CHAPTER 7 WATER RECREATION FACILITIES 7.1 Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Health for Water Recreation Facilities, WAC 246-260 (For a copy of this booklet please call the Food & Living Environment Section at 425.339.5250.) 7.1.1 Water Recreation Facilities Emergency Equipment 7.1.2 Fresh Water Public Swimming Beach Regulations 7.2 Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Health for Recreational Water Contact Facilities, WAC 246-262 (For a copy of this booklet please call the Food & Living Environment Section at 425.339.5250.) 7.3 Water Recreation Facility Enforcement Procedures Attachment Water Recreation Facility Inspection Guidelines Effective 11/9/93; Revised 8/01/00
CHAPTER 7.1.1 WATER RECREATION FACILITIES EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SNOHOMISH HEALTH DISTRICT BOARD OF HEALTH GOVERNING WATER RECREATION FACILITIES. MODIFICATION OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF WAC 246-260 WATER RECREATION FACILITIES, FOR EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Board of Health of the Snohomish Health District does modify the requirements of WAC 246-260-090 (31) (b) to require provision of either: Subsection A: Subsection B: Subsection C: A telephone within one minute access; or Alternate means for reaching emergency medical service response numbers in all limited use swimming pool and spa facilities; and Provision of an audible emergency alarm to alert others at area of need to respond. Board of Health, adopted 11/9/93, Resolution 93-33
CHAPTER 7.1.2 FRESH WATER PUBLIC SWIMMING BEACH REGULATIONS The Snohomish Health District Board of Health finds that there is sufficient risk of illness, including illness caused by E. coli 0157:H7, associated with swimming at fresh water beaches to enact these regulations. Under the authority of RCW 70.05.060, 70.05.070 and 70.90.125, the Board of Health of Snohomish Health District does extend the requirements of WAC 246-260- 180, Bathing Beaches, to require the following: Public bathing beaches are a type of water recreation facility designated for swimming in natural waters. The operator of any fresh water public bathing beach within Snohomish County, including its incorporated cities and towns, shall be responsible for implementing these regulations. Fresh water public bathing beaches operated by any city, town or other governmental or private entity within Snohomish County shall, at a minimum: (1) Make written educational material easily available for users of the public bathing beach, stating that Snohomish Health District recommends the following: (a) Persons with an infectious illness, including vomiting or diarrhea within the past 7 days, should not enter the beach waters. (b) Persons should shower thoroughly before entering the beach waters. (c) Children who are not toilet trained should not enter the water. (d) Small children should be taken on frequent bathroom breaks to avoid contamination of the beach water. (e) All persons, including children, should thoroughly wash hands with soapy water after using the restroom or changing diapers and before entering the beach water. (f) All persons, especially children, should be careful not to swallow any beach water. (g) Swimmers should wash their hands and face thoroughly with soapy water after swimming and before eating or preparing food. (h) Pets should not be allowed in the public bathing beach waters or nearby inflowing streams and should be kept on a leash at all times. Pet droppings should be immediately collected by the owner and disposed of in a sanitary manner. (i) Waterfowl should not be fed or otherwise encouraged to be in the public bathing beach area. (2) Provide easily visible signs at all times at the beach, stating the following: The swimming waters at this beach are not treated to control spread of disease. Swimming beach water, if swallowed, can sometimes cause illness because of bacteria, viruses or parasites in the water. All beach users should follow bathing beach recommendations to prevent contamination of the water and should avoid swallowing of any beach water. Board of Health, Adopted 6/13/00, Resolution 00-17, Effective 8/01/00 Page 1
CHAPTER 7.1.2 FRESH WATER PUBLIC SWIMMING BEACH REGULATIONS, continued Written educational materials and signage shall be in such language(s) as determined to be appropriate for the users of the public bathing beach. Fresh water public bathing beaches operated by any city, town, or other governmental or private entity within Snohomish County shall attempt to place restrooms and handwashing facilities in a location convenient to the public bathing beach. By July 1, 2000, Snohomish Health District shall meet with governmental and private entities to specifically identify beaches to which the regulations shall apply. Board of Health, Adopted 6/13/00, Resolution 00-17, Effective 8/01/00 Page 2
