Proposed revisions to a voluntary tip-over standard used by many case goods manufacturers became clearer this week.
The revisions would update how far a dresser or chest's drawers should be pulled out during tip-over testing. The rule affects clothing storage units including children's furniture, chests, door chests, bureaus armoires and dressers - among other items - that are taller than 30 inches.
ASTM International develops consensus standards followed by manufacturers. The current standard for furniture tip-over requires that testing be conducted according to ASTM F2057-09b. The standard is aimed at preventing furniture from tipping over on children.
The revisions have not yet been approved by the ASTM. Officials with the American Home Furnishings Alliance have said they anticipate an April publication date.
The current standard, ASTM F2057-09b, requires product testing and after a 2009 revision, also requires that tip restraint devices be included with bedroom case pieces over 30 inches in height.
The proposed revisions to a longstanding part of the rule, referred to as ASTM WK-35149, strike the "whichever is shorter" language from testing. The rule contains two tests that reference testing "to two thirds of its operational sliding length or to the stop, whichever is shorter."
An AHFA official said Wednesday that for both tests, the revisions indicate drawers will be tested when extended to the stop of guides - not the previous two thirds of operational sliding length. If there is no stop on drawer guides, drawers can be tested at two thirds extension, they added.
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.
The change affects units that use full extension drawer glides, which allow drawers to be fully extended but has a stop to prevent it from being pulled out of the case.
