ASTM_F_1346_-_91_2010.pdf

Designation:F134691(Reapproved 2010)Standard Performance Specification forSafety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers forSwimming Pools,Spas and Hot Tubs1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1346;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This specification establishes requirements for safetycovers for swimming pools,spas,hot tubs,and wading pools(hereinafter referred to as pools,unless otherwise specified).When correctly installed and used in accordance with themanufacturers instructions,this specification is intended toreduce the risk of drowning by inhibiting the access of childrenunder five years of age to the water.1.2 This specification includes performance tests to demon-strate the compliance or noncompliance to requirements hereinstated for safety covers.It also includes marking requirementsfor all covers.1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard.The values in parentheses are given forinformation only.1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to thetest methods section,Section 9,of this specification:Thisstandard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is the responsibility of the userof this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthpractices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-tions prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 NFPA Document:National Electrical Code,Article 680-2623.Terminology3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.1.1 appurtenancessubordinate parts or adjunct acces-sory components to the cover such as hardware includingbuckles,straps,ties,springs,anchors,tracks,rollers,liftingarms,and the like.3.1.2 automatic covera cover which can be placed overthe water area and removed with a motorized mechanismactuated by a suitable control mechanism.See also powersafety cover(PSC),other cover(OC).3.1.3 barriersomething that restrains or obstructs accessto the body of water.3.1.4 blanketa material used for thermal insulation.Seealso solar energy blanket.3.1.5 coversomething that covers,protects or shelters,ora combination thereof,a swimming pool,spa,or hot tub.3.1.6 debris covera cover with attendant appurtenancespositioned over the pool area which permits the cover toprevent debris,such as foliage,dirt,windblown trash,and thelike from entering the pool.It is intended to be completelyremoved before the entry of bathers.See also other covers(OC).3.1.7 decksthose areas abutting a pool,spa,or hot tub thatare specifically constructed or installed(for example,of wood,concrete,brick,stone,and the like)for use by bathers forsitting,standing or walking and may also act as a base forsupports for covers.3.1.8 domea semipermanent enclosure supported bytrusses,or positive air pressure erected over the pool area toprovide temperature and atmospheric control over the poolenvironment.3.1.9 energy conservationthe reduction of heat loss frompool water through air convection or evaporative cooling,orboth.3.1.10 hot tuba spa constructed of wood with sides andbottoms formed separately;and the whole shape joined to-gether by pressure from surrounding hoops,bands or rods;asdistinct from spa units formed of plastic,concrete,metal,orother materials.3.1.11 inaccessible locationsa location at least 5 ft(1.5 m)above the ground with no other access such as hand orfootholds which would permit a child to reach the location.3.1.12 manual covera cover which requires it to be placedover the water area by hand.See also manual safety cover(MSC),and other covers(OC).1This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 onConsumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.28 onCovers for Pools,Spas and Hot Tubs.Current edition approved Sept.1,2010.Published December 2010.Originallyapproved in 1991.Last previous edition approved in 2003 as F1346 91(Reapproved 2003).DOI:10.1520/F1346-91R10.2Available from National Fire Protection Assoc.,Batterymarch Park,Quincy,MA 02269.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 3.1.13 markingsthe application of numbers,letters,labels,tags,symbols or colors to provide identification and safetyinformation and to expedite handling during shipment andstorage.3.1.14 manual safety cover(MSC)a barrier which requiresit to be placed over the water manually.Provides a high levelof safety for children under the age of five by inhibiting theiraccess to the water.3.1.15 other covers(OC)includes any cover type notincorporated in the other two classifications;PSC,MSC.Theyare not intended to serve as a barrier for children under the ageof five.3.1.16 power safety cover(PSC)a barrier which can beplaced ove