An ASTM F15.19 work group is targeting the fall to ballot some revisions to the F1917 standard on infant bedding. Other work might take longer. The next teleconference in this ongoing effort likely will occur March 24. There was some discussion at a session earlier in March of spring balloting, but the deadline for that is April, not providing enough time. The near-ballot items involved:
- Warnings: The group seeks to ensure that every bumper segment has labels. Proposed language would ensure that items like headboard panels are specified as well as panels that are usable separately.
- Label Permanency: The model for these provisions likely would be ANSI's Z535.4.
- Scope, Products: The goal is to focus better on bedding, so the group would add crib liners and crib rail covers but delete wall hangings. That removal prompted discussion of whether it was appropriate to omit such items as they often are packaged in bedding sets. However, the counterpoint was that companies can include many non-bedding items, and the standard cannot account for them. Examples ranged from decals to hampers. They presumably would need to meet any relevant standards separately.
- Scope, Environment: The panel agreed with a suggestion that the scope should be expanded to sleep environments as opposed to just cribs. Examples of other areas included portable cribs, bassinets, and play yards.
- Markings: The heading of the marking and labeling section will become "Marking and Labeling." It had been "Product/ Packaging Marking," but the new heading conforms to the language of similar standards.
Meanwhile other items under discussion include:
- Bassinet Sheets: These likely will be a challenge given the variations in bassinet sizes and shapes. The latter includes both rectangular/square and oval.
- Label Conspicuity: CPSC Human Factors staffer Tim Smith noted that other standards treat visibility as just as important as permanence. The panel generally agreed. But he acknowledged challenges compared to other standards as those focus on visibility during use, which might not apply neatly here. Conspicuousness at purchase or during installation might be options, members suggested. Also a challenge would be the many product types covered by bedding. What works for one might not for another, noted Smith. A panel member raised concern that placing labels at some very-conspicuous spots might create incentives for consumers to remove them as unattractive.
- Incident Data: It was unclear what became of a previous request by the panel to CPSC to get such data. Handling it was Patty Edwards, who was not on the call. She since has become CPSC's Voluntary Standards Coordinator. Smith said he would check with her.
- Decorative Elements: Smith also suggested that the description be broader than decorations on bumpers. CPSC Health Sciences staffer Suad Wanna-Nakamura suggested looking at ASTM's F963 toy standard for pull test provisions, explaining that the risks do not include just dangerous loops but also small parts.
