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Eight General Rules for Handling Chemicals Safely
- Store chemicals properly in a cool, dry well-ventilated area.
- Heat or water reacting with a chemical can cause fumes or flames.
Proper ventilation of a storage area is important to reduce any buildup of
fumes. It is best to store pool/spa chemicals in an area dedicated
solely to them. Many pool/spa chemicals are corrosive to metals and
should not be stored in the same room with metal equipment (such as a pump
or utility room). Keep pool/spa chemicals away from other chemicals
and equipment such as lawn mowers, fuel and lubricants, organic pesticides,
solvents, paints and thinners. Mixing of chemicals may start a
chemical reaction resulting in fire, release of toxic gasses, or
explosion. There is a DANGER OF EXPLOSION if pool/spa chemicals
come in contact with certain other garden/lawn chemicals, fuel, and
lubricants. If the pool/spa chemicals can not be stored in a
completely different area, use a locked, ventilated cabinet labeled
"Pool/spa chemicals only". Store chemicals away from
children. Always keep chemical containers closed tightly when not in
use. Replace caps and lids on the proper containers. Do not
stack chemical containers on top of each other.
- Follow label directions carefully. - When using chemicals,
read the label and follow the directions precisely. Always measure the
chemical accurately. Use the exact quantities specified. Beware
of torn or faded labels. If you do not know exactly what the chemical
is, how old it is, or if you cant read the instructions for proper use, don't
use the chemical.
- Add chemicals to plenty of pool/spa water. - Chemicals
should be applied directly to the pool/spa water through a suitable feeder,
pre-dissolved in a bucket of pool/spa water, or distributed across the
surface of the water according to the manufacturer's directions.
Hand-feeding of chemicals through the skimmer is NOT advised, unless label
directions specifically state skimmer application. Some labels
recommend diluting the product with pool/spa water or pre-dissolving
granulated products in a large quantity of pool/spa water, not tap
water. (ALWAYS ADD CHEMICAL TO WATER, not the reverse). Always
follow these directions. This will prevent staining or cloudiness, and
will ensure uniform distribution throughout the pool or spa in the shortest
period of time. NEVER POUR WATER ONTO POOL/SPA CHEMICALS.
ALWAYS USE AN OVERSIZED, CLEAN PLASTIC CONTAINER. When adding
liquid chemicals to water, hold the container close to the pool surface so
it won't splash on skin or clothes. Sprinkle granulated products close
to the water surface so they won't be blown into your face or away from the
water.
- Avoid mixing or contaminating chemicals. - Do not mix any
chemicals together, either accidentally or intentionally. Mixing or
contamination may cause chemical reactions, resulting in fire, release of
toxic fumes, and/or explosion. Use clean scoops - a different
scoop for each chemical - and do not combine materials from the old and new
containers. Do not interchange the scoops or place a wet scoop in a
chemical container. DO NOT MIX CONTAINERS. Even rinsed out, a
container used yesterday for lawn fertilizer may react dangerously with some
pool/spa chemical products. NEVER POUR WATER ONTO POOL/SPA
CHEMICALS. ALWAYS USE AN OVERSIZED, CLEAN PLASTIC CONTAINER.
Always pour chemical slowly into a large quantity of pool/spa water.
- Dispose of wastes and spills safely. - Immediately clean up
and properly dispose of any chemical spills.
 | If the spilled chemical is a solid - carefully sweep it
up using a clean broom and shovel, and place it in a clean, dry, plastic
container. Avoid breathing the dust. If possible, dilute the
chemical in water and add it to the pool or spa. Then test and
balance the water. If it is not appropriate to add the spilled
chemical to the pool or spa, check with local fire department or EPA
office for directions on proper disposal. Do not put floor
sweepings of chemicals back into original containers or in containers
with paper, rags, or other combustible substances. Do not use a
vacuum cleaner to clean up spilled chemicals. |
| If the spilled chemical is a liquid - It should be
soaked up with absorbent materials and placed in a clean plastic or
plastic lined container. Avoid contact with the skin. The
area should be flushed with large amounts of water. |
Wash empty containers thoroughly and follow local regulations for proper
disposal.
If you see a flash, smoke, or fire, GET OUT. Call fire
department immediately. - Advise them of the products involved and
manufacturers chemical spill telephone number, if possible. In an
emergency you can call the "Chemical Transportation Emergency
Center" (CHEMTREC) at 1-800-424-9300.
Use ONLY a water-filled fire extinguisher on a pool-CHLORINATING
chemical fire. - Never use a dry chemical fire extinguisher of a
pool-chlorinating chemical fire. It may cause an explosion.
Summon help immediately, because the best way to fight a fire involving pool
chemicals is to flood with extremely large quantities of water, such as is
available through the fire department.
Take care of yourself - Do not inhale dust or fumes from any
chemicals. Use proper protective devices for breathing, handling and
eye protection. Promptly wash off any residues that get on your
skin. Never smoke around chemicals. Smoking can cause a fire or
explosion.
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