With summer officially here, everyone is running to the nearest pool to cool off. We pack our sunscreen to protect us from the sun, and lifeguards are on duty to keep us safe in the water. However, these aren’t the only hazards we need to be aware of during our day at the pool.
Last Monday, the Wayland Community pool was closed after an employee accidentally mixed muriatic acid with chlorine, creating a “hazardous situation,” according to the Wayland Fire Department. The mixture of the two chemicals produced a vapor cloud of fumes in the building, which was soon evacuated with help from firefighters.
Fortunately, this incident happened before the pool generally opens at 9 a.m., and only a couple of employees were working in the building at the time. The employee who mixed the chemicals was sent to the hospital, treated, and released, and the other employees were uninjured. The pool was closed while the state hazardous materials team dealt with the situation.
While this particular incident did not generate any injuries, it easily could have, and one can never be ‘too safe’. If the incident had occurred after 9 a.m., with people filtering in, they would have been at risk of inhaling potentially hazardous fumes.
Swimming pool accidents are common in the summertime. From lifeguard failure, water violations, pool code violations, to various other safety issues, the best way to stay safe and have fun during these next few months is to be aware of your surroundings. If you or a loved one has been injured at a pool, whether by defective railings, diving boards, floors, etc., please call Altman & Altman, LLP to speak with an experienced injury attorney.
Wayland community pool closed after accidental mixing of chemicals, The Boston Globe, July 8, 2012