Adopt Infant Tub Standard without Modifications, Staff Urges

Commissioners are slated to vote by March 21 on a draft final rule to adopt ASTM's infant bathtub standard into a Section 104 action. Agency staffers are not recommending changes to F2670-17, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Tubs.

Their briefing package (bit.ly/2nrfUri) explains that they deem concerns in the 2015 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) to be addressed. Those involved latch/lock durability, static load tests, warnings, and instructions (PSL, 8/3/15). The timing of the 2015 NPR drew some industry criticism (PSL, 11/2/15 and 11/9/15) as the issues still were under consideration but unresolved at ASTM.

The rule would become effective six months after Federal Register publication. The ASTM F15.20 subcommittee continues to look at additional updates (see related story). CPSC would need to consider those changes once they are out.