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EAS 125: 2011
ICS nn.nnn.nn

EAST AFRICAN STANDARD
Safety matches — Specification

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

© EAS 2011

First Edition 2011

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Contents

Page
Foreword v
1 Scope 1
2 Terms and definitions 1
3 Requirements 2
  3.1 General requirements 2
  3.2 Physical characteristics 2
  3.2.1 Splints 2
  3.2.2 Match container 3
  3.2.3 Match head 3
  3.2.4 Striking (friction) surface 3
  3.2.5 Number of sticks 3
  3.3 Defective containers 3
  3.3.1 Broken and crushed 3
  3.3.2 Loosely fitted 3
  3.4. Unserviceable sticks 3
  3.4.1 General 3
  3.4.2 Badly-distorted heads 4
  3.4.3 Fractured heads 4
  3.4.4 Doubles 4
  3.4.5 Sticks which break or bend 4
  3.5. Absence of after glow 4
  3.6. Additional requirements for book matches 4
4 Packing and marking 4
  4.1. Packing 4
  4.2. Marking 5
5. Sampling 5
  5.1. Lot 5
  5.2. Number of test and criteria for conformity 6
  5.3. Criteria for conformity 7
Annex A (normative) Wearing strength of friction surface 8
  A.1 Principle 8
  A.2 Procedure 8
Annex B (informative) Test for functional failures of matches 9
Annex C (normative) Safety 10
  C.1 Principle 10
  C.2 Procedure 10
Annex D (normative) Ignition below 170 °C 11
  D.1 Principle 11
  D.2 Apparatus 11
  D.3 Procedure 11
Annex E (normative) Ignition under impact 12
  E.1 Principle 12
  E.2 Apparatus 12
  E.3 Procedure 13
Annex F (normative) Burning quality — Spurting 14
  F.1 Principle 14
  F.2 Procedure 14 iii
Annex G (normative) Damp-proofness 15
G.1 Principle 15
G.2 Apparatus 15
G.3 Procedure 15
G.4 Calculation 15
Annex H (informative) Method of test for afterglow 16
Annex I (normative) Method of striking matches 17
Annex J (informative) Test for breaking resistant of the splint 18
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Foreword

Development of the East African Standards has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged within the Community will be removed.

In order to achieve this objective, the Community established an East African Standards Committee mandated to develop and issue East African Standards.

The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies in Partner States, together with the representatives from the private sectors and consumer organizations. Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in accordance with the procedures of the Community.

East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards they are implementing.

This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition EAS 125:2001 of which has been technically revised.

v

Introduction

Matches are generally classified as strike-anywhere matches and safety matches. As the names indicate, the strike-anywhere matches can be ignited by friction on almost any surface, whereas safety matches are ignited by striking against the friction surface only on the outside of the container. At the moment strike-anywhere matches are not manufactured in this country.

The basic raw materials presently used for the manufacture of safety matches includes wood, match paper, and paraffin wax for the splints, chemicals such as potassium chlorate, sulphur, metallic oxides, for example, amber black oxides of manganese and iron, zinc oxide and yellow oxide of lead for the match head and those for the friction surface include red phosphorus (amorphous phosphorus) and antimony sulphide. In addition, potassium dichromate and methanal (formaldehyde or formalin) are also used in small quantities in preparing the above two compositions. The adhesives used comprise of technical gelatine and casein, the former is used in the preparation of both the match head and friction surface compositions while the latter is mainly used for labelling purposes. Other ancilliary materials consumed by the industry are carbon black, glass powder, soda ash or borax, linseed oil, resin, rhodamine dye and tapioca flour.

However the use of other materials not included in the above list are allowed as long as they impose no safety risks and are suitable for the manufacture of safety matches.

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Safety matches — Specification

1 Scope

This Final Draft East African Standard specifies the requirements, sampling and methods of testing for safety matches that has been packed in any suitable material.

2 Terms and definitions

2.1
match

splint tipped with a head of composition which will ignite when struck against an appropriate surface

2.2
splint

rigid stick of combustible material providing support during ignition of a match and the fuel for its continued burning

2.3
safety match

match designed so that it will not readily ignite unless brought into contact with a friction surface specifically designed to cause ignition

2.4
after glow

burning of the match stick (splint) without a flame, after the flame has been extinguished

NOTE Safety matches can occasionally and with difficulty be ignited upon other surfaces.

2.5
match container

individual package for retaining matches in the form of a container, book or other shapes, incorporating a friction surface on its outer part

2.6
ignition compound

chemical compound used to make the striking tip of a match

2.7
striking (friction) surface

that part of the container that is designed for igniting matches

2.8
wood matches

matches that have splints of wood but does not include such matches if they are attached to a common base

2.9
book matches

one or two rows of comb-like matches, each row of splints having its base fixed within a cover. The striking surface lies within the outer surface of the cover.

