries occurred in 2008; the most frequent diagnosis was poisoning (1,784 ED visits [95% CI: 585--2,984²⁸²]). CDC has developed recommendations to reduce the risk of chemical-associated injuries at AQUATIC FACILITIES.²⁸³ Designers and aquatics staff should read and consider findings and recommendations developed from investigations related to POOL chemical-related injuries. See “CDC Recommendations for Preventing Pool Chemical-Associated Injuries” at the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/preventing-pool-chemical-injuries.html. The design for CHEMICAL STORAGE SPACE was included in the initial version of the MAHC Ventilation and Air Quality module AIR HANDLING SYSTEM design posted for public comment. It was, removed in the revised indoor AIR HANDLING SYSTEM design area of the MAHC as part of revising the definition of an INDOOR AQUATIC FACILITY for which the AIR HANDLING SYSTEM does not include CHEMICAL STORAGE SPACE or other space outside the negative pressure zone around the AQUATIC VENUE. However, the building of an INDOOR AQUATIC FACILITY will still require consideration of the ventilation of CHEMICAL STORAGE SPACES using separate AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS. Chemicals, typically stored in AQUATIC FACILITIES for the purpose of maintenance and water treatment, can create ventilation hazards for PATRONS and staff. INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE and International Fire Code provide very specific guidance on the construction and AIR HANDLING SYSTEM design of these areas. Often AQUATIC FACILITIES store chemicals in the pump room, but the operational STORAGE of these chemicals should be limited to what is necessary for immediate use. Back up supplies should be appropriately stored and maintained in a separate area designed according to the above STANDARDS. Other key areas to consider for proper chemical STORAGE would include: * Follow local building CODES and/or American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standards or STANDARDS such as NFPA 5000: Building Construction and Safety Code requirements, or IBC Section 307. * Separate the AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS for the CHEMICAL STORAGE SPACE and pump room from the rest of the building. * Separate the AIR HANDLING SYSTEM for the AQUATIC VENUE area from the rest of the building. * If an older AQUATIC FACILITY does not have separate AIR HANDLING SYSTEMS for the CHEMICAL STORAGE SPACE and pump room as well as the AQUATIC VENUE area, consider installing emergency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) cutoffs in these areas. * Ensure that the CHEMICAL STORAGE SPACE, pump room, and AQUATIC VENUE area are well-ventilated. * Ventilate the CHEMICAL STORAGE SPACE, pump room, and AQUATIC VENUE area to the outside.