Child Safety With Chlorine Tablets

Chlorine tablets are used for keeping swimming pools sanitized and safe for use. Though other options exist on the market, many people prefer using chlorine tablets over chlorine-free options. The tablets are effective but pose safety hazards for people, a big concern if you have children or if children frequent your pool.

Storage

• Because chlorine tablets are dangerous to handle, they should be stored out of the reach of all children. Choose a cabinet that is up high or hidden and purchase a lock for the cabinet so that kids cannot easily get into the chemicals. The cabinet should be in a cool, dry location, away from flames and should not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Store other dangerous pool chemicals in this location, as well, ensuring that all adults know to lock the cabinet immediately after opening it.

Protective Gear

• Before retrieving chlorine tablets from storage, ensure you have the proper protective gear and wear it religiously. Purchase industrial rubber gloves, eye goggles and a breathing mask to protect your body from exposure. For extra safety, wear long sleeves and pants so that exposed skin is minimal.

Safe Usage

• Ensure that children are not in the area of your chemical storage cabinet or the pool. Require that they go indoors--or treat your pool with chlorine tablets at night or early in the morning when the children are not up yet. Put on your safety gear prior to touching the chemical storage cabinet and then place the chlorine tablet in the pool as directed on the box. Replace the lock on the chemical storage cabinet and place all clothes directly into the washing machine. Wash your gloves with soap and water before taking them off and then carefully remove them and the rest of your protective gear, putting them into safe storage until the next use. Ensure that children know not to disturb the washing machine while it is washing your clothing items, preferably keeping them away from the area for good measure.

Risks

• Choosing to use chlorine tablets means incurring a certain level of risk, even if you think you are being as careful as you can be. Children could figure out how to get into the chemical cabinet, it could be left accidentally open, or they could come into contact with contaminated safety gear. If the chlorine touches their eyes or skin it can burn and cause serious injury. If they inhale the dust or fumes, their airways may become extremely irritated. Ingesting chlorine tablets can be serious or even fatal.

Treatment

• If a child comes into contact with chlorine tablets, swift safety measures must be taken. For the eyes, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. For the skin, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention if irritation persists. For ingestion, force large amounts of water but do not induce vomiting and head immediately to the hospital emergency room or poison control center. For inhalation, move the child to fresh air, treat the symptoms and seek medical attention if irritation persists.