PWTAG TAKE TRAINING STRAIN

THE NECESSARY ELEMENTS for the training of swimming pool technical staff are defined in PWTAG’s code of practice.
THE NECESSARY ELEMENTS for the training of swimming pool technical staff are defined in PWTAG’s code of practice.

Swimming pool operators must comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the associated regulations.
That means a proper risk assessment of risks to workers and users. These risks will be particular to the pool but should certainly involve observing the detailed guidance from the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group, which is enshrined in Swimming Pool Water and its code of practice.
None of this will work unless there are staff properly trained to use the equipment and follow the guidelines, endorsed by the Health & Safety Executive.
The necessary elements for the training of swimming pool technical staff are defined in PWTAG’s code of practice. It provides pool operators with a structured plan for the technical operation of their pool.

QUALITY STANDARDS
It ensures that its technical operation meets quality standards that provide a healthy experience for swimmers, using recognised and established practices, techniques, engineering and design.
The code is designed, among other things, to meet the health challenge that the sector has to deal with, including covid and the chlorine- resistant pathogen, Cryptosporidium.
The code is freely available; all swimming pool technical operator (SPTO) students can download it, and buy Swimming Pool Water at discounted rates.
To meet the needs of both full- time technical operation and onsite supervision, PWTAG has syllabuses for two qualifcations:
-swimming pool technical operator.
-onsite designated supervisor.
The syllabus defines the knowledge and onsite skills that lead to the qualifcations. To show the training required, PWTAG provides training guidance alongside the course syllabus – both free to download.

ACCREDITED TRAINERS
PWTAG does not deliver training and qualifcations; these are provided by PWTAG-accredited training organisations.
To become an accredited training provider, organisations must demonstrate to PWTAG that they have the ability to deliver the syllabus, including assessment to a quality standard. The standard is assured by a rigorous intensive review of the materials and methods used.
Candidates who become SPTO qualifed are entitled to become listed on a SPTO register held on the PWTAG website and open to public view.
Registered SPTOs are reminded prior to the end of their three-year term that they must update the currency of their qualification. The accredited training organisation, and not PWTAG, will provide updates.
A similar registration process and publicly available register is to be introduced for the onsite designated supervisor qualification.

Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group
chair@pwtag.org
www.pwtag.org