ASTM Updated Clothing Storage Stability Standard F2057
ASTM releases an update to its clothing storage stability standard, F2057. Among its changes is a reduction in the height to which the standard applies.
- (1888PressRelease) September 08, 2019 - ASTM International has updated its clothing storage stability standard – F2057. The 2019 iteration contains several important provisions, including a reduction in the height applicability from 30” to 27”.
Additional changes in ASTM F2057-19 include:
• Definition of ‘clothing storage unit’ amended to “units with drawers and/or hinged doors” (units without drawers and/or hinged doors are excluded)
• Citing of specific items covered and not covered by the standard
• Specifically excludes nightstands that are defined as a small furniture item for use beside a bed, intended to hold or store items including but not limited to a lamp, alarm clock, a book, magazines, or reading glasses
• Warning labels now must contain a pictorial of a crossed-out TV, relaying the risk of TV tip over
• Specifically cites the back of a unit placed against the wall as an unacceptable and non-conspicuous warning label location
Stakeholders should be aware the test weight remains 50 pounds (lbs).
While ASTM F2057 is technically a ‘voluntary’ standard, in early 2019 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) made it clear they expected clothing storage units to comply with it. Those that did not would be considered defective and that might trigger an investigation and/or penalty.
This standard was originally established in 2000 to reduce the incidence of fatalities associated with the tip-over of free-standing clothing storage items. It defines a clothing storage item as: “a furniture item with drawers and/or hinged doors intended for the storage of clothing typical of bedroom furniture.” It specifically names a range of furniture items as applicable: chests, chests of drawers, drawer chests, armoires, chifferobes, bureaus, door chests and dressers.
It does not include: shelving units, such as bookcases or entertainment furniture, office furniture, dining room furniture, jewelry armoires, underbed drawer storage units, occasional/accent furniture not intended for bedroom use, laundry storage/sorting units, nightstands, or built-in units intended to be permanently attached to the building.
Since ASTM International is a body that creates standards and does not regulate them, it does not include effective dates. This is usually done by the regulatory authority. Without such information it is normally assumed the standard comes into effect immediately upon publication. In similar cases, the CPSC has often granted a period of 180-days to allow establishments to sell existing stocks but so far this has not happened in relation to ASTM F2057-19.
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SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full ASTM Releases Updates to Clothing Storage Standard SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2019/08/safeguards-12319-astm-releases-updates-to-clothing-storage-standard]
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