Faecal accident policies

Pool operators should develop a formal faecal accident policy that should be used to train staff and be available at all times. The treatment required will depend upon the condition of the faecal matter. Loose or liquid faecal matter (diarrhoea) requires greater treatment than a firm stool, as it tends to contain a large number of microorganisms, will spread rapidly over a large area and is not easily retrieved from the pool. Pool operators will need to assess each situation and make a judgment about the exact action to be taken.

Solid faeces, blood and vomit

1. All pool users in the immediate area should be asked to exit the pool.
2. As much solid material as possible should be immediately removed from the pool, with a fine mesh scoop. If necessary, the immediate area should be vacuumed and the waste directed to the sewer or other approved waste disposal system. Vacuum equipment and scoop should be cleaned and disinfected before reuse.
3. If the pool is a low volume pool, such as a paddling pool, consider closing and draining the pool.
4. Spa pools must be closed, drained and cleaned, as the faecal matter will have dispersed.
5. Once the solid matter has been removed, check that chlorine levels and water clarity are within regulatory limits. The affected area may be reopened, after allowing ten minutes contact time with the disinfectant.
6. Log the incident and the action taken.

Liquid faeces

1. The pool should be immediately cleared of people.
2. If there are multiple pools connected to the same filter as the contaminated pool, all pools will have to be cleared of people.
3. Using a fine mesh scoop, immediately remove as much faecal material as possible from the pool. The area should also be vacuumed, with waste being directed to the sewer or other approved waste disposal system. Clean and disinfect vacuum equipment and scoop before reuse.
4. If a low volume pool, such as a paddling pool, consider closing, draining and cleaning the pool.
5. Spa pools should be closed, drained and cleaned.
6. Raise and maintain the free-chlorine level of the pool to 14 mg/L for 12 hours, or 20 mg/L for eight hours.
7. A coagulant should be added (if appropriate), to improve the removal of pathogens by the filtration system.
8. The final level of chlorine and pH should be checked, and if within limits of the Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations, the pool may be reopened.
9. Log the incident and the action taken.
10. If possible, identify the source to determine if the person has recently been ill.

Disinfecting contaminated surfaces

Contaminants on the pool deck should not be washed into the pool water circulation system.

Chlorine based disinfectants are commonly used for dealing with blood or body fluid spills. For example, a 1:10 dilution of sodium hypochlorite in water can be used. Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations should be consulted before preparing chemical dilutions.

The procedure for dealing with a contaminated surface is:

1. Wear rubber gloves and remove excess contaminant, using disposable paper towels or similar.
2. Wipe non-porous surfaces with hot water and detergent, then flood with a chlorine based disinfectant and leave for ten minutes.
3. Porous surfaces, such as the pool deck, are more difficult to clean. Wash the area thoroughly with detergent and allow the run-off to go down the drain. Flood with a chlorine based disinfectant and leave for ten minutes.
4. Towels, gloves, excess contamination and other items should be placed in a bag and sealed. All contaminated items should be disposed of appropriately.

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