Facilities Management Syllabi


Title:	STA/ISPAL Foundation Certificate in Swimming Pool & Spa Water Treatment	» syllabus

Title:	STA/ ISPAL Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool & Spa Water Treatment	» syllabus

Title:	Swimming Pool and Spa Tutor	» syllabus

Title:	Customer Care Module	» syllabus

Title:	Customer Care Tutor Module	» syllabus

Title:	Manual Handling Training Passport & Information Scheme	» syllabus

Title:	Manual Handling Tutor	» syllabus

Also see: Swimming Teaching Syllabi, Lifesaving Syllabi, Aquacise Syllabi, First Aid Syllabi

^top

Syllabus for Pool & Spa Foundation Certificate

The Foundation Certificate course is designed to provide the basic information and reinforce the training and skills necessary to work competently as an assistant to a fully qualified Pool & Spa operator.

Unit Specification : STA/ISPAL Foundation Certificate in Swimming Pool & Spa Water Treatment

Entry Requirements

Candidates must:

Be 16 years of age, or older, at the time of the examination.
Pay the requisite registration fee to the STA/ISPAL.
Attend a course of instruction for a minimum of 6 hours.
Other than specified above no other prior experience or knowledge is required.

Topics

Appreciation of the diverse factors that contribute to maintaining pool/spa baths in a safe, attractive and hygienic condition.
The knowledge of what can effect pool/spa bath quality.
The importance of pre swim hygiene and cleanliness in pools/spa bath areas.
The parameters that organisations must operate pools/spa baths within.

Contact Time

6 to 7 hours

Reading

The STA/ISPAL Swimming Pool and Spa Plant Manual 2nd Edition

Chapters 1 to 8
Chapters 16 & 17
Chapter 21
Chapters 23 & 24
Chapter 28

Assessment

Completing an end of course multi-choice questions consisting of 25 questions, each worth 1 mark. The pass mark is 18.
Satisfactory completion of the course worksheet.
Undertake practical water testing, analysis and interpretation covering the following skills in order to:
- Develop the ability to carry out testing correctly.
- Recognise that the level of disinfectant present in pool water is consistent with the bathing load and design of the pool/spa bath.
- Recognise the dangers of too much/too little disinfectant present within the water.
- Recognise that the pH is maintained within the recommended parameters.
- Understand the importance of the pH relationship and disinfectants and flocculants.
- Understand how temperature of air and water are important not only to the bather but to the fabric of the building and its running costs.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course the candidate will be able to understand the reasons why they must maintain safe levels of disinfectant at the correct pH and the need for filtration and back washing. They will be able to test the pool water and understand the significance of the readings.

The Foundation Certificate in Swimming Pool and Spa Water Treatment covers:

Sources of pollution and control measures
Cryptosporidium and Giardia Lambia.
Understanding the basic principles of circulation, filtration and back washing and the need for flocculation.
Introduction to plant room design, layout and operational practices and principles.
Conducting water testing, recording and interpretation leading to corrective action.
Bacteriological testing requirements.
pH and pool/spa bath water disinfection.
Knowledge of the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

Revalidation:

The Foundation Certificate must be re-validated every 3 years. Regular on-going training and practice is essential. The "Resource Manual" provides a Training Record Sheet for you to record your regular training. The re-validation process will include completion of a pre-course questionnaire, attendance at a re-validation workshop, which will focus on the syllabus in force at the time, followed by an end of course presentation. A re-validation fee is payable to the STA.

National Occupational Standard

This unit provides the underpinning knowledge that will contribute towards gaining NVQ/SVQ Level 1 & 2. The following units are covered:

A21 Support the efficient use of resources.
A41 Manage information for action.
B21 Plan and organise services and operations to meet expectations and requirements.
C214 Promote a culture of health and safety.
B215 Maintain reliable customer service.
C13 Maintain sport an recreation equipment and facilities.
C215 Promote the conservation of the environment.
C24 Operate plant to maintain levels of heating and ventilation.
C25 Operate plant to maintain the quality of the water.

Links to Key Skills

This unit will provide some evidence for the following QCA Key Skills:
Communication 2.1a, 2.1b, 2.2, 2.3
Application of numbers 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
Working with other 2.1, 2.2, 2.3
Problem solving 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The STA and ILAM are committed to maintaining and improving standards and believe that CPD:
• Provides a framework within which leisure practitioners can keep themselves updated.
• Encourages leisure practitioners to use a wide variety of methods (not just Courses).
• Provides recognition of individual development activity.

