The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is a project being spearheaded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that when completed, will serve as a model and guide for state and local agencies to use when updating or implementing regulations governing the design, shape, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools and other treated recreational water venues. The MAHC is being developed by the aquatic industry leaders across the country. Several IAAPA members serve on the steering and technical committees.
The MAHC is being created in modules, which are released as they are available, instead of waiting for a final document to be prepared. This allows the committees a lot of flexibility in drafting and updating the MAHC as needed. An outline was released in 2008 for those interested in seeing what topics the MAHC will address.
Last summer, the CDC released the Operator Training Module for public comment. IAAPA notified waterpark members of their opportunity to submit comments to the CDC on this module. The CDC considered the comments and earlier this month posted the revised modules on the MAHC website.
The CDC also released the Ventilation and Air Quality Module for a 60-day comment period ending June 12, 2011. The Ventilation Module contains requirements for new or modified construction that include:
1. Increased make-up air required in addition to that required in the ASHRAE 62 standard for indoor pools.
2. Determination of the extra make-up air needed based on the indoor venue water use type (e.g., flat water, agitated water, or hot water) and venue or deck patron density (square feet/person).
3. Inclusion in calculations of additional make-up air from surge tanks or gutters that introduce fresh air.
4. Development and implementation of plans to reduce combined chlorine compounds in indoor aquatic facilities and information for facility patrons about their impact on building air quality.
To comment on the Ventilation Module, complete the official comment form, and e-mail to the CDC. If there is interest, IAAPA will submit a comment on behalf of the industry. To be included in that process, please send us your comments.
The MAHC is being created in modules, which are released as they are available, instead of waiting for a final document to be prepared. This allows the committees a lot of flexibility in drafting and updating the MAHC as needed. An outline was released in 2008 for those interested in seeing what topics the MAHC will address.
Last summer, the CDC released the Operator Training Module for public comment. IAAPA notified waterpark members of their opportunity to submit comments to the CDC on this module. The CDC considered the comments and earlier this month posted the revised modules on the MAHC website.
The CDC also released the Ventilation and Air Quality Module for a 60-day comment period ending June 12, 2011. The Ventilation Module contains requirements for new or modified construction that include:
1. Increased make-up air required in addition to that required in the ASHRAE 62 standard for indoor pools.
2. Determination of the extra make-up air needed based on the indoor venue water use type (e.g., flat water, agitated water, or hot water) and venue or deck patron density (square feet/person).
3. Inclusion in calculations of additional make-up air from surge tanks or gutters that introduce fresh air.
4. Development and implementation of plans to reduce combined chlorine compounds in indoor aquatic facilities and information for facility patrons about their impact on building air quality.
To comment on the Ventilation Module, complete the official comment form, and e-mail to the CDC. If there is interest, IAAPA will submit a comment on behalf of the industry. To be included in that process, please send us your comments.
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