FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASTM Pool Alarm Specification Raises Safety Requirements
(The American Society for Testing and Materials)
W.
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., 11 July 2001 - Approved May 31, 2001 PS 128-01,
Provisional Specification for Pool Alarms, was developed by
ASTM to present safety and performance requirements for increased
reliability of these devices. Alarms meeting the ASTM standard sound at
poolside and in adjacent buildings when a minimum weight of 18 lbs hits
the water. Acting on the May 2000 report that 350 pool drownings occur
each year to children under 5, the US Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC)
requested that a safety specification be developed by alarm manufacturers,
testing, and safety specialist in ASTM Subcommittee F15.49 on Pool Alarms
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.
"This
was a group effort from a committee of very informed members," said
Merle I. Stoner, subcommittee chairman, and president of Poolguard/PBM
Industries, Inc., North Vernon, IN, who has been producing pool alarms
for 20 years. "The standard raises the safety requirements for pool
alarms and their manufacturing," he affirmed. "The only way to make
pools safer is to have products that meet safety standards such as ASTM,
and develop consumer awareness and confidence in these products."
In
the May 2000 report, the CPSC noted that pool alarms are not substitutes
for guarding children at poolside.
The
Standard Specification for Pool Alarms became an International Permanent
Standard in 2002. Designation Number is F2208-02.
ASTM
standards are available from Consumer Service web site: www.astm.org,
telephone: 610-832-9585; or e-mail service@astm.org.
Established
in 1898, ASTM is one of the largest standards development and delivery
systems in the world. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research
and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions
around the globe.
Poolguard/PBM
Industries, Inc. Receives ETL Verification
The
Poolguard In-Ground and Above-Ground Pool Alarms were tested by Intertek
Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL). Each model was found to be in
compliance with the ASTM International Standard for Pool Alarms, ASTM
F 2208-02. ASTM developed the safety and performance standard for pool
alarms in 2002 at the request of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Poolguard Pool Alarms – Model PGRM-2 and PGRM-AG were thoroughly
tested to the performance requirements and test procedures of ASTM F
2208-02. The NEW 2004 Model Poolguard Pool Alarms now have the ETL Verified
Mark.
Poolguard/PBM
Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 658
North Vernon, IN 47265
1-800-242-7163
www.poolguard.com
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