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2.10
wax matches

matches that have paper splints fully waxed with paraffin wax

3 Requirements

3.1 General requirements

The chemicals used in the manufacture of the match head shall be safe with no such risks as explosion and the splints shall comply with the safety requirements of this standard, such as the requirements of after glow.

The safety matches shall also comply with the performance requirements given in Table 1, when tested according to prescribed methods in the annexes

Table 1 — Requirements for safety matches
No Characteristics Requirements Method of test
i Wearing strength of friction surface To pass test Annex A
ii Safety To pass test Annex C
iii Ignition below 170 °C Nil Annex D
iv Ignition under impact Nil Annex E
v Burning quality spurting, percentage, max 5 Annex F
vi Damp proofness, percentage, min 60 Annex G

3.2 Physical characteristics

3.2.1 Splints (for wood matches)

3.2.1.1

The splint used for making sticks shall be uniform, smooth, well polished, and free from bristles, splits tears, cracks or decays and holes a long the length. They shall not have fungus or bacterial growth.

Compliance shall be checked by visual inspection and counting and the number failing shall not exceed ten percent of the respective package size.

3.2.1.2

The splints shall be made such that about two-thirds of its length shall burn smoothly, when held horizontally in a draft free atmosphere. The number of splints failing this test shall not exceed 6 % of the test sample.

3.2.1.3

In determining the strength of the splints, not more than 5 % of the matches tested when struck against the friction surface shall show bending, breaking or fracture of the splints

3.2.1.4

Splints shall have the following minimum dimensions:

  1. length of 40 mm ± 2 mm;
  2. width of 1.9 mm ± 0.1 mm; and
  3. thickness of 1.9 mm ± 0.1 mm.
3.2.1.5

There should be no variation exceeding 2 mm between the length of the splints within the same container.

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3.2.1.6

Book matches shall have splints not less than 35 mm length without the base and 45 mm with the base. The composite width of 10 splints shall not be less than 30 mm.

3.2.2 Match container

The match container shall be of good workmanship free from the following defects:

  1. damages such as crushed, broken or torn containers;
  2. twisted or swollen containers, or ill-fitted tray exposing match heads; and
  3. loosely fitted container.

3.2.3 Match head

3.2.3.1

No match head shall protrude out of the container. The number of containers, if any, failing this requirement shall not exceed 4 % of the test sample.

3.2.3.2

The match head shall ignite without spurting and the match head particles shall not fly when the head is struck against the friction surface of the container.

3.2.4 Striking (friction) surface

3.2.4.1

The container shall have a uniformly distributed friction surface, none of which shall be present on the inside where contacts with the match heads can occur. The friction surface shall terminate at least 2 mm from each edge of the shorter side of the container.

3.2.4.2

When tested in accordance with Annex A, the friction surface shall not peel to expose the underlying surface of the container.

3.2.4.3

When tested in accordance with Annex A, not less than 95 % of the matches in each container shall ignite.

3.2.5 Number of sticks

The average number of sticks per container shall not be < 4 % of the nominal specified number when determined on the examination of any six containers from the sample and no container out of the six examined shall contain < 90 % of the nominal specified number.

3.3 Defective containers

3.3.1 Broken and crushed

The broken and crushed containers in the test sample shall not exceed 5 %.

3.3.2 Loosely fitted

When tested in accordance with Annex B the loosely fitted containers in the test sample shall not exceed 4 %.

3.4 Unserviceable sticks

3.4.1 General

The total unserviceable sticks shall not exceed 10 % of the test sample. Sticks which are considered unserviceable are classified below.

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3.4.2 Badly-distorted heads

Heads shall be considered distorted when they show pronounced abnormalities in shape or surface, especially heads which carry sharply defined peaks.

3.4.3 Fractured heads

Heads shall be considered to be fractured when their surface has been broken or cracked.

3.4.4 Doubles

Heads linked together by a bridge of composition shall be termed as doubles.

3.4.5 Sticks which break or bend

The splints which break or bend when struck against the friction surface shall be termed as splints which break/bend.

3.5 Absence of after glow

When tested in accordance with Annex H; splints shall not glow for more than three seconds. The number of matches of which the after glow persists before turning into ashed remains shall not exceed 40 % of the tested samples.

3.6 Additional requirements for book matches

Every book of matches shall meet the following requirements:

  1. the cover of the book shall be so constructed such that all the match heads are covered when the book is closed;
  2. any fastening material used to secure the cover to the common base of the matches shall not pierce or loosen the striking surface;
  3. no friction paint shall be present on the inside of the cover within one inch of the match heads;
  4. the splints shall be in one or two rows wrapped around by a board cover and indented near the base to be detached easily; and
  5. the striking surface of a book of matches that is closed by a cover flap fitting in or over the base of the book shall be on the side of the book opposite to the side that opens.

