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Pool owners warned
on mixing chemicals
WA police and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) have joined forces to warn pool owners to take care when mixing chemicals for their pools.
he warning comes after two recent chemical incidents resulted in people being injured from accidently mixing liquid and dry powder pool chemicals together.
Manager for Hazardous Materials at FESA, Stuart Palmer said any mixing of chemicals should only be carried out under strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
| Advised to take great care |
“Failure to follow correct instructions can result in toxic chemicals being released, sometimes causing a violent reaction,” Mr Palmer said.
“In the last financial year, career and volunteer firefighters responded to over 900 hazardous materials incidents and the community really needs to be aware of the dangers associated with all types of potentially dangerous chemicals and materials.”
WA Police Sergeant Garry Tuffin from the East Metro Police District said that in the most recent incident in Ballajura, the victim was lucky to have only suffered minor burns to his hands, arms and face.
“We obviously have concerns for householders’ safety, but any subsequent chemical release could also place other residents at risk too, and can result in fire or explosions,” Sergeant Tuffin said.
“Regarding pool chemicals, if you are unsure about possible adverse reactions, householders are advised to contact their local pool chemical suppliers.”
He said in a life threatening emergency people should call 000.
Edition 121, 24 January 2012
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