An interesting
development out of ASTM International-the globally recognized leader in the
development of international voluntary consensus standards-related to proposed
revisions to a voluntary tip-over standard used by many case goods
manufacturers.
The revisions update
how far a dresser or chest's drawers should be pulled out during tip-over
testing. The rule will affect clothing storage units including children's
furniture, chests, door chests, bureaus armoires and dressers taller than 30
inches. The standard is aimed at preventing furniture from tipping over on
children.
The revisions, while
pending approval by the ASTM, could be published sometime this month.
The current standard,
ASTM F2057-09b, requires product testing and tip restraint devices be included
with bedroom case pieces over 30 inches in height.
Furniture Today is reporting that while voluntary, the
standards are important because many suppliers adopt them as de facto baselines
for industry safety. ASTM standards can also be cited in contractual language,
referenced by a code body, or mandated by a state or local government.
The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission says that every two weeks a child dies from a
tip-over accident. Young children who climb on open dresser drawers, for
instance, can cause the furniture to tip over on them, risking injury or
suffocation.
Industry sources said the existing rule has
long required that drawers be extended 66% for tip over testing. It's
anticipated that the new rule will require full 100% extension.
GET, LLC, in partnership with Savoy Furniture, can further discuss your case good needs and keeping your rooms safe.