NEW FEDERAL VIRGINIA GRAEME BAKER POOL AND SPA SAFETY ACT NOW REQUIRES THAT ALL PUBLIC FACILITIES INSTALL ANTI-ENTRAPMENT SAFETY DEVICES
The following is a paragraph taken from the Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act:
(1) REQUIRED EQUIPMENT.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—Beginning one year after the date of enactment of this title—
(i) each public pool and spa in the United States shall be equipped with anti-entrapment devices or systems that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 performance standard, or any successor standard; and (ii) each public pool and spa in the United States with a single main drain other than an unblockable drain shall be equipped, at a minimum, with one or more of the following devices or systems designed to prevent entrapment by pool or spa drains that meets the requirements of subparagraph (B):
(I) SAFETY VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM.—A safety vacuum release system, which ceases operation of H. R. 6—305 the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or otherwise provides a vacuum release at a suction outlet when a blockage is detected, that has been tested by an independent third-party and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17 or ASTM standard F2387.
Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act: View Entire Act
On December 19, 2007, the president signed into law the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, named after the daughter of Nancy Baker and the granddaughter of former secretary of state James Baker. Graeme Baker died in a tragic incident in June 2002 after the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water. This Act was first introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL) and was supported by the Baker family and Safe Kids Worldwide.
There is an annual average of 283 drowning deaths (2003-2005) and 2,700 emergency room-treated submersion injuries (2005-2007) involving children younger than 5 in pools and spas. In addition, from 1997-2007, there were 74 reported incidents associated with suction entrapment, including 9 deaths and 63 injuries. The new law is aimed at reducing these deaths and injuries by making pools safer, securing the environment around them, and educating consumers and the industry on pool safety.
The Act specifies that on or after December 19, 2008, swimming pool and spa drain covers available for purchase in the United States must meet specific performance requirements. Additionally, public swimming pools, wading pools, spas, and hot tubs must meet requirements for the installation of compliant drain covers.
New drain covers that meet the current standard are now beginning to make their way into the marketplace. Additionally, in certain instances, public pools and spas must have additional devices or systems designed to prevent suction entrapment.
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The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (Act) promotes the safe use of pools, spas, and hot tubs by imposing mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance and by establishing a voluntary grant program for states with laws that meet certain minimum requirements as outlined in the Act. Effective December 20, 2007, the Act is being administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
We comply with the highest standards
Designed to comply with APSP/PHTA -7 and International Code Council requirements IAPMO listed per ANSI/ASME A112.19.17 standards.
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Vacless Systems Inc. recognized by the Consumer Product Safety Commission as an approved manufacturer of ANSI/ASME A112.19.17 Safety Vacuum Release Systems.
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Certificate of Listing: Click Here
Protect Your Family With Our SVRS Products
Vacless Safety Vacuum Release Systems not only provide added safety against suction entrapment, but they also act as a drain winterization device a surge suppressor extending the life of your pool equipment. This valve is directly attached to the pump by removing the suction side drain plug and installing this SVRS in its place. All of our valves are designed for use on 0.5 to 10.0 horsepower pumps for small and large water recreational installations including hot tubs, spas, fountains, wading residential or commercial pools.
Simplified installation, No tools required. Simply remove the existing pump drain plug and hand screw in a Vacless SVRS Breather valve in its place.
Vacless SVRS Breather valves protect the pump and filtration equipment against water hammers and shocks by venting off startup vacuum surges prolonging equipment life.
Vacless Safety Vacuum Release Systems provide a crucial layer of certified protection against the body and limb entrapment and should always be used in conjunction with an approved anti-entrapment drain cover.
Learn more about Vacless SVRS Products.