CPSC Seeks Comments on Petition Requesting Mandatory Fire Safety Standards for Candles & Candle Accessories
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a notice seeking comments by June 7, 2004 on a petition requesting that it issue mandatory fire safety standards for candles and candle accessories including candleholders.
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According to the CPSC, the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) has requested that the CPSC adopt standards substantially based on the requirements contained in the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) International Provisional Specifications for Fire Safety for Candles (PS59-02).
In addition, NASFM requests that the standards incorporate:
Flammability performance requirements for candle accessories, including candleholders;
End of useful life requirements for freestanding, tealight, taper, and votive candles;
End of useful life requirements for votive candles and taper candles mounted in appropriate candleholders; and
Miscibility and flash point requirements for gel candles;
NASFM asserts that such standards are needed because of the inherent danger posed by candles with their open flames, coupled with the increase in residential fires caused by candles over the past decade. CPSC adds that NASFM provided information concerning deaths and injuries involving home candle fires.
NASFM petition (Petition No. CP-04-1/HP 04-1, dated 02/10/04) available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia04/petition/safefire.pdf
ASTM PS59-02 can be purchased at http://www.astm.org/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/index.shtml?Emystore
CPSC notice (Petition No. CP-04-1/HP 04-1, FR Pub 04/06/04) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06apr20040800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-7657.pdf