To prevent further injuries and deaths as a result of drain entrapment in pools and spas, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires that all public pools and spas be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standard. Unfortunately, the term “public accommodations facility” used in the original law to describe who must comply was not adequately defined. Which types of establishments fall into the category of “public accommodations facility” and which do not?
The answer to this question is the focus of a proposed interpretive rule that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) would like to add to the existing Pool and Spa Safety Act. If the newly proposed definition for the term “public accommodations facility” is accepted, the CPSC will be able to more effectively enforce the law and ensure that more pools and spas are made safe for public use.
The CPSC will accept public comment on the proposed rule until December 21, 2010. To read more about the proposed rule and how to submit a comment, visit the following page: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-26520.htm.
