Consumer Groups Sought Compromise on CSU Exemption

Four consumer groups January 14 sought a compromise with the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) involving the heights of products subject to ASTM's F2057 standard on clothing storage units (CSU).

Their letter asserted that their preferred outcome was that the standard's scope be expanded to include units 30 inches or shorter. Their reason was a tipover incident that involved a product 27.5 inches tall.

In December (PSL, 12/24/18) and earlier, there had been hesitancy by industry about addressing such incidents because of potentially confounding factors like someone tripping on a TV cord.

The consumer groups ended their letter to AHFA with a compromise offer:

"While a height limit is not necessary for determining scope, if the task group decides to include one, the limit should be set at 27 inches or shorter. This would account for: (1) the August 2017 death of a 2-year-old girl in Buffalo, NY, associated with a dresser 27.5 inches in height, as documented in a CPSC in-depth investigation (IDI) document shared with the Scope Task Group; and (2) Consumer Reports market research discussed with the task group that found products for sale marketed as a “dresser” and were as short as 27 inches in height."

At an ASTM working group teleconference the following day, there was general acceptance of the compromise (see related story in this issue). However, both sides suggested the matter might not be settled.

Consumer groups stressed that they would revisit the matter if later incident data show problems with shorter units.

Industry said the agreement was acceptable but would come with challenges. There also were strong statements that the standard must address nightstands sufficiently. The concern is the standard becoming design restrictive if their heights make them CSUs, especially those with drawers.