CHAPTER 7.3 WATER RECREATION FACILITY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES Authority: Chapter 70.90 of the Revised Code of Washington; and Chapter 246-260 Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Health for Swimming Pool Facilities and Spa Pool Facilities, and Chapter 246-262 WAC, Recreational Water Contact Facilities. I. Inspection Frequency/Form/Guidelines: A. Inspection Frequency. Water recreation facilities will generally be inspected three times a year. Facilities operated on a seasonal basis (less than six months annually) will be inspected at least twice during their season. Facilities with identified problems may be subject to more frequent inspections. B. Inspection Form. Snohomish Health District form titled "Water Recreation Facility Inspection Report," or the Department of Health form titled "Water Recreation Facility Inspection Form" will be used. C. Inspection Guidelines The Water Recreation Facility Inspection Guidelines, dated June 11, 1991, will be used in determining the type of enforcement action to be taken based upon the type, severity and frequency of the violation. II. Types of Enforcement Actions: A.. A conference, in lieu of Water Recreation Facility Operating Permit (permit) suspension. B. Permit Suspension. By suspension of the permit. C. Closure for Lack of Permit. By Health Officer's Order when a valid permit does not exist. D. Permit Revocation. By revocation of the permit. III. : Reasons for. When an inspection indicates the presence of ongoing or repeated violations of the water recreation facilities regulations, WAC 246-260, and WAC 246-262, an may be scheduled. Should an office conference be indicated, the conference will be scheduled within five (5) working days from the date of the most recent inspection. The problems identified during the inspection will be reviewed with the operator and/or owner who will be advised that subsequent findings of a like nature will result in permit suspension. Each owner will be allowed one Office Conference, the purpose of which will be educational and instructional in nature, in lieu of automatic permit suspension. s may be followed by additional inspections beyond the routine inspection schedule as established by the Living Environment Program Supervisor. Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Page 1 Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32
CHAPTER 7.3 WATER RECREATION FACILITY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES, continued IV. Permit Suspension: A. Reasons for Permit Suspension. The permit shall be suspended for any of the following reasons: 1. Immediate Health or Safety Hazard. When an immediate health or safety hazard exists for which there are no appropriate corrective remedies other than closure of the water recreation facility. Examples are: electrical power outage; lack of lighting; lack of potable water supply; sewer back-up into public or water contact areas; lack of required safety devices; gross chemical or physical contamination of the water; incidence of acute human illness or severe injury directly attributed to the water recreation facility. 2. Potential Health Hazard. When any of the operational support capabilities are not sufficient to prevent existence of a potential health hazard and no immediate remedy exists other than closure of the water recreational facility. Examples are: malfunctioning water filtration, and/or disinfection equipment, methods, processes, or procedures; malfunctioning water heating equipment; chemical disinfectant, water ph, or water turbidity not within limits required in WAC 246-260, and WAC 246-262; bacteria count exceeding safe limits and operational causes remain uncorrected. 3. Ongoing and Repeated Violations. When there exists ongoing and repeated violations of water recreation facilities regulations, WAC 246-260, and WAC 246-262 of a nature and severity to warrant enforcement action, and when reasonable effort has been made to achieve voluntary compliance. B. Procedures for Permit Suspension: 1. Existing Immediate Health or Safety Hazard. When the Environmental Health Specialist determines that an immediate health or safety hazard exists, the Specialist will note the specific violations on the inspection form and state on the form that the pool(s) and/or spa(s) or the entire water recreational facility is closed, and deliver the form to the person in charge of the water recreation facility. The applicable signs indicating the notice of closure shall be posted by the Specialist at the entrances to the pool(s) and/or spa(s) or the entire facility. 2. Existing Potential Health Hazard. When the Environmental Health Specialist determines that a potential health hazard exists, the Specialist will note the specific violations on the inspection form and state on the form that the pool(s) and/or spa(s) or entire water recreational facility is closed, and deliver the form to the person in charge of the water recreation facility. The applicable signs indicating the notice of closure shall be posted by the Specialist at the entrances to the pool(s) and/or spa(s) or to the entire facility. Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Page 2 Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32