On successful completion of this course 10 CPD points will be awarded and members of ILAM can register these under the Institutes CPD Scheme.

^top^

Syllabus for Pool & Spa Level 2 Certificate

Candidates who have successfully completed the foundation may progress to the STA Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool & Spa Water Treatment.

The Certificate in Swimming Pool and Spa Water treatment has been designed to provide information and reinforce the training necessary to reflect the most up to date requirements and standards for those employed in the management and operation of swimming pools and spa's.

Unit Specification : STA/ ISPAL Level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool & Spa Water Treatment

Entry Criteria:

Be 18 years of age, or older, at the time of examination.
Successful completion of the Foundation Certificate in Swimming Pool and Spa Water Treatment.
Pay the registration fee to the STA.
Attend a course of instruction of 16 hours.
Satisfactory completion of pre-course site-specific worksheet.

Topics

Forms of pollution and the control methods.
Evolution and development of Swimming Pools & Spa systems.
Circulation, filtration & backwashing.
Eectrical, ventilation and mechanical services.
pH and balanced water.
Disinfections methods.
Methods of addition and control of chemicals.
Water testing.
Health & Safety.

Contact Time

20 hours (16 hours course contact time, 1 hour pre course worksheet, 3 hours worked based assignment).

Reading

Chapters 11 to 28 inclusive.

Assessment

Completing a Pre-course worksheet.
Completing an end of course multi-choice paper consisting of 25 questions, each worth 1 mark, the pass mark is 18.
Undertake practical water testing, analysis and interpretation.
Completion of a selected work based assignment that is submitted within 28 days of the course end date.

National Occupational Standard

This unit provides the underpinning knowledge that will contribute towards gaining NVQ/SVQ Level 1, 2 & 3 Operational Services. The following units are covered:

A21.1 Make recommendations for the use of resources.
A21.2 Contribute to the control of resources.
A41.1 Gather required information.
A41.2 Inform and advise others.
A41.3 Hold meetings.
B21 Plan and organise services and operations to meet expectations and requirements
B215.1 Maintain records relating to customer service.
B215.2 Organise own work pattern to respond to the needs of customers.
B215.3 Work with others to benefit the customer.
C13.1 Check sport and recreation equipment and facilities to see what maintenance is needed.
C13.2 Service and repair sport and recreation equipment and facilities.
C22.1 Identify and deal with hazards in the sport and activity environment.
C22.2 Help to reduce risks in the sport and activity environment.
C23.3 Handle substances hazardous to health.
C23.4 Store substances hazardous to health.
C24.1 Start up and shut down plant.
C24.2 Maintain plant in working order.
C24.3 Ensure the quality and temperature of air.
C25.1 Start up and shut down plant.
C25.2 Maintain plant in working order.
C25.3 Ensure the quality of water.
C28.1 Prepare and maintain a safe swimming pool environment.
C214.1 Identify hazards and assess risks in own area of responsibility.
C214.2 Contribute to safety and emergency procedures to manage risks in own area of responsibility.
C214.3 Maintain the safety of participants and colleagues.
C214.4 Supervise a response to incidents and emergencies.
C215.1 Contribute to and implement codes of practice for using the environment.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this Unit it is anticipated that a candidate will have raised their knowledge and awareness of what is required to operate a Swimming Pool and/or Spa in a safe and efficient manner with particular reference to; understanding the principles of circulation and filtration, understanding of the importance of chemical levels present in Pools and Spa's and their associated hazards and assisting in ensuring compliance with the regulations and relevant statutes.

The Level 2 Certificate covers:

The industry lead bodies and their recommendations and guidance.
Pollution and its removal from the Pool, Spa and associated Plant.
Understanding the principles of circulation and filtration.
The requirement for regular maintenance on circulation & filtration equipment.
Understanding why & how water removal from pools can cause entrapment hazards and how this threat can be reduced.
Understanding Swimming Pool ventilation and heating systems.
Understanding the principles of water treatment including pH, water balance and water testing.
Why microbiological testing is also required and when it is necessary.
Analysis and interpretation of readings leading to corrective action.
Methods for recording results and maintaining records.
Understanding the different types of residual disinfectants and their use in water treatment.
Understanding the use of non-residual disinfectants including Ozone and Ultra Violet.
Developing an understanding and awareness of current industry best practice, guidance and recommendations.
Understanding the principles of Health and Safety and the relevant statutes.
Best practice in relation to planned preventative action and troubleshooting.
Developing an understanding of the environmental implications of operating and managing Swimming Pools, Spa's and associated plant.
An understanding of how the hazards of electricity in pool and plant areas are managed.
How the threat of legionnaires and other diseases is controlled.

