ASTM Infant Bedding Group Looks at Adapting Firmness Test

Participants in an ASTM F15.19 teleconference January 9 considered adapting an Australia-New Zealand method to testing crib bumper firmness. The method involves a weighted disc lowered onto bedding with a feeder arm.

The bulk of the discussion covered placement of the disc and related issues of how to orientate the pad. This was prompted by an existing direction to avoid stitching. Points included that such areas might give false failures due to existing indentations but also that the failure, indeed, might be accurate.

Relatedly, the group seemed open to a CPSC staffers' observation that other standards allow for subjectivity and tester judgement via directions, for example, to orient the item in a position or direction most likely to fail.

There was mostly silent acceptance of a preconditioning (washing) provision. Additionally, one member praised the idea, noting that washing can create real-world situations, especially for those items needing reassembly afterwards.

Members will craft language to be in a draft proposal, and the panel aims to review it at its next session.