CPSC Proposes New Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is proposing new mandatory standards for infant bath tubs, in a proposed rule issued on Aug. 14 (here). The proposal would adopt the current industry voluntary standard, ASTM F2670-13, with some modifications. The new mandatory standard would take effect six months after publication of a final rule, said the CPSC. Comments on the proposed rule are due Oct. 28.
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The proposal would adopt the voluntary standard’s definition of infant bath tubs as a “tub, enclosure, or other similar product intended to hold water and be placed into an adult bath tub, sink, or on top of other surfaces to provide support or containment, or both, for an infant in a reclining, sitting, or standing position during bathing by a caregiver.” Falling within this definition are products of various designs, including “bucket style” tubs that support a child sitting upright, tubs with an inclined seat for infants too young to sit unsupported, inflatable tubs, folding tubs, and tubs with spa features, such as handheld shower attachments and even whirlpool settings, said the CPSC. Infant bath tubs may have “a permanent or removable passive crotch restraint as part of their design,” but no additional restraint systems requiring action by the caregiver to secure or release. Excluded from the definition’s scope are “products commonly known as bath slings, typically made of fabric or mesh.”
On top of requirements set in the ASTM voluntary standard, the CPSC would add requirements for continuous testing of infant bath tub latches through 2,000 cycles, as well as use of a 50 pound bag of steel shot for load testing instead of high-density polyethylene. Prescribed warning statements would be required on both the infant bathtubs and their packaging. Instructional literature would be required that contains new prescribed warnings regarding the risks of drowning or falling, explains the proper use of the product, and emphasizes the safety practices stated in the warnings, said the CPSC.
(Federal Register 08/14/15)