The MAHC Current Edition

The MAHC is updated every two years and includes opportunities to submit requested changes through the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC). For the 2016 edition, 159 change requests were submitted for CMAHC member voting at the 2015 CMAHC biennial conference. Of these, 92 (58%) change requests were passed by CMAHC vote. CDC reviewed the change requests and accepted 84 (91%) of the 92 MAHC change requests that the CMAHC membership passed plus one editorial CR that was not passed.

A track changes version of the MAHC 2nd Edition Code and Annex can be used to see what changes were made to the 2014 MAHC (1st Edition) to create the 2016 MAHC (2nd Edition).

• 2016 MAHC Code (2nd Edition) - 07/15/2016 [PDF - 296 pages] — Track Changes Version
• 2016 MAHC Annex (2nd Edition) - 07/15/2016 [PDF - 387 pages] — Track Changes Version

Correspondence between the CMAHC and CDC on suggested changes to the MAHC is posted below.

• CMAHC voting results letter regarding change requests for 2014 MAHC (1st Edition) - 01/22/2016 [PDF - 2 pages]
• CMAHC change request voting log and results - 01/22/2016 [PDF - 5 pages]
• CDC response to CMAHC change request submissions and dispensation - 07/08/2016 [PDF - 2 pages]

Overview of Key Changes

Note: This short list is a high-level summary only. Please consult the Track Changes version of the 2016 MAHC to review all changes. As a reminder, MAHC provisions are enforceable only if adopted by a jurisdiction.

Structural Changes

1. Color Scheme
   1. The Code and Annex covers are completely different colors so they can be readily differentiated.
2. Layout
   1. All pages have a header with edition number for easy reference.
   2. Individual sections have edition number and date like main cover to avoid confusion.
3. Code –Annex linkage
   1. All code sections with accompanying annex wording have a superscript “Annex” next to the MAHC section number to make it easier to know when to refer to the annex for further information.
4. Glossary
   1. The glossary sections for code and annex have been separated so it is clear which acronyms, initialisms, and terms are code and annex specific.
   2. Added a new section (3.3) in the code and annex to list what codes, standards and laws are specifically referenced in the code section vs. citation in the annex.
5. Resources
   1. Annex Resource section 7.1 has been edited to include only guidelines cited. All cited codes, standards, and laws have been moved to the new Glossary section 3.3.

Code Changes

• Throughout text
  • Extensive small edits and clarifications of language.
• Disinfection and Water Quality
  • New: All chemical tubing that runs through areas where staff work shall be routed in PVC piping to prevent leaks. (4.7.3.2.5.1.2)
  • New: Sets maximum bromine level to 8ppm for all aquatic venues. (5.7.3.1.2.3)
  • Strengthened: When performing diarrheal/Cryptosporidium decontamination in aquatic venues, maximum allowable cyanuric acid concentration has been lowered from 50 ppm to 15 ppm. (6.5.3.2.1)
• Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision
  • New: Lifeguard zones of patron surveillance are required in aquatic facility plans submitted for review. (4.1.2.3.11)
  • Strengthened: Requires that lifeguard instructors be taught by a certified lifeguard instructor trainer. (6.2.1.2.6)
  • Strengthened: Lifeguard training course requirements must now include specifics for e-learning courses. (6.2.2.3.1)
  • Strengthened: Lifeguard challenge exams must now have a certified lifeguard instructor present. (6.2.1.3.7.1)
• Risk Management and Safety
  • New: Slip resistance is now testable and must meet requirements of new ANSI standard. (4.2.1.8 and 4.5.16.1 and 4.8.1.4.2 and 4.10.3.1)
  • Strengthened: Stair handrail dimensions altered based on child anthropometry (size) data. (4.5.5.7)
  • Strengthened: For unguarded aquatic venues, requirements for self-latching mechanisms have been raised from 3.5 feet to 4.5 feet to reduce risk of young children entering without an adult. (4.8.6.3.7)
  • Strengthened: Underwater lighting branch circuits now require GFCI as per NEC if operating at higher voltages. (5.6.1.1.3.1)
• Ventilation and Air Quality
  • New: Carbon monoxide detectors, with local alarming, shall be installed in all equipment rooms and rooms adjacent to spaces containing fuel-burning equipment or vents carrying the products of combustion. (4.6.4.4.1 and 4.6.4.4.2)