It is a myth that there is only one body that can award a Pool Plant Qualification. One particular awarding body describes their qualification as the ‘Gold Standard’.
This is purely a marketing term. There is no ‘Gold Standard’.
There are a number of qualifications available and provided they meet H&S guidelines they all have legitimacy.
UK law stipulates that swimming pools should be managed in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Health and Safety legislation continually refers to the obligation in law for employers to provide ‘suitable and sufficient training and information’ to employees.
The PASOQ Technician Certificate complies fully with the Health & Safety Executive guidelines document HSG 179 and Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) Code of Practice for Swimming Pool Water – July 2021 (updated to reflect the requirements of Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179) November 3, 2017).
PASOQ qualifications have been designed for the industry by the PASOQ Education Board, which is made up of Tutors and Trainers who are all actively involved in the management and operation of commercial and public facilities. Their remit is to oversee and maintain the Standards and Quality of the qualifications.
TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE (3 DAY COURSE)
overview
The PASOQ Technician Certificate indicates that staff who are – or intend to – operate in a pool and perform tasks with significant operational or safety impacts have the competencies to do so.
It ensures that the theoretical knowledge gained on the course is then firmly underpinned by technical skills and expertise gained in a plant room environment.
This is achieved by ensuring that the learning outcomes required in order to gain the certificate satisfy the relevant Health and Safety recommendations.
Certification is awarded following attendance on a course, the successful completion of an end-of-course test (multi-choice) and the successful submission of a work-based assignment for independent assessment within four weeks of the course end.
SYLLABUS COVERED
- Circulation
- Filtration
- Disinfection
- Chemical Dosing
- Basic Pool Chemistry
- Water Testing & Control
- The Swimming Pool – Types of pools; Pollution & Hygiene; Management & Training; Design.
- Hygiene
- Emergency Procedures
- The Pool Environment
- Chemical Safety
- Health Issues
- Maintenance & Record Keeping
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Full course attendance
- Completion of a pre-course worksheet
- Successful completion of an end-of-course multi-choice test paper
- Successful completion of a work-based assignment that is submitted for independent assessment within 4 weeks of the course end date. Part of the assignment will be a requirement to demonstrate practical water testing, analysis of results with remedial actions and to carry out a filter backwash under supervision
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course successful candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of both generic pools and their own pool plant, including the circulation, filtration, disinfection, pH correction and heating of pool water. This will enable them to be competent in the safe and efficient operation of pool plant to HSE requirements as described in ‘Managing health and safety in swimming pools’ (HSG179) and Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) Code of Practice for Swimming Pool Water – July 2021 (updated to reflect the requirements of Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179) November 3, 2017).
In line with industry recommendations the course provides candidates with 3 days formal pool training and a work-related exercise demonstrating site specific knowledge of their own workplace.
currency
The certificate is valid for 5 years and is endorsed by ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers).
To maintain its currency a 1 day revalidation seminar should be attended within 5 years of gaining the certificate.
Certification is provided by PASOQ
course materials
All candidates will be provided with :-
Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) Code of Practice for Swimming Pool Water – July 2021 (updated to reflect the requirements of Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179) November 3, 2017).
The comprehensive ‘Pool Professional’s Manual’ and the Lovibond ‘Pool & Spa Water Treatment and Analysis’ booklet.
PASOQ-produced key handouts.
QUALIFICATIONS / CRITERIA FOR TUTORS:
PASOQ Tutors must have at least 5 years suitable experience in the leisure industry.
They must have satisfied the PASOQ Board that they have the level of knowledge and presentation skills required to deliver PASOQ courses to a high standard.
In order to ensure the quality of PASOQ courses and maintain teaching and presentation standards, all PASOQ tutors must attend a course once each year that is operated by another PASOQ tutor in order to observe and share knowledge and experience.
PASOQ FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE (1 Day Course)
The Foundation Certificate is an ideal qualification for staff who are not specifically responsible for the day to day operation of pool plant, but require a basic understanding of pool water. The certificate covers how to test pool water and interpret results, general Health & Safety as it relates to pools and the importance of good pool hygiene.
To find out more about our courses simply get in touch by clicking the “more info” link below.
More InfoPASOQ UPDATE (1 Day Seminar)
In order to maintain the currency of the PASOQ Technician Certificate, technicians are required to attend a Revalidation update seminar within 5 years of gaining their certificate.
The purpose of the seminar is to refresh and update the knowledge gained on the Technician Certificate and to provide an appreciation of current trends and standards of operation.
- This Revalidation will convert the former ISRM PPO Certificate and other relevant pool plant qualifications to PASOQ.
- The updated certificate provides Technician validation for a further 5 years.
To find out more about our courses simply get in touch by clicking the “more info” link below.
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