Code Compliance Guideline

and Fire Safety Requirements Related to Pool Operations

This page outlines the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC) requirements related to the dispensing, storage, and use of common swimming pool chemicals (e.g., corrosive liquids and oxidizers) at water recreation facilities such as public swimming pools and waterparks located in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna. Fire safety requirements common to water recreation facilities and the roles and responsibilities of pool operators and lifeguards are also addressed in this publication. 
 
Questions regarding the content of this publication should be directed to the Fire Inspections Branch at 703-246-4849 during regular office hours, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (Pool Chemicals)

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Required. SDS for all hazardous materials shall be either readily available on the premises as a paper copy or readily retrievable by electronic access. SDS should be stored in a non-hazardous area such as an office or lifeguard room and not in pool chemical dispensing and storage areas. It is suggested that SDS be kept in a dedicated binder or folder which is clearly marked "SDS" for easy identification. SDS can be obtained from the pool chemical supplier.  (VSFPC 407.2)
 
Individual Container Identification Required. Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be clearly marked or labeled in accordance with applicable federal regulations.  (VSFPC 407.3)

• All containers and packages should be properly sealed or closed and safely stored in accordance with the SDS to prevent leakage, exposure, or possible injury. In addition, containers should be safely stored on spill containment decking or pallets. 

 
NFPA 704 Hazard Identification Signs Required. NFPA 704 hazard identification signs shall be provided at entrances to locations where pool chemicals are stored, dispensed, used. or handled in quantities requiring a permit and at specific entrances and locations designated by the fire code official.  (VSFPC 5003.5)

• NFPA 704 signs shall be numbered and labeled for the hazards associated with the pool chemical(s). Numbering and labeling information is typically found in the MSDS. Where many chemicals are present, a single sign shall summarize the maximum ratings contributed by the material(s) in each category and the special hazard category for the building and/or the area. NFPA 704 signs may be obtained through industrial safety equipment suppliers, sign fabricators, or sign supply companies.  (See Example on Page 2)

 
NFPA 704 Sign Maintenance & Visibility. NFPA 704 signs and markings shall not be obscured or removed, shall be in English as a primary language or in symbols permitted by the Fire Prevention Code, shall be durable, and the size, color and lettering shall be approved.  (VSFPC 5003.6)

Separation of Incompatible Materials Required. Incompatible materials are materials that, when mixed, have the potential to react in a manner which generates heat, fumes, gases, or byproducts which are hazardous to life or property. Material incompatibility information is typically found in the SDS. All materials in storage and storage of materials that are incompatible with materials in use shall be separated when the stored materials are in containers having a capacity of more than 5 pounds or 1/2 gallon. Separation of incompatible materials shall be accomplished by any of the following:  (VSFPC 5003.9.8)
 

1. Segregating incompatible materials in storage by a distance of not less than 20 feet.
2. Isolating incompatible materials in storage by a noncombustible partition extending not less than 18 inches above and to the sides of the stored material.
3. Storing liquid and solid materials in approved hazardous material storage cabinets.

Security of Hazardous Materials Required. Storage, dispensing, use and handling areas shall be secured against unauthorized entry and safeguarded in an approved manner.  (VSFPC 5003.9.2)

Secondary Containment Required for Corrosive Liquids. Secondary containment is a level of containment that is external to and separate from primary containment. Buildings, rooms, or indoor areas where hazardous material liquids (e.g., Sodium Hypochlorite, Muriatic Acid) are dispensed or used in open systems shall be provided with secondary containment when the capacity of an individual vessel or system is greater than 1.3 gallons or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems is greater than 5.3 gallons.  (VSFPC 5005.2.1.4)
 
Storage of Class 2 Oxidizers. Storage of Class 2 oxidizers such as Calcium Hypochlorite (50% or less by weight) and Bromine shall be limited to no more than 250 pounds in any control area within a building not protected with an automatic sprinkler system. This may be increased to no more than 500 pounds where an automatic sprinkler system is provided.  (VSFPC 5003.1.1)  
 
Release of Hazardous Materials Prohibited. Hazardous materials in any quantity shall not be released into a sewer, storm drain, ditch, drainage canal, creek, stream, river, lake or tidal waterway or on the ground, sidewalk, street, highway or into the atmosphere.  (VSFPC 5003.3)

 

POOL OPERATORS & LIFEGUARDS

Hazardous Materials Familiarization & Training Requirements. Persons responsible for the operation of areas in which hazardous materials are stored, dispensed, handled, or used shall:

1. Be familiar with the chemical nature of the materials and the appropriate mitigating actions necessary in the event of a fire, leak, or spill.  (VSFPC 407.4, 5003.9.1)
2. Be trained to liaison with the fire department which includes preplanning emergency responses and identification of the locations of hazardous materials.  (VSFPC 407.4, 5003.9.1.1)
3. Have access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS).  (VSFPC 407.4, 5003.4)
4. Be knowledgeable in the on-site emergency response procedures.  (VSFPC 407.4, 5003.9.1.1)

 
Notification of Emergency Responders (Call 911). In accordance with sections 401.3 and 5003.3.1 of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, notification of emergency responders shall be as follows:

1. Fire Events & Alarm Activations. In the event an unwanted fire occurs on a property or upon activation of a fire alarm signal, pool operators and/or lifeguards shall immediately notify the fire department by calling 911.
2. Hazardous Materials Release. Any person who witnesses, discovers, or otherwise has knowledge of a spill, leak or other release of a hazardous material or other material that may negatively impact the environment, regardless of quantity, shall immediately report such spill, leak or release to the Department of Public Safety Communications (Call 911) and to the Office of the Fire Marshal by calling 703-246-4386 (Leave a Message).