CHAPTER 7.3 WATER RECREATION FACILITY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES, continued 3. Ongoing and Repeated Violations. The decision to close a water recreation facility for ongoing and repeated violations will be made by the Environmental Health Specialist and confirmed by a member of the Environmental Health Supervisory Staff. The Specialist will state the specific repeat violations on the inspection form and state on the form that the pool(s) and/or spa(s) or the entire water recreational facility is closed, and deliver the form to the person in charge of the water recreation facility. The applicable signs indicating the notice of closure shall be posted by the Specialist at the entrances to the pool(s) and/or spa(s) or to the entire facility. C. Procedures for Reinstatement of a Suspended Permit: 1. Notice to the Health District. The water recreation facility permit holder will notify the Health District by telephone or in writing that: the violations causing the permit suspension have been corrected; that if applicable that there has been sufficient treatment time for one complete turnover of the questioned facility water; the water's quality has reached satisfactory levels as outlined in WAC 246-260, and WAC 246-262; and, that all noted safety hazards have been eliminated. 2. Reinspection. The Health District will arrange for as soon as possible after notification from the Permit holder. Closures resulting from chemical and water quality violations may possibly not be allowed to reopen the same day as the permit suspension, dependent upon correction of the deficiencies and the passage of sufficient treatment time. Mechanical or non-chemical/water quality violations resulting in closure may be subject to the same day as the permit suspension provided the violation is satisfactorily abated. 3. Reinspection Fee. A fee, as established by the Board of Health, will be charged to each permitted facility after the facility permit has been suspended. Payment must be received in the Health District's Environmental Health Division office not later than the close of business on the first business day following the closure or the permit will be considered invalid and the facility subject to Section V. of these procedures. D. Hearings: 1. Request for Hearing. A water recreation facility operating permit holder who believes that suspension of a permit was an incorrect action may request a hearing. Such request must be filed, in writing, with the Health Officer not later than ten (10) calendar days following the inspection date, including the date of inspection. The request must state specifically which violations cited in the permit suspension order were incorrectly cited and why the action of the Health District in suspending the permit was Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Page 3 Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32
CHAPTER 7.3 WATER RECREATION FACILITY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES, continued incorrect. Issues not addressed in the request will not be considered at the time of the hearing. 2. Conduct of the Hearing. The Health Officer will arrange for a hearing to be conducted at a selected time and place within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the request for a hearing. The Health Officer shall make a written finding and shall sustain, modify, or rescind any notice considered in the hearing. 3. Water Recreation Facility Operating Permit Remains Suspended. The request for hearing will not stay the suspension of a water recreation facility operating permit. V. Water Recreation Facility Closures/Lack of Valid Permit: A. Reasons for Closure Order. Failure to obtain a water recreation facility operating permit or failure to renew a water recreation facility operating permit within the permit renewal time. B. Procedures for Closure: 1. Health Officer's Order. Closure of a water recreation facility lacking a valid water recreation facility operating permit shall be accomplished through issuance of a Health Officer's Order, said order to be delivered to the facility operator and mailed to the owner of the facility by both regular and certified mail. Notice by mail will be considered acceptable if the order cannot be delivered to the facility. 