Links to Key Skills

This unit will provide some evidence for the following QCA Key Skills:

Communication 2.1a.2.1b.2.2.2.3

Application of numbers 1.1, 1.2,1.3

Working with others 2.1,2.2,2.3

Problem Solving 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Revalidation:

The level 2 Certificate must be re-validated every 3 years. Regular on-going training and practice is essential. The "Resource Manual" provides a Training Record Sheet for you to record your regular training. The re-validation process will include completion of a pre-course questionnaire, attendance at a re-validation workshop, which will focus on the syllabus in force at the time, followed by an end of course presentation.

NB The Level 2 Qualification supersedes the Level 1 Qualification; therefore a candidate that holds both awards will not need to revalidate the Level 2. A re-validation fee is payable to the STA.

Exam Re-takes:

Each candidate only has six weeks to complete a re-take.
The candidate will need to complete a CAP 2 form, which can be downloaded from our website or contact the course department.
An examination re-take charge is £11.

^top^

Syllabus for becoming a Swimming Pool and Spa Tutor

Entry Criteria

Be 21 years of age, or older, at the time of examination.
Have 3-5 years current experience of managing and operating Pool's and Spa's .
Have experience in tutoring, lecturing and/or appropriate instructing qualifications.
Hold a current nationally recognised Pool Plant Operators certificate.
Submit a current Curriculum Vitae to katie@sta.co.uk.

Tutor Selection

The initial selection criteria for potential tutors is based on their industry experience, qualifications and a mandatory requirement to have a nationally recognised Pool Plant Operators certificate.

The tutor programme is designed to ensure that potential tutors are competent and confident to deliver either the foundation level course or the full certificate level.

Assessment

Potential tutors are continually assessed over the duration of the course and at the end of the programme are informed on the outcome of assessment through an individual interview with the assessor, satisfactory completion of a multiple-choice examination paper and presentation on a Pool and Spa subject topic.

There are 3 specific outcomes following the assessment:

Full Tutor Status being granted (able to deliver both awards foundation and Level 2 certificate).
Foundation Tutor Status being granted, which means that you are a probationary tutor until you register your first course which will be moderated. Once you have delivered a minimum of 2 foundation level courses, you can apply to be up-graded to a full Tutor and able to deliver both levels.
Referred and required to gain more relevant experience. Anyone who is referred can apply to attend a future tutor programme at no additional cost.

^top^

Syllabus for Customer Care Module

This module is designed for all staff that deal directly with customers whether they are selling products, taking bookings, waiting at tables or acting as instructors or guides. It aims to provide candidate's with the knowledge and skills to provide the service their customers expect. Thus ensuring repeat visits /sales and raising the company profile/brand. Candidate's will learn how to improve service and how to deal positively with complaints from customers. The module will consider communication with customer's face to face, over the telephone and in writing.

Entry Criteria

Be 16 years of age
Pay the requisite fee to the STA
Attend a course of instruction for a minimum of 3 hours
Satisfactorily complete the requirements of this module

Assessment

The qualification is tutor assessed; candidates must satisfy the following:

Complete the Module Worksheet
Take an active part in the group exercises

^top^

Syllabus for Customer Care Tutor Module

Those who wish to tutor or examine on STA training courses must satisfy the STA of their abilities in these areas. Attending a Tutor's Course and satisfying the course tutor/s of their abilities normally achieves this objective; recognition is given for relevant prior experience.

Aims

To produce Tutors who are able to train and assess the appropriate level of competence of the Customer Care Module.

Objectives

To be familiar with the Customer Care Module Leaflet
To be familiar with the course programme
To appreciate the appropriate level required for competence
To be familiar with course administration procedures
To undertake the end user course
To demonstrate an understanding of practical and theoretical aspects of the end user course.

