CPSC Issues Draft NPR for Safety Standard for Infant Swings

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) for infant swings, released under Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The draft proposed rule incorporates the applicable voluntary standard ASTM F2088-11b with certain modifications to strengthen the standard. Comments on the NPR may be submitted up to April 25, 2012.

Background of CPSIA Requirements
Section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 requires the CPSC to review current industry standards for durable nursery products and to implement mandatory requirements for such products. The CPSC must mandate safety standards for no fewer than two nursery products every six months. The current NPR addresses infant swings. An infant swing is defined as a stationary unit with a frame and powered mechanism that enables an infant to swing in a seated position. An infant swing is intended for use by infants from birth until a child is able to sit upright unassisted.

The CPSC staff recommends adopting the requirements specified in ASTM F2088-11b Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Swings as a mandatory standard for infant swings with the modifications specified below. Additionally, the CPSC staff recommends an effective date of six months after publication of a final rule in the Federal Register.

Summary of Proposed Changes to ASTM F2088-11b

Proposed clarification to the current seat back angle measurement method.
Proposal to increase the frequency of the dynamic load test from 50 to 500 and a clarification to the test method for the dynamic load test.
Proposal to include a new requirement restricting a swing seat from having a vertical deflection greater than 4 inches when tested accordingly.
Proposal to require battery compartments to be subjected to an electrical overload test, an accessible component temperature evaluation, and if the swing can operate from a 120-V branch circuit, then the swing must comply with the applicable requirements of 16 CFR 1505.
Proposed clarification to the current unintentional folding requirement and the stability in the direction of swing requirement.
Proposed change to the mobile attachment strength requirement which will require the force on the mobile or mobile component to be applied in the most onerous direction at or below the horizontal.

Additional Information
To view the draft NPR and the proposed changes:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-02-10/pdf/2012-2820.pdf

How Can Bureau Veritas Help?

Bureau Veritas offers a full range of testing and quality solutions for toys and juvenile products. If you have any questions about these proposed revisions, please contact your customer service representative or email: cps.info@bureauveritas.com

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