Water Park Safety
What's New?On Monday (Mar. 1), CPSC Commissioners cast a series of votes on the implementation of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. These included the following decisions on the administration and enforcement of the Act. We encourage members to read about the votes and the statements of the Chairman and commissioners.
|
 |
Quick Links
|
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, passed by Congress last year, represents an important step to ensure pool and spa safety. The law specifies that it is to be interpreted and enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
IAAPA and the World Waterpark Association (WWA) are working in collaboration on these important issues. We are having discussions with Congress and regulators to clarify waterpark attractions issues and hopefully find solutions. If you have not become familiar with the law, please review this whitepaper.
We know waterparks want to comply with the law, but there are challenges in doing so: large grates are not commercially available, small compliant grates are domed and could be tripping hazards in interactive pools, and testing requirements are not applicable in some venues.
We also understand waterparks already employ many anti-entrapment features including gravity drains, multiple drains, and low flow rates through drains. The risk of entrapment has been addressed with these features.
To help our members comply with this legislation, we have provided several resourses below. The powerpoints and e-mail updates offer valuable information for your facility. These materials and others can also be found on the IAAPA Waterpark Community Page.-
FAQs on VGB Compliance: Questions about the VGB? Check out this CPSC-prepared document first.
-
Due Diligence Plan: Members should review the linked document immediately and take appropriate steps to address their individual situations in light of the unavailability of product to fit large, field-fabricated drains. This document has not been approved by CPSC. It does not provide legal advice, but highlights some best practice steps that could be taken. Members are urged to consult counsel as necessary.
-
Exceptions for specific waterpark attractions: The general counsel of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sent IAAPA two letters in response to issues we raised regarding the application of the VGB to waterpark attractions. The letters reference material provided by the industry to CPSC and clarifies that they believe most attractions found in waterparks are within the scope of the VGB. However, they also indicate that specific water slide runouts and catch pools that do not include “recreational bathing” are not within the scope of the act. It is important to read these letters and the attachment very closely:
If you have questions regarding the contents of the letter, we recommend you review it with your pool engineer and attorney. You should also make sure that you are in compliance with state and local laws and regulations.