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Public pools must meet new anti-entrapment rules

Suction fittings and covers must comply with ASME/ANSI standards

-- Casual Living, 4/26/2009 6:48:00 AM

NSF International is reminding owners and operators of seasonal public pools that new legislation, which took effect in December 2008, now requires them to install anti-entrapment devices that meet the new Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBPSSA) before opening for the season. The Act was adopted to help protect children from life-threatening injuries and deaths from potentially dangerous pool and spa drains.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission records, there were more than 120 suction entrapment accidents between 1990 and October 2003, of which 25 resulted in death. To help reduce the potential for such incidents, the VGBPSSA Act requires all suction outlet fittings and covers manufactured, distributed or sold in the United States after Dec. 20, 2008, to comply with ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007: Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Whirlpool Bathtub Appliances. This standard addresses potential suction and mechanical entrapment hazards, including hair, limb and body suction entrapment.

“While pools that are open year-round were required to install appropriately-sized suction fittings that complied with the VGBPSSA by December 20, some seasonal pools that closed before this date may still need to upgrade these devices in order to be in compliance,” said Richard Martin, NSF Recreational Water Business Manager. “In addition to testing other recreational water system components, NSF is also involved in testing and certifying suction fittings in accordance with these new requirements.”

The NSF Certification process for suction fittings under the new ASME A112.19.8 standard involves various stress tests, including pull and shear load tests, impact tests, as well as finger and hair entrapment and body block testing. NSF also reviews product design, fasteners, packaging and installation instructions to verify compliance with the ASME standard and ensure that the water contact materials and coatings used in the product's construction comply with the public health requirements specified in NSF/ANSI Standard 50 - Equipment for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Other Recreational Water Facilities.

Pool owners and public health officials can obtain a list of products that have met ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 requirements at www.nsf.org. For more information on certification to the new pool and spa safety legislation contact Richard Martin at 734-769-5346, martin@nsf.org or visit the NSF Web site.

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