Worker injured during maintenance of swimming pool equipment (10 January 2024)
A 17-year-old worker who was working as a lifeguard at a public pool was seriously injured while performing maintenance on the filtration system of a 50-metre heated swimming pool. The worker received serious burn injuries when she was exposed to pressurised hot water and steam while performing the task.
Safety information
Consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associated with operating and performing maintenance on plant in the workplace.
Young workers may be at higher risk of injury or illness at work and need extra support to stay healthy and safe at work. Businesses have a legal obligation under work health and safety laws to protect all workers from incidents.
Ensure:
- all equipment and plant are operated and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Safe Operating Procedures are developed and followed to allow maintenance and cleaning of plant, without risk to the health and safety of workers
- where reasonably practicable engineering controls are provided, such as equipment guards and removing workers from the area
- procedures are in place for isolating and locking out energy sources, and for dissipating stored energy. For example, pressurised systems are depressurised before any maintenance work is performed
- workers are adequately trained and competent in the operation and maintenance of equipment and plant
- adequate supervision and assistance are provided for less experienced and young workers
- chemicals are used and stored in accordance with their Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) is worn
- suitable communication systems are in place.
Related guidance material
- Code of Practice: Managing the risks of plant in the workplace (PDF, 1987.96 KB)
- Young Workers e-Toolkit
- At risk workers
- Physical safety at work (the basics) - Instruction and training
- Checklist for training young workers (PDF, 1191.25 KB)