2. Application to Reopen. A water recreation facility closed due to lack of a valid water recreation facility operating permit may be opened upon payment of the requisite fee and obtaining such permit. VI. Revocation of Water Recreation Facility Permits: A. Reason for Permit Revocation. Water recreation facility permits may be revoked for any of the following reasons: 1. Serious and/or Repeated Violations. When enforcement efforts have failed and serious and/or repeated violations of WAC 246-260, and WAC 246-262 continue, and such violations represent a serious public health hazard or represent continued poor sanitary and safety practices of a serious nature, the permit may be revoked by the Health Officer. 2. Interference with Environmental Health Staff. When water recreation facility staff have prevented inspection activities or otherwise interfered in the performance of duty of Health District Staff, the permit may be revoked by the Health Officer. Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Page 4 Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32
CHAPTER 7.3 WATER RECREATION FACILITY ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES, continued 3. Operation in Defiance of Permit Suspension. Water recreation facilities that continue to operate without a valid permit and in defiance of a permit suspension shall be subject to permit revocation for a period of not less than five (5) days. B. Procedures for Permit Revocation: 1. Hearing. The Health Officer will not revoke a water recreation facility operating permit until an opportunity has been provided for a hearing before the Health Officer or Health Officer's designee. Written notification of the hearing, including the time and place of the hearing, shall be made to the permit holder within thirty (30) days of the last inspection or field visit relative to the action. The Health Officer or designee shall make a final finding based upon the complete hearing record and shall sustain, modify or rescind any notice or record considered in the hearing. A written report of the hearing decision shall be furnished to the holder of the permit by the Health Officer or designee within (15) fifteen days of the conclusion of the hearing. 2. Health Officer's Order. Permits shall be revoked through issuance of a Health Officer's Order, said order shall be delivered to the facility operator and mailed to the owner of the facility by both regular and certified mail. Notice by mail will be considered acceptable if the order cannot be delivered to the facility. 3. Application for New Permit. A permit holder whose water recreation facility operating permit has been revoked may make written application for the purpose of obtaining a new permit. A hearing will be provided before the Health Officer or designee to determine if a new permit should be issued. Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Page 5 Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32
Water Recreation Facility Inspection Guidelines Item# Description Enforcement Action Follow Up 1 Repeat Violations Follow Up 2 Other Action WATER QUALITY 01 Disinfection levels Immediate closure EHS reopen Closure EHS reopen Office Conference/Closure 02 ph 6.9-7.1, 8.1-8.2 24 hr compliance Next day 24 hr compliance Next day Office Conference/Closure <6.8, >8.2 Immediate closure EHS reopen Closure EHS reopen Office Conference/Closure 03 Accurate Test Kit Set compliance schedule 04 Clarity Maintained Cloudy 24 hr compliance 24 hr 24 hr compliance/closure 24 hr / EHS reopen Office Conference/Closure Can't see bottom or main drain Closure EHS reopen Closure EHS reopen/ conference 05 Maximum pool temperature 105 Immediate fix Immediate fix 14 day 106+ Closure EHS reopen Closure/Conference EHS reopen 06 Proper operating records Immediate fix Immediate fix WALKING SURFACES/BARRIERS 07 Walking surfaces Set compliance schedule 30 day compliance 30 day Ponding/nonslip/trip hazard 08 Barriers No Barriers Closure until compliance EHS reopen Closure/Conference Reinspection after fix Fence height/construction 30 day compliance 30 day 14 day compliance 14 day Office Conference/Closure No self closing/latching gates 24 hr compliance Next day Closure Next day INLETS AND OUTLETS 09 Main drain None Closure until fixed EHS reopen Closure until fix EHS reopen Broken grate/not secured 7 day compliance 7 day Closure until fix EHS reopen 10 Inlet and overflow system Water level too high/too low 24 hr compliance 24 hr compliance 7 day Attachment to Ch. 7.3, Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32 Page 1 of 5
