CPSC Proposes New Safety Standard for Infant and Toddler Gates and Enclosures
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is proposing a new children’s product safety standard for gates and enclosures. Under the proposed rule, CPSC would adopt the relevant ASTM International voluntary industry standard, ASTM F1004-19, in full and without any changes. The new standard would take effect six months after publication of the final rule. Comments are due to CPSC by Sept. 23.
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The voluntary standard defines “expansion gate” as a “barrier intended to be erected in an opening, such as a doorway, to prevent the passage of young children, but which can be removed by older persons who are able to operate the locking mechanism.” It defines an “expandable enclosure” as a “self-supporting barrier intended to completely surround an area or play-space within which a young child may be confined.” The products are intended for young children aged 6 months through 24 months.
CPSC says the proposed standard would cover “all children’s gates and enclosures intended for confining a child, including non-expandable, fixed-sized gates and enclosures.” According to the proposed rule, gates and enclosures may be made of a wide range of materials. Gates typically have a means of egress that allows adults to pass through them; some enclosures also have means of egress in the form of panels that resemble gates. Gates may be hardware-mounted, pressure-mounted, or both.