Reduce Reinspection Rate of Permitted Water Recreation Facilities to Decrease Risk of Illness and Injury
Summary
Critical item violations at water recreation facilities (e.g., swimming pools, spas, wading pools, etc.) relate directly to the protection of public health. Poor water quality, inadequate barriers, broken main drain grates, etc., may result in serious illness or injury. Review of 2009 inspection data by Spokane Regional Health District’s Water Recreation Program revealed that water quality and emergency equipment violations represented 89% of the total number of critical item violations cited that year at water recreation facilities (WRFs). In response, a two-year QI initiative was conducted to reduce re-inspection rates stemming from critical item violations. The initiative aimed to: 1) reduce the re-inspection rate of permitted WRFs at bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, and RV parks from 58% to 30% by December 31, 2011; and, 2) reduce the re-inspection rate of permitted WRFs at apartment complexes from 30% to 20% by December 31, 2011.
The initiative included a targeted email education campaign, development/distribution of improved educational tools, and non-regulatory educational site visits. At the end of the initiative, the re-inspection rate at bed and breakfasts, hotels, motels, and RV parks was reduced by 55.2% and reduced by 36.7% at apartment complexes. The number of critical item violations cited during routine inspections of these facilities involving disinfection, pH and emergency equipment also dropped from 107 in 2009 to 69 in 2011 for a difference of 36%.
Awbrey, J. Public Health Quality Improvement Exchange. Reduce Reinspection Rate of Permitted Water Recreation Facilities to Decrease Risk of Illness and Injury. Fri, 03/29/2013 - 19:25. Available at http://phqix.org/content/reduce-reinspection-rate-permitted-water-recreation-facilities-decrease-risk-illness-and. Accessed April 20, 2024.