To learn more about hazardous materials discharge/spill notification procedures, visit the Fairfax Joint Local Emergency Planning Committee (FJLEPC). 
 
Emergency Procedures. Pool operators and lifeguards shall be able to reasonably articulate the following procedures related to the release or spill of hazardous pool chemicals:
 1. Evacuate the pool, pool deck, and pool house. Direct persons to a safe area. 
 2. Immediately call 911 to notify emergency responders of the situation. 
 3. Retrieve SDS (safely) and move to a safe area with SDS in hand.
 4. Administer first aid as appropriate. Consult SDS for chemical-related first aid information.
 5. Meet emergency responders with SDS and explain the nature of the emergency.

 

FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS 

Emergency Exits & Pool Access Gates. Required exit accesses, exits, or exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency when the areas served by such exits are occupied. In addition, gates serving the pool area shall be available for use by pool staff in case of emergency. Pool staff shall be able to unlock all gates in the presence of the fire official. (VSFPC 1032.2, 506.1.1)
 
Portable Fire Extinguisher(s). A portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A shall be conspicuously mounted within a travel distance of 75 feet for occupancies that involve primarily Class A fire hazards. Extinguishers with a Class C rating shall be required where energized electrical equipment can be encountered. Only water or foam extinguishers shall be installed in areas where pool chemicals containing chlorine or bromine are stored. Multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers shall not be installed in areas where pool chemicals containing chlorine or bromine are stored.  Fire extinguishers intended for use where oxidizers are stored or used shall be selected and installed based on the specific recommendations contained within the material's safety data sheet (SDS) for the oxidizer, surrounding conditions (VSFPC 906.1, 906.3, NFPA 10 5.5.7)
 
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance. Extinguishers shall be readily accessible and immediately available for use and not obstructed or obscured from view. Extinguishers less than 40 pounds shall be installed so that their tops are not more than 5 feet above the floor. Extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 and have a current inspection tag indicating maintenance within the past 12 months.  (VSFPC 906.5, 906.6, 906.9.1, 906.2)  
 
Fueled Equipment Storage Prohibited Inside. Fueled equipment including, but not limited to, motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment, portable generators and portable cooking equipment, shall not be stored, operated or repaired within a building including pool chemical dispensing and storage areas.  (VSFPC 313.1)
 
Combustible Material Storage in Buildings. Combustible material, including LPG, shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, or electrical equipment rooms. Where permitted, storage of combustible materials in buildings shall be orderly. Storage shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur. (VSFPC 315.3, 315.3.3)
 
Waste Accumulation Prohibited. Combustible waste material creating a fire hazard shall not be allowed to accumulate in buildings or structures or upon premises.  (VSFPC 304.1)
 
Electrical Hazards and Open Circuits/Junctions Prohibited. Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Electrical wiring, devices, equipment and appliances and other equipment that is modified or damaged and constitute an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used. Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all-switch and electrical outlet boxes.  (VSFPC 603.2, 603.2.1, 603.2.2)
 
Electrical Equipment Areas. A working space of not less than 30 inches in width, 36 inches in depth and 78 inches in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. Where the electrical service equipment is wider than 30 inches, the working space shall not be less than the width of the equipment. No storage of any materials shall be located within the designated working space. Illumination shall be provided for service equipment areas, motor control centers and electrical panelboards (pump rooms).  (VSFPC 605.2 & 605.3)

 

MOST COMMON FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS

1. (VSFPC 313.1) Fueled equipment, included but not limited to motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment, and portable cooking equipment, shall not be stored, operated, or repaired within a building.

2. (VSFPC 407.2) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials shall be readily available on the premises. It is suggested that these forms be kept in a separate binder and clearly marked for easy identification. These binders should be kept in the Lifeguard Office or location other than the chemical storage area.

3. (VSFPC 407.3) Identification. Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or labeled in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Buildings, rooms, and spaces containing hazardous materials shall be identified by hazard warning signs in accordance with Section 5003.5.

4. (VSFPC 906.1) At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A shall be placed within 75 feet of travel distance and within 30 feet (9144 mm) of commercial cooking equipment. All extinguishers shall have a current inspection tag indicating service within the past 12 months. Extinguishers shall be installed so that their tops are not more than 5 feet above the floor, and the clearance between the floor and bottom of the extinguisher shall not be less than 4 inches.

5. All pool houses require a “Non-Residential Use Permit” (NON-RUP) to be posted in a conspicuous place. If they do not, the inspector will note this on the “Notice of Violation” (NOV) and e-mail a complaint to Zoning.