Suction Entrapment Hazards

Suction entrapment hazards not addressed by Safety Vacuum Release Systems

Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) such as the IntelliFlo VS+SVRS pump are designed to prevent body suction entrapment. They do not prevent mechanical entrapment, hair entanglement, limb entrapment, or evisceration (disembowelment).

Below are the five entrapment hazards as explained by ANSI/APSP-7, Suction Entrapment Avoidance Standard.

  • Body suction entrapment – Suction applied to a large portion of the body or limbs resulting in an entrapment.
  • Limb entrapment – A limb sucked or inserted into an opening of a circulation outlet with a broken or missing cover in the pool resulting in a mechanical bind or swelling.
  • Hair entrapment or entanglement – Hair becomes knotted or snagged in an outlet cover.
  • Evisceration/disembowelment – Suction applied directly to the intestines through an unprotected sump or suction outlet with a missing or broken cover.
  • Mechanical entrapment – Potential for jewelry, swimsuit, hair decorations, finger, toe or knuckle to be caught in an opening of an outlet or cover.

What is the difference between body entrapment and limb entrapment?

Limb entrapment such as a hand/arm or foot/leg is trapped in an opening of a circulation outlet with a broken or missing cover. Body entrapment is the stomach, back, shoulder and arm, blocking the drain opening.

The reason for the distinction is an arm stuck in a pipe is not solved by turning off the pump or "releasing the vacuum."