People (primarily children) can become trapped in or on swimming pool drain covers by suction. As a result, numerous deaths or injuries can occur.

Effective December 20, 2008, the Federal Government enacted the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act which resulted in a test standard for pool drains (ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2008) to prevent people from getting caught in the drain intake flow of any water facility with public access. This Act/Law is aimed at reducing these deaths and injuries by making pools safer, securing the environment around them and educating consumers and the industry on pool safety.

Aquatic facilities must retrofit existing and new construction of all drains in public pools, water parks, lazy rivers, attractions, fountains to be compliant with the VGB Act. There is no minimum water depth requirement and includes drains in non-public areas that have no authorized public access. Facilities closed for the winter must be in compliance when they open in the spring of 2009. Pools and parks that are now open (heated or indoor) are in violation of the law if they are not currently compliant.

Fibergrate Manufactured gratings fall under the classification of "Field Fabricated Outlets" which by definition are;

• Cover/Grate Loadings
• Durability (UV test, destructive testing
• Finger, Body entrapment issues
• Related sump design & features particular to the site

• One of the VGB Act requirements is for hair entrapment testing. This does not apply to fiberglass grating that is used in Field Fabricated Outlets; however velocity through the grate opening shall not exceed 1.5 ft/sec of open area.
• The water facility must keep the certification and documentation by the Registered Design Professional available for any inspection team that may require such information.
• Manufactured drain covers require a certification stamp on the product. Field Fabricated drain covers do not require the same.
• If a stainless steel perforated plate is used over fiberglass grating, the fiberglass grating still must meet the UV test requirements and the SS perforated must meet the electric bonding code requirement.
• • Proper terminology should be used in regard to fiberglass grating for drain covers. "Fibergrate gratings meet the UV and strength test criteria of ASME 112.19.8-2008". No grating product for field fabricated outlets is ASME 112.19.8-2008 CERTIFIED OR VGB APPROVED ON ITS OWN.

Fibergrate gratings were subjected to UV degradation and strength testing per ASTM G153 which is prescribed in the ASME standard. In this G153 test, standard test coupons should retain at least 70% of their original strength when Tensile and Izod impact tests are performed. In fact, Fibergrate products retained 99% of tensile strength and 100% of Izod impact after exposure.

The testing results shown below indicate Fibergrate grating has a K factor of 1.01 for ASME A112.19.8. – 2008, section 3.2.2.3, which is the testing protocol for grates and grating covers for pool drains.

The most logical choice out of all the putlruded gratings which will meet the criteria is I4010, I4015, T1210 and T1215.This is all based on the open area and finger entrapment calculation. A Registered Design Professional needs to make the final decision in selecting the grating.