Pool Pros Struggling With NEW CAL-OSHA REGS

OSHA has a new life jacket regulation that California pool pros need to be aware of. As pool professionals in California continue to adapt to new safety regulations, one rule, in particular, has caused confusion and frustration: the requirement for pool cleaners to wear a life jacket while on the job.

The regulation, known as T8 CCR 3389, was implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a means of protecting workers from drowning hazards.

For many pool cleaners, the idea of wearing a life jacket while performing their duties seems unnecessary and cumbersome. After all, many would argue that they typically aren’t getting in the actual pool or engaging in activities that would normally warrant the use of a flotation device.

The CPSA had the following to say about the regulations, “We were recently called by one of our larger pool service members who brought to our attention a recent interaction they had with Cal-OSHA. This company was attempting to do the right thing by scheduling a review of their safety

BY JOE TRUSTY

practices to make sure they were doing everything correctly and to avoid any potential future audits and/or penalties. The pool service company confirmed that they provided goggles and gloves for their service personnel.”

OSHA insists that the life jacket rule is necessary to protect workers in the event of an unforeseen accident or emergency. For example, if a pool cleaner were to slip and fall into the water, the life jacket would provide them with the buoyancy needed to stay afloat until help arrives.

Others have pointed out that there are already a number of safety measures in place to protect pool cleaners, such as the use of safety ropes and harnesses, which should be sufficient to prevent accidents.

Despite these concerns, OSHA has made it clear that the life jacket rule is non-negotiable and must be followed. Pool professionals who fail to comply could face fines and other penalties.

If an employee is required to work in an area where they may be at risk of drowning, their employer is required to equip them with a personal flotation device that has been approved for use by the United States Coast Guard. That includes people who work in the pool industry, like pool techs, repair contractors, and maintenance workers.

As a result, many pool professionals have reluctantly accepted the rule and are doing their best to comply. However, the confusion and frustration surrounding T8 CCR 3389 remain, and it will likely take some time for California’s pool industry to fully adjust to this new safety regulation.

T8 CCR 3389 Life Vest CAL-OSHA Regulation

(a) Except as specified in subsection (a)(1) for marine terminal operations, at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved 30-inch life ring with not less than 90 feet of 600-pound capacity line attached shall be kept in a readily accessible place where employees’ work exposes them to the hazard of drowning or each employee so exposed shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD).

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was passed by Congress in order to provide safe and healthy working environments. Nonetheless, as advantageous and protective as it may sound, some business owners view the organization as a relatively unscrupulous government agency, particularly in the way it disseminates information to businesses impacted by changing regulations.

The best advice for the time being, invest in some life jackets, train your personnel, and avoid a possible fine by making sure your pool business is adhering to the letter of the law.