You’re receiving this email because of your relationship with the National Swimming Pool Foundation.
http://www.nspf.org/eNewsletter/eNewsHeaderLogo2.gif
[RIGHT]Issue 1, March 2008 [/RIGHT]
Quick Hits
Every seminar from the 2007 World Aquatic Health™ Conference is now available through the NSPF® Online Shopping Cart, including three videos you can watch for FREE!
Click here!
http://www.nspf.org/eNewsletter/2WAHC100.png
](http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0010C_HyYfFtuz8IbxIltfqi1tiuvaS8iJqQZfksZmBRG2392qHYvZpx-ja4OJuhalWiMGnylkl8hkfK1sdkRIQX0b9CKuS1K5jcIMUKPd8UZmBMuTx0T_SJttMf7-3lBqwuDmnkUjAAXicRxLq0DvTNLXyARZkCB1t0u1FDVF2nbqfG_vN9eFjmnh4KC8Sg5uqdnPDsMn8P8M=)
The CDC has recently updated the Fecal Accident Response Recommendations for Pool Staff.
Download the new PDF here.
http://www.nspf.org/eNewsletter/Fecal.png
](http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=0010C_HyYfFtuzcX--bILF0f6-UBFXiXcr3jdBFdKlI_ujAF7EcNsSclMbKMZfrDboePa3VMRCL1XidVZ4ablIfI-YxpwmWPm26xZhGzWxiosTmdI2T0mVWXJwW7W-kglWFYwEariAPZhMdcrcX7uIn4hcUf640VZoR2SOuYPUuie7N3OT46C4_edlyIoEOKE9L3ypcxcq-FjlhyJpLuogRYTvEMEBybPfD)
Introducing the Aquatic Play Feature™ Handbook!
Click here!
http://www.nspf.org/eNewsletter/APF_HB_Thumb.gif
Pool & Spa Safety Act
The United States Congress has passed, and President Bush has signed, a new law requiring safety improvements at EVERY PUBLIC POOL and SPA. The full text of the law is posted at www.nspf.org/Documents/HR6_TitleXIV.pdf.
The most important items that service companies, operators, and managers need to know and act on before December 19, 2008 are listed below:
- <LI class=bodytext>Inspect and replace all drain covers with anti-entrapment covers that have “ASME/ANSI A112.19.8.2” and the “Maximum Flow Rate” stenciled on the cover, demonstrating that the cover complies with the standard and the federal law. <LI class=bodytext>All drain covers must comply with this standard. Only anti-entrapment covers will be allowed in commerce from that date. <LI class=bodytext>If there are any single drains directly linked to suction, plan to renovate to have hydraulically-balanced dual drains spaced at least 3 feet apart. Alternatively, consider renovating the hydraulic system to remove all direct suction using gravity systems. <LI class=bodytext>Any pool or spa that has a single main drain will have to have an additional level of protection installed and operational. The additional levels of protection may include one of the options listed below:[LIST=1]
- Safety vacuum release system<LI class=bodytext>Suction-limiting vent system <LI class=bodytext>Gravity drainage system <LI class=bodytext>Automatic pump shut off system
- Drain disablement
- Other systems approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
[/LIST]At this time, all aspects of the law are not clearly defined. The law does allow “unblockable drains” in some cases; however, this term is not defined. Another area of ambiguity is how states and the federal government will enforce this law. There may be conflicts between the federal law and local laws. NSPF® will continue to explore clarification on these issues. The CPSC has agreed to send a representative to the World Aquatic Health™ Conference (October 15-17, 2008, Colorado Springs, CO) to clarify the law.
Every aquatic facility should work to comply with federal law. Where facility equipment changes or renovations must be approved locally, comply with local/state laws and gain appropriate approvals to change drain covers, add dual drains, etc. Be sure to verify that compliance with the federal law does not conflict with local health codes or regulations.
Brief Summary of the Law:
The law has five sections.
- <LI class=bodytext>The first one is entitled The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. <LI class=bodytext>The second section briefly describes the intent of the law is to reduce suction entrapment and drowning. <LI class=bodytext>The third section defines terms in the law. <LI class=bodytext>The fourth section is the most important section for people who operate and manage pools to understand. Section four (1404) of the law is relatively simple. Each operator and facility manager should read this section rather than relying on other people’s interpretations. The key points are summarized above.
- The fifth section of the law (1405) is important for health officials. It also describes a grant program to encourage states to adopt additional laws to prevent drowning and entrapment.
http://www.nspf.org/eNewsletter/NSPFBall.gif
This newsletter is a monthly communication to professionals in the pool and spa industry from
the National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF®). The NSPF® is a non-profit organization
founded in 1965, committed to improving public health by encouraging healthier living through
aquatic education and research.
National Swimming Pool Foundation | 4775 Granby Circle | Colorado Springs | CO | 80919