4 Packing and marking

4.1 Packing

Packing shall be in the form of containers, packets and cartons A suitable number of match containers shall be wrapped in a suitable wrapping material capable of withstanding normal handling. The material shall be securely pasted or glued to make a tight packet. Each packet shall consist of a suitable number of containers. Such packets shall be packed in a suitable wrapping paper or any other suitable material which shall be securely glued to make a tight carton.

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4.2 Marking

The match container, packet and the carton shall have a label affixed to each one of them, where applicable, indicating the following:

  1. on each containers:
    1. name and address of the manufacturer or importer/distributor, brand name and/or registered trademark, if any
    2. the words, ‘SAFETY MATCHES’;
    3. average number of sticks in a match container;
    4. cautionary warning indicating the precautions that may need to be taken viz ‘close container before lighting’, sign indicating, ‘Flammable’; and
    5. name of country of origin;
  2. on the packets, the number of match containers; and
  3. on each carton:
    1. date of manufacture or batch number or code number; and
    2. the words ‘STORE IN COOL DRY PLACE’.

5. Sampling

5.1 Lot

5.1.1

All materials of the same brand in a single consignment produced in the same manufacturing unit shall constitute a lot.

Samples shall be tested from each lot for ascertaining the conformity of the lot for the requirements of this specification. The number of cartons to be selected from a lot shall depend upon the size of the lot and shall be in accordance with Table 2.

Table 2 — Sampling plan
Lot size (N)   Number of cartons to be selected (n)
3 to 25                  3
26 to 50                  4
51 to 100                  5
101 to 150                  6
151 and above                  7

5.1.2

These cartons shall be selected at random from the lot and for this purpose; random number tables shall be used. In case such tables are not available, the procedure given below shall be adopted:

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  1. starting from any carton in the lot, count 1, 2, 3.......etc up to r and so on in one order. Everyrth carton thus counted shall be withdrawn, where r is the integral part of N/n. N being the lot size and n the number of cartons to be selected;
  2. from each carton selected in 5.1.2 (a); select at random a certain number of packets depending upon the size of the carton, in accordance with Table 3. To ensure randomness of selection, random number tables or procedure given in 5.1.2 (a) shall be used;
    Table 3 — Number of packets to be selected from a carton
    Number of packets in the carton Number of packets to be selected
    10 3
    50 4
    100 5
  1. the packets from the cartons shall also be selected at random and to ensure the randomness of selection, random number tables or procedure given in 5.1.2 (a) shall be used; and
  2. open each of the packets in 5.1.2 (c) and take out at a random four match containers from each of the packets. These containers thus selected from packets shall constitute a sample. These containers shall then be divided at random into two sets of equal number of containers. One set shall be for the purchaser and other set shall be the referee sample. The referee sample shall bear the seals of both the purchaser and the supplier and shall be kept at a place agreed to between the two. The referee sample shall be tested in case of dispute only.

5.2 Number of test and criteria for conformity

5.2.1

All the match containers in a sample set shall be examined for the requirements given in 3.2, 3.2.2, 3.2.4, and 3.3.

The lot shall be considered as satisfactory in respect of these requirements, if the sample set of match containers satisfies each one of these requirements.

5.2.2

From the match containers in the sample set, select at random any six containers and examine them for the number of sticks. After counting the sticks, containers shall be refilled with the same sticks and replaced back into the sample.

5.2.3

The lot shall be considered as satisfactory, if the six selected containers satisfy the requirements given in 3.2.5.1 or 3.2.5.2 as the case may be.

From the match containers in the sample set, select four containers at random. Pool the sticks from all the four containers together and taking the requisite number of sticks at random from this pool of stick, carry out the tests as prescribed in Annexes A, C, D, and E. [See also Table, items (i) to (iv)]. The lot shall be considered as satisfactory in regard to these requirements, if none of the test fails.

5.2.4

From the remaining containers of the sample set, select at random five containers. Test each of the five containers for wearing strength of the friction surfaces according to Annex A [see also Table 1 item (i)].

The lot shall be considered satisfactory, if each of five containers passes the test.

5.2.5

From the remaining containers of the sample set, select at random five containers and carry out the test for damp-proofness as given in Annex G. [see also Table 1, item (vi)].

The lot shall be considered as satisfactory in regard to this test requirement if the test result satisfies the requirements given in Table 1.

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5.2.6

Take three containers out of the sample at random and examine for the defects given in 3.4. The lot shall be considered as satisfactory if the total number of unserviceable sticks in these containers does not exceed 10 %.

5.2.7

Take the sticks from these containers and test for the requirements as given in 3.2.1. The lot shall be considered as satisfactory, if the total number of sticks not contributing does not exceed 6 %.