Water Recreation Facility Inspection Guidelines Item# Description Enforcement Action Follow Up 1 Repeat Violations Follow Up 2 Other Action Skimmer malfunction 30 day compliance 10 day compliance 10 day No skimmer wier 30 day compliance 14 day compliance 14 day LADDERS/STAIRS/DIVING BOARDS AND STARTING BLOCKS 11 Provided as required 30 day compliance 14 day compliance 14 day 12 Treads/Handrails 30 day compliance 14 day compliance 14 day 13 Boards - meets requirements at 24 hr compliance time of opening 14 Starting blocks RECIRCULATION MECHANICAL ROOM AND FILTRATION 15 Turnover rate 30 day compliance 14 day compliance 14 day 16 Flowmeter 30 day compliance 14 day compliance 14 day 17 Filters/pumps operational Closure EHS reopen Closure/Office EHS reopen Conference 18 Filters/pumps properly 30 day compliance 7 day compliance 7 day installed/maintained 19 Strainers maintained 24 hr compliance 24 hr compliance 20 Equipment room access 24 hr compliance DISINFECTANT/CHEMICAL FEED STORAGE AND EQUIPMENT 21 Disinfection equipment Installation 30 day compliance 14 day compliance 14 day No chlorinator 30 day compliance 30 day 14 day compliance 14 day Chlorinator not working spa 24 hr compliance Next day Closure EHS reopen Chlorinator not working pool 24 hr compliance Next day Closure EHS reopen 22 Gas cylinders properly secured and housed 7 day compliance 7 day 23 Chemicals stored/locked Immediate fix 24 Chlorine gas facilities safety equipment/controls 30 day compliance 14 day compliance 14 day Attachment to Ch. 7.3, Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32 Page 2 of 5
Water Recreation Facility Inspection Guidelines Item# Description Enforcement Action Follow Up 1 Repeat Violations Follow Up 2 Other Action 25 Interlocks between chemical, feed pumps and recirculation system operable 30 day compliance LIGHTING AND VENTILATION 26 Lighting adequate 30 day compliance 27 Lighting fixtures/covers in good 90 day compliance 14 day compliance repair 28 Ventilation adequate 90 day compliance 14 day compliance LOCKER ROOMS/RESTROOMS 29 Maintained and operating Immediate fix 30 Floors/walls/ceilings in sanitary condition Immediate fix 31 Toilets/showers/sinks sanitary and maintained Sanitation Immediate fix Compliance Schedule Fixtures 7 day compliance 7 day 32 110F max shower temp 30 day compliance 24 hr compliance POOL STRUCTURE/MARKINGS AND SAFETY LINES 33 Smooth sides/ no rough or spalling/no protrusions Set compliance schedule 34 White/light colored surface Set compliance schedule 35 Depth markings provided and 30 day compliance maintained 36 Float line/marking line provided at break between shallow and deep area Installation/repair 30 day compliance Attachment to Ch. 7.3, Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32 Page 3 of 5
Water Recreation Facility Inspection Guidelines Item# Description Enforcement Action Follow Up 1 Repeat Violations Follow Up 2 Other Action 37 Pool surfaces maintained in clean/sanitary condition Immediate fix PERSONNEL 38 Required personnel at facility properly stationed No lifeguards Closure EHS reopen Closure EHS reopen No attendants 90 day compliance 39 Personnel have required Set compliance schedule certificates/training 40 Where required emergency response training provided to appropriate personnel 41 Where no supervisory personnel/notification of users of conditions of use 30 day compliance 30 day compliance EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT 42 Phone or other emergency response equipment provided and operable 43 Back board / immobilization equipment (when required) 44 Reaching devices provided and 30 day compliance 30 day 30 day compliance 30 day 30 day compliance 30 day operable 45 First aid kit and blankets 30 day compliance 30 day owner WATER SUPPLY AND WASTE DISPOSAL 46 Water supply conforms with WAC 248-54 47 Water supply protected from cross contamination 48 Pool protected from cross contamination 30 day compliance 30 day 30 day compliance 30 day 30 day compliance 30 day Attachment to Ch. 7.3, Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32 Page 4 of 5
Water Recreation Facility Inspection Guidelines Item# Description Enforcement Action Follow Up 1 Repeat Violations Follow Up 2 Other Action 49 Sewage/waste disposal in compliance with code Set compliance schedule As per schedule 24 hr compliance Next day Office Conference/Closure BATHER USE AND CONTROL 50 Supervision of users in conformance with requirements Required personnel present? Set compliance schedule As per schedule Inadequate personnel Set compliance schedule As per schedule 51 Signs posted as required 30 day compliance 52 Spectator/food areas separated from public 30 day compliance Letter/Conference OTHER/MISC ITEMS 53 Monitoring / recordkeeping Immediate Send records for 1 mo Letter/Conference 54 Operations plan developed and in 90 day compliance 30 day compliance owner use 55 Pool properly secured during Immediate Immediate/Letter periods of non-use 56 Valid operating permit displayed 24 hr compliance Next day Closure on permises 57 Other concerns for referral to other agencies (such as electrical, structural, etc.) Set compliance schedule As per schedule ADDTIONAL NOTES If facility is seasonal, compliance date of some items can be the beginning of the next season. Some s may not be needed if the compliance letter is returned in a timely manner. Attachment to Ch. 7.3, Revision 1, 6/11/91; Effective 7/1/91, Resolution 91-20; Retitled 11/9/93, Resolution 93-32 Page 5 of 5