TYNN26-3-pool and spa drain entrapment

INCIDENT INVESTIGATION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Pool and Spa Drain Entrapments
DOCUMENT NUMBER:
DATE OF INCIDENT:
FOLLOW-UP REQUESTED

CATIID: TYNN26 2020
HAZARD ANALYSIS

COMPLIANCE

PRIMARY CONTACT: Ted Yang, EPHA, 301-504- 7838, TYang@cspc.gov
BACK-UP CONTACTS: Stefanie Marques, HS, 301-987-2581, SMarques@cpsc.gov
ASSIGNMENT MESSAGE: Please conduct an on-site investigation and document through photos of the spa/pool,
spa/pool drains, and the plumbing configuration. Obtain all reports and all pictures related to this incident. Also,
make sure to obtain any pictures before the incident that show the pool set up, particularly the exact incident
location. Please note that a spa (hot tub) is typically located outdoors and is used for recreation, whereas a whirlpool
tub (jetted bathtub) found in indoor bathrooms is typically used for bathing. If this incident occurred in a public
pool or spa, please fill out the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Verification of Compliance Form.
Please send the completed IDI to all contacts.
It is important to obtain as much information as possible about the product(s) involved and the incident
scenario.
The latest report can be found at:
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2019_Circulation_Entrapment.pdf?IzoaBlClbtP70RRVUJqPK3RI4Ikxyety
CPSC staff issued 2005 guidelines for reducing pool and spa entrapment hazards. Investigation of entrapment cases
will allow staff to assess the efficacy of these guidelines. Please obtain all official documents including photos
taken of the product and answer the following questions:
1.

Describe in detail how the person became entrapped (what body part became entrapped) and how they were
freed from the entrapment (e.g., pushed off by themselves, pulled off by someone else, pool filtering system
shut off, etc.). Describe the events that occurred including other people located at the residence at the time of
the incident.

2.

Where in the pool/spa was the victim found in relationship to the edge, steps, etc? Document the depth of the
water in the pool/spa at the point where the victim was found. Inquire whether the depth of the water was the
same at the time of the incident. Determine the length and depth of the pool/spa from the deepest to the
shallowest area. Indicate the equipment present with the unit such as a spa cover, etc., and whether any of the
equipment played a role in the incident.

3.

Entanglement of hair or entrapment of body parts in or on the drains (suction outlets) of pools/spas can occur
due to the suction/pressure differential created when a drain is blocked. Find out what the pool/spa plumbing
configuration is and try to determine whether anyone recalls if that was the configuration at the time of the
incident.

4.

Please photograph the spa area, take up-close photos of the drains and drain covers, photos of the
plumbing/equipment associated with the spa and photos of any suction relief devices installed. Note how far
the shut off device is from the unit because the distance plays a role in the effectiveness of the device.

CPSC FORM 324A

5.

Determine how many drains the product has. Determine whether a drain (suction outlet) cover (or grate) was in
place (missing screws or not properly installed at the time of the incident and whether the pool/spa had any
suction relief device(s) installed. If so, what type of device(s) was present? Determine the make and model of
the drain (suction outlet) cover, if known and whether it is labeled as meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 or
APSP-16 2011.

6.

Document injuries to victim, obtain any medical records for treatment (note whether any was received on site
and obtain any photos of the injuries shortly after the incident).

7.

Document all manufacturer, brand and serial/model information, including construction or production dates, if
possible. In the case of in-ground pools/spas, obtain the name of the construction company that built/installed
the pool/spa. Try to determine whether the pool/spa has been properly maintained.

8.

Identify all labels regarding certification, testing or conformance with mandatory or voluntary standards, or
building codes. The text of any warning label or age labeling on or accompanying the product is also of interest
and should be documented and photographed, if possible.

In conducting these investigations, please use Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs (Submersions) - Appendix 75
Investigation Guideline if applicable.

Please include all primary and all backup contacts in the distribution of the completed IDI.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Area below will be completed in Data Systems _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Person(s) to Contact:
Guidelines: Appendix 75 – Spas, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs
Task Number:
Assigned to:

CPSC FORM 324A

Date:
Processed by: lew