Tuesday, March 6, 2012

City of WL initiates comprehensive review of chlorine incident & response

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The results of a preliminary investigation into the cause of the Feb. 26 chlorine incident at Sam Ketcham Pool were released March 2nd, which identified the cause to be a malfunctioning vacuum regulator in the pool’s gas chlorine sanitizing system.

The preliminary investigation was immediately undertaken by a joint Union/Management investigation team due to the occupational health and safety aspects of the incident with the primary purpose of identifying the cause and ensuring necessary steps were taken to prevent a similar occurrence.

In response to the preliminary investigation recommendations, the gas chlorine system has been deactivated and the pools remain closed. The faulty vacuum regulator has been secured and will be examined by an independent mechanical engineer to verify the cause of the malfunction.

A mechanical engineering firm has been retained by the City and they began their assessment of the pool’s sanitizing system yesterday. The firm will be providing recommendations for both short-term and long-term options for sanitizing the pool water which do not involve gas chlorine.

Although the City cannot confirm at this time when the pools may reopen, initial reports from the mechanical engineering firm are encouraging. A number of steps will be required including approval of the proposed system by Interior Health and budget approval by the Cariboo Regional District before a new system can be commissioned. Every effort will be made to have a new system operational as soon as possible so that the public can enjoy the pool facility with confidence.

Due to the large number of public who were directly affected, further investigation of the event by an independent body will take place which will examine contributory causes, evacuation procedures and emergency response.

According to Mayor Kerry Cook, “The City recognizes the emotional impact this event has had on those who were in attendance including the swimmers, parents and staff. Arrangements are being made for counseling services for not only the local swimmers and parents, but those from other communities who were taking part in the swim meet. Counseling services have also been made available to staff who were directly or indirectly involved in the incident.” Cook goes on to say that she is personally talking to individuals involved, checking up on their health, and listening to accounts of what happened. “This has definitely been a learning experience.”

The fitness centre and all fitness classes, except aqua-fit continue in spite of the pool closure. For more information please contact 250-398-POOL.

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