Assessment

To be appointed as a Tutor the candidate will need to satisfy the following;

Be a minimum of 21 years of age
Be a member of the Swimming Teacher's Association
Pay the requisite registration fee to the STA
Attend a course of instruction
Complete the Training Manual
Demonstrate the ability to deliver a theory topic
Demonstrate the ability to deliver an exercise
Satisfactorily complete the 25 question multiple-choice paper (pass mark 18)
Satisfactorily take an active part in the group exercises

Re-Validation

The STA Customer Care Tutor qualification is valid for 3 years only; revalidation is granted after successfully complying with the requirements in force at the time.

^top^

Manual Handling Training Passport & Information Scheme : Syllabus

Aims

To provide an understanding of:

The basic principles of manual handling and Ergonomics;
24 hour back care;
Types of injuries, how they can occur and how they can possibly be avoided;
Legislation, relating to manual handling;
Risk assessments

Objectives

To be able to perform a risk assessment, in relation to their own work environment;
To be able to understand and demonstrate the correct technique for sitting at a desk;
To be able to understand and demonstrate a safe warm up and stretching exercises and techniques;
To be able to understand and demonstrate the correct techniques for lifting, pulling and pushing;
To be able to identify incorrect handling techniques/practices and suggest more appropriate alternatives.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must:

Be 16 years of age, or older, at the time of the examination.
Pay the requisite registration fee to the STA.
Attend a course of instruction for a minimum of 4 hours.
Be physically capable of fully participating in all aspects of the course.
Other than specified above no other prior experience or knowledge is required.

Assessment

The qualification is assessed as set out below; candidates must satisfy all of the following:

Completion of the self test worksheets to the satisfaction of the course tutor.
Complete the practical sessions to the satisfaction of the tutor.
Achieve a minimum of 6 out of 8 questions to pass the final worksheet.

Contact Time

4 hours.

Re-validation

The Manual Handling Training Passport and Information Scheme qualification is valid for 2 years only. If however the Employers risk assessment determines that there is a higher risk involved from manual handling in the working environment, then the training should be undertaken again after 12 months. Re-validation is granted after successfully carrying out the requirements of the syllabus in force at the time. A re-validation fee is payable to the STA. Regular on-going training and practice is essential.

At present:

If the candidate has a recognised and current passport, then only Unit 2 (module B) needs to be re-taken.
However the main points of Unit 1 (module A) need to be recapped to ensure that the candidate still maintain their knowledge.
The revalidation course is a minimum of 2 hours contact time.
The candidate will not be required to complete the Self Test Worksheets, but will still need to complete:
- The Risk Assessment.
- The Final Worksheet (pass mark 6/8).
- All Practical Skills.

^top^

Manual Handling Tutor : Syllabus

Aims

To produce Tutors who are able to train and assess the appropriate level of competence of the Manual Handling Training Passport & Information Scheme.

Objectives

To be familiar with the course manual
To be familiar with the course programme
To appreciate the appropriate level required for competence
To be familiar with course administration procedures
To undertake the end user course
To demonstrate an understanding of practical and theoretical aspects of the end user course
To be able to safely and competently demonstrate all practical aspects of the end user course.

Entry Requirements

To be appointed as a Tutor the candidate will need to satisfy the following:

Be a minimum of 21 years of age.
Be a member of the Swimming Teachers’ Association.
Attend a course of instruction.
Complete the Training Manual.
Hold a valid Manual Handling Certificate.
Demonstrate the ability to deliver a theory topic.
Demonstrate the ability to deliver a practical session.
Satisfactorily complete the 25 question multiple-choice paper (pass mark 18).
Satisfactorily complete the practical sessions.

Revalidation

The STA Manual Handling Tutor qualification is valid for 3 years only; revalidation is granted after successfully complying with the requirements in force at the time.

The present requirements are:

Tutor at least one course every year.
Attend an update/refresher course at least every 3 years.
To be moderated tutoring during the 3-year period.
To hold a current manual handling award.

Personal Specification

The Person Specification for a Manual Handling Tutor in Inanimate Load Handling (Foundation Level) is as follows:

Must have attended a post basic course in moving and handling, including an element of teaching
Should be able to demonstrate knowledge of relevant legal influences in the field, an understanding of the ergonomic principles involved, and of the risk assessment processes required
Must demonstrate a practical problem solving approach to moving and handling issues
Must be physically capable of demonstrating good practice
Must promote minimal lifting, use of equipment and ergonomic changes to minimise risks to staff
Should demonstrate efforts to keep abreast of developments in the field, by attendance at meetings, conferences and seminars, and ideally be a member of National Back Exchange