Pool Chemical Storage and Handling Toolbox Talk

This toolbox talk provides a concise, plain‑English briefing for maintenance and facilities staff who manage pool chemicals in gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools. It explains why chlorine and acid must be stored and handled correctly, highlighting the risk of toxic chlorine gas, severe chemical burns and respiratory injury. Proper control protects both employees and pool users, and helps maintain water quality standards.

Key legal references are the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and BS EN 15078, which set out duties for safe storage, segregation of incompatible substances, appropriate personal protective equipment, spill containment, emergency shut‑off and ventilation requirements. These regulations obligate the employer to assess risks, provide training and keep records of storage and incidents.

• Use this toolbox talk for: new‑staff induction, regular safety briefings, incident debriefs, chemical handling audits, competency reviews and monthly toolbox sessions.

Benefits include reinforcing a safety‑first culture, reducing the likelihood of costly accidents, supporting audit readiness, and providing documented evidence of compliance for health‑and‑safety inspections. Staff who follow the procedures will experience fewer injuries and the facility will avoid potential fines and downtime.

The template is fully editable and shareable, allowing the organisation to customise it to local procedures, update it when regulations change, and distribute it electronically or in print. Regular monitoring of chemical logs, ventilation performance checks and periodic emergency drill reviews ensure ongoing compliance.

Compliant with: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; BS EN 15078.