Sign up for March 20 Certified Pool Operator class

Ramsey County is hosting a Certified Pool Operator class on March 20 in Maplewood. Full course and recertification options are available. Note, full course (initial certification) registrations are due March 10 and require about eight hours of online, self-paced prework. Contact instructor Laura Suppes with questions.

March 20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ramsey County Environmental Health, Room 204
2785 White Bear Ave. North, Maplewood, MN 55109
Register

Inspect pool safety interlock systems every week

Minnesota pool code requires chemical feeders for public swimming pools to have a failure-proof feature so disinfectant cannot feed directly into the pool, piping system, water supply system or pool enclosure in case of equipment failure or maintenance.

This means a safety interlock device needs to be installed for liquid and gas feeding systems so that when water isn’t circulating, chlorine and acid are prevented from mixing and creating chlorine gas, which can be hazardous. Several types of devices can be installed to meet this requirement. Contact your pool equipment supply or service company for the best option in your pump room.

Certified Pool Operators should know how the safety interlock system works and how to test it to make sure it’s working properly. It is recommended to test the safety interlock system at least once a week and document these checks in Ramsey County’s newly updated pool operation record log (PDF).

Questions about this or other pool code requirements? Contact your inspector or email RamseyCEH@ramseycounty.us. Image credit: pentair.com

Q&A: What are electrical and fire tags for on food trucks?

Because mobile food units, commonly known as food trucks, are miniature restaurants on wheels, they must comply with similar regulations for electrical and fire equipment. Tags are placed on food trucks to indicate compliance with electrical and fire safety standards. During plan review and routine food inspections, Ramsey County inspectors check both electrical and fire tags to ensure the equipment has been reviewed and approved by certified professionals.

Yearly electrical inspections required
Electricity is used to power multiple aspects of food trucks, like lighting, water heaters, refrigeration and hot holding equipment. To ensure the longevity and safety of your equipment and truck, it’s crucial to operate electrical equipment according to industry standards.

Food trucks must have an electrical inspection every year from either the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry or an authorized city electrical inspector. After equipment approval, the inspector will place a tag inside a food truck indicating the date the equipment was approved. Learn more about electrical inspections for food trucks (PDF).

Fire prevention on food trucks
The best way to prevent and respond to food truck fires is to be prepared. Fire suppression equipment requirements depend on the type of food being cooked in the truck. For example, foods that produce smoke, fumes or grease-laden vapors during cooking must have both automatic and manual fire suppression.

Fire protection equipment must be inspected by a certified professional annually. Upon equipment approval, a tag is provided indicating the equipment is ready to use in case of fire.

The best way to know what is required for your truck is to contact a fire marshal, such as the Minnesota State Fire Marshal. Note that Ramsey County does not conduct electrical or fire equipment inspections. Ramsey County inspectors will check for corresponding tags during a routine food inspection or plan review.

April 7 to 11: Storm shelter spot checks

Manufactured home parks must provide a safe shelter or evacuation plan for park residents during severe weather. A written document, often called a “Severe Weather Preparedness Plan”, must detail these plans.

Ramsey County inspectors check storm shelters twice a year, once during a routine inspection in the fall and once during Severe Weather Awareness Week in the spring (April 7 to 11).

Inspectors will send park management a form to record storm shelter information and schedule a spot check during the week of April 7. A copy of a severe weather preparedness plan will also be requested. Inspectors will communicate if corrections are needed to the plan or shelter.

Questions? Contact your inspector or email RamseyCEH@ramseycounty.us.