Religious Uses of Candleholders Could Get ASTM Attention

Specialized religious uses of candles may need more attention, an ASTM F15.25 panel decided May 25. Their discussion was prompted by the recent recall of a menorah, sold by Target, that experience melting, including two fires. Hanukah celebrations involve letting candles burn down completely, which means the flames burn down in the candle well, much closer to the holder's material. That can be a problem whenever it occurs, but menorahs experience it intentionally, commonly, and repeatedly.

Members noted the need to protect against deformity in any case, not only from an aesthetic/quality perspective but also safety. Especially with taper candles, a deformity in the holder can lead to their falling over, igniting nearby items.

This concern would be added to another religious-connected issue: holders intended to hold candles that burn many hours. Again, such use is not unique to religion, but it can be more prevalent, such as with church votive stands.

The panels considered addressing the situations as one but decided to separate them. Although Hanukah candles are intended to burn down completely, that typically occurs much faster than the extended burning times that raise worries.

The group recommended addressing them at the upcoming larger standards meeting in September.

The standard in question is F2601, Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candle Accessories.

The panel also reviewed reports from the saferproducts.gov database, deeming all to fall outside their scope (such as linked to a lighter or electric candle) or already covered by the standard (such as involving a gel candle).

The panel meets periodically to review such data. Occasionally it has little or nothing to discuss.

A year ago (PSL, 5/4/15), reports involving ignitable, often decorative material, attached to the outside of filled candles prompted some attention to that hazard.

The goal of such regular reviews is to identify whether reports or recalls indicate gaps in the various candle standards. Mostly, it finds issues already addressed.