At the sports centre

This information is for people that work in leisure centres, such as lifeguards, gym staff and cleaners. It gives information on things in the workplace that could damage the lungs and advice on how to protect them.

What are the hazards?

These are some of the hazards you may come into contact with at work.

  • Cleaning products

    Including:

    • Benzalkonium chloride (quaternary ammonium compound) – found in disinfectants and cleaners for floors and hard surfaces
    • Chlorine-based agents (sodium hypochlorite) – the main ingredient in bleach
    • Some scents within cleaning products such as limonene, which gives some products a citrus smell
    • Isothiazolinones – used in some washing up liquids and laundry washing liquid

  • Chloramines

    When chlorine reacts with urine and sweat in the water, it releases substances called chloramines which can build up in the air. Particularly in an indoor pool environment that is not well ventilated, these can irritate the eyes and affect lung health.

Smoking or vaping harms your lungs

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer.
Vaping also exposes your lungs to harmful chemicals.

Quitting smoking or vaping will help protect your lungs.

Nicotine is addictive, and stopping can be difficult.

Conditions

How can your health be affected?

How to protect yourself

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure the work environment is appropriately ventilated and that you are provided with protective clothing and appropriate safety advice.

Here are five things you can do to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your lung health at work.

  • Assess Risk

    Do risk assessments to make sure you are doing jobs safely and efficiently.

  • Ventilation

    Ventilation means allowing clean air into the room by opening doors or windows or through a mechanical ventilation system. Good ventilation is especially needed in indoor swimming pool areas, where chloramines can build up in the air. It also helps control humidity, which can otherwise lead to mould growth, and is important during and after using cleaning products.

  • Health check-ups

    Get your health checked regularly. If there is a health scheme at your workplace, take part in it. Otherwise, see a healthcare professional regularly and make sure they know about your workplace. Health surveillance might include answering questions about your symptoms or lung function tests. This can help identify problems early.

    If you notice any new symptoms or are concerned about your health, don’t wait. Report them to your doctor or occupational health scheme promptly.

  • When cleaning

    Check ingredients in cleaning products and avoid those that will put you at risk.

    Use wipes not sprays so that you are putting less chemicals into the air for you to breathe in.

    Follow label instructions about the safe use of chemicals.

  • Know what to expect from your employer

    Your employer has a responsibility to reduce your exposure to harmful substances. This can include using safer alternatives where possible, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing the right equipment, training and safety advice.

    If any of this seems to be missing at your workplace, it is worth raising it with your employer, health and safety representative or union.

More information