ICC, APSP Webinar Teaches Key ANSI/APSP-7 Concepts

Standard Ensures Compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

The International Code Council (ICC), in cooperation with The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP), has announced webinar training designed to present code officials and pool and spa industry professionals the key concepts of the ANSI/APSP-7 Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs, and Catch Basins, and how to use it to comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The ANSI/APSP 7 standard is currently referenced in the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), which is currently in development.

The two-hour online session will cover topics such as:

• Mechanics of entrapments.
• Entrapment hazards and their root causes.
• How to comply with the ANSI/APSP-7 standard.
• Compliance options and alternatives, like Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
• How to test and verify the drain covers and systems.
• How to retrofit an existing pool. After installing new drain covers, how do you know if it meets the VGB?

Scheduled to be held on April 14 at 11am ET, the webinar will be hosted by Dan Johnson, Certified Building Professional and Member of the International Code Council Swimming Pool Code Drafting Committee and Chairman of the Residential In-ground and On-ground Code Writing Committee. The webinar is open to all, and Participants will receive 0.2 ICC CEUs. For webinar registration, visit this link.

APSP is also collaborating with ICC on the development of the ISPSC, which will be the first comprehensive national model code for swimming pools and spas. Recently, the drafting committee completed work on Public Version 1.0 of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, which is available as a free download at www.iccsafe.org/cs/ispsc ICC accepted code change proposals for the 2012 ISPSC through March 1, which will be addressed at a Code Development Hearing in May. Ultimately, the 2012 ISPSC will be released in the spring of 2012.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety codes developed by the International Code Council. The International Codes also serve as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, and as a reference for many nations outside the United States.

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world’s largest international trade association representing the swimming pool, spa and hot tub industry. APSP’s mission is promoting consumer safety and enhancing the business success of its members. Members adhere to a code of business ethics and share a commitment to public health and safety in the use of pools, spas and hot tubs. APSP member companies include manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ agents, designers, builders, installers, retailers and service professionals. For more information, visit www.APSP.org.