The Virginia Graeme Baker Act promotes the safe use of pools and spa's in the US by imposing mandatory federal requirements for suction entrapment avoidance.
The Act is designed around entanglement and entrapment concerns that take place while swimming or laying near submerged suction outlets on the floor or wall of a pool. Both the main drain box and the main drain cover/grate were determined by the Consumer Product Safety Commision to be equally effective as causes of suction entrapment and must be addressed to assure compliance with the new Act.
Goals of the Baker Act:
• To enhance the safety of public and private pools and spas.
• To encourage the use of layers of protection.
• To reduce child drowning.
• To reduce the number of suction entrapment incidents, injuries and deaths.
• To educate the public on the importance of constant supervision of children in and around water.
Although this act is passed as law in the United States, Canadian law makers and Safe Kids Worldwide are subsequently demanding the same provisions for the Canadian swimming pool and spa industry. The law is named after the granddaughter of former secretary of state James Baker. Virginia Graeme Baker died in a tragic incident in 2002 after the suction from a spa drain entrapped her under the water.
What are the requirements for public or commercial pools in the US?
• All pools and spa must be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers and these covers must meet the design flow rate requirements of that particular system.
• Each pool or spa with a single main drain must also be equipped with a device or system designed to prevent entrapment such as a safety vacuum release system.
It is the opinion of West Coast Pool Service that the Virginia Graeme Baker act will soon be introduced into Canada via Federal Law and / or Local Health Regulations. If you require further information on the subject please do not hesitate to contact our knowledgeable staff.