This recommendation was adopted at the session on 14 January 2004 on the basis of a report by G. Garcia-Bardidia
assisted by Jacques BEDOUIN, Committee Technical Adviser, in accordance with Article R.224-4 of the Consumer Code

Several improvements are required by the CSC:

1. Of manufacturers

- To improve the presentation of labels (readability, layout, colours, etc.).
- To feature on the label the absolute prohibition of mixing any of these products for treating swimming pools, with each other or with other chemical products which may be present in the home or in DIY work shops or garages.
- To feature on the label the period of use of the product and indicate if the water treatment authorises or prohibits use by bathers (and for how long).
-To improve sealing so that it is childproof.
- To increase the resistance of packaging in such a way that it is not possible for a product classed harmful, corrosive or dangerous to the environment to leak if it is knocked over or bumped, p articularly during transport.

2. Of swimming pool fitters

- To ensure the purchaser receives systematic information, particularly as regards the storage of products, their implementation and their disposal. More precisely, as regards storage, the user must be informed of the danger of storing products in a warm, damp environment (be careful of garden sheds which may reach 40ºC or above in summer).
- To show the user the way to control that the water in swimming pools satisfies the physico-chemical criteria required for hygiene and safety; to inform him on the proper use of “kits” to control water quality.
- To systematically distribute a product data sheet to the purchaser.

3. Of distributors of water treatment products

Pending consideration of the rules on distributing these products, it would be advisable from now on to improve product presentation and particularly:

- To make sure that the various product classes are separated.
- To not place product categories which are likely to lead to dangerous mixtures side by side.
- To not place these products within the reach of young children.
- To ensure in so far as possible permanent surveillance in these departments (video surveillance or presence of a department supervisor) as a way of preventing the public from opening and handling the various products.
- To systematically distribute a product data sheet to the purchaser or display it on the point of sale.

4. Of consumers

To bring their attention to the need to:

- Always read the label or the instructions.
- To require advisory sheets and if need be the safety data sheets.
- Ensure correct storage (lack of damp, moderate temperature, separation from other product families, etc.).
- Never mix products.
- Regularly control water quality (using “kits”) so as to not over-use or under-use the treatment products.
- Respect the environment (pay attention to releases and waste disposal).
- Get informed about “what to do in the event of an accident” (call anti-poison centres, first aid, etc.).

5. Of the government

- To control these products in points of sale: the Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) in particular, may, throughout the controls, draw inspiration from the report drawn up by LNE (Laboratoire National d’Essais—National Tests Laboratory), as suggested by the Deputy Director for Consumer Protection.
- To examine the feasibility of the standardisation of the rules for distributing dangerous formulations.

For its part the Committee will act of its own motion to improve the rules on distributing the different dangerous chemical product categories which are available to consumers.

For the complete text in English please open the attached file:
The recommendation can also be consulted in full in French on the CSC website: http://www.cscnet.org by using the key word ‘piscine’.