5.3 Criteria for conformity

The lot shall be declared as conforming to the requirements of this specification, if the different test results as obtained in 5.2.1 to 5.2.6 meet the corresponding requirements given in this standard.

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Annex A
Wearing strength of friction surface

(normative)

A.1 Principle

The test is carried out by striking the match sticks against the friction surface.

A.2 Procedure

Take five containers from the sample and condition them at a temperature of 27 °C ± 1 °C and 65 % ± 2 % relative humidity for one hour before carrying out the test. The cover of the container shall be removed during conditioning. Strike all the sticks in the container one by one on one friction surface side of the container. The sample shall be taken to have passed this test, if one friction surface side is sufficient to ignite all the sticks, The friction surface shall be suitably used so that the entire area of one side is utilised in the test.

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Annex B
Test for functional failures of matches

(informative)

In determining the correct fit of tray, use a test set of 50 % of containers at random selected from the gross sample, and test each container as follows:

  1. allow the container to stand on its end, and then grasp it by its friction-painted sides lightly between the thumb and index finger of one hand and lift the container vertically. Unless the tray tends to fall out, proceed to check that the tray slides easily in the outer casing; and
  2. note and record as defectives the number of containers in which the following failures occur:
    1. the tray slide or dropped out under its own mass and that of its contents; and
    2. the tray did not slide easily in the outer casing.
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Annex C
Safety

(normative)

C.1 Principle

The test is carried out by striking the match sticks against a flint paper or equivalent.

C.2 Procedure

Take three containers from the selected containers of the sample and strike over a sheet of flint paper. The average length of stroke on the flint paper shall be about 50 mm.

The sample shall be taken to have passed the test, if none of the sticks in the container catches fire.

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Annex D
Ignition below 170 °C

(normative)

D.1 Principle

The test is carried out by placing the match sticks in an oven maintained at 170 °C and examined for ignition.

D.2 Apparatus

D.2.1

Oven, the size and shape of the oven shall be such that the inner chamber shall be approximately 150 mm × 150 mm × 225 mm. It wall be fitted with a shelf of perforated sheet metal at a distance of 120 mm from the top lining of the oven. A vent shall be provided at the top of the oven to permit air circulation.

D.2.2

Thermometer to read up to 250 °C

D.2.3

Wooden block, of 30 mm thick and 50 mm square having a hole of 10 mm diameter to a depth of 25 mm in the centre to serve as a receptacle to hold the sticks

D.3 Procedure

Take 10 matches from the selected containers of the samples and place them with the heads up in the receptacle of the wooden block or a metal holder. Place the block/holder in the centre of the oven maintainer at 170 °C. After 10 min remove the block/holder, note and record as defectives the number of matches that have ignited. The sample shall be taken to have passed the test, if the sticks do not catch fire.

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Annex E
Ignition under impact

(normative)

E.1 Principle

The test is carried out by striking the match sticks with a hammer of 170 g and examined for ignition.

E.2 Apparatus

The apparatus shall be assembled as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 — Apparatus for ignition under impact test

Figure 1 — Apparatus for ignition under impact test

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E.3 Procedure

Take 10 sticks from the selected containers of the sample and test each stick separately Place the stick on the anvil of polished steel, in such a way that the stick is horizontal and the head is at its centre.

Drop the striking hammer by releasing the spring catch. Observe whether the head catches fire under this impact.

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Annex F
Burning quality — Spurting

(normative)

F.1 Principle

The test is carried out by striking the match sticks against the friction surface and examine for spurting, if any.

F.2 Procedure

Take three containers from the selected containers of the sample and strike against the friction surface of these containers. Observe the number of heads which spurt out while burning

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Annex G
Damp-proofness

(normative)

G.1 Principle

The test is carried out by keeping the match containers in a desiccator containing water for 24 h and examined for their burning quality.

G.2 Apparatus

Desiccator, with a plate having an inside diameter of about 250 mm

G.3 Procedure

Carry out this test at a temperature of 27 °C + 1 °C. Place a sufficient amount of water in the desiccator so that the distance between the surface of the water and the nearest portion of the exposed matches kept over the plate is about 25 mm. Take five containers from the sample and place these containers on the desiccator’s plate so that the head side of each container is half open and each container resting on its edge with the friction surface vertical as well as with the heads up. The containers shall be placed at a distance of at least 20 mm away from the walls of the desiccator. Close the desiccator and leave it undisturbed for 24 h (see Note). Remove the container at a time from the desiccator, and strike each stick not more than twice over its own friction surface until all the sticks inside each container are exhausted or there is no more friction surface available for striking. Count the number of sticks which ignited during the test.

NOTE If condensation of water is likely to take place during the test, then the match head may be suitably shielded with a glass plate.

G.4 Calculation

Calculate the damp-proofness as follows

Image

where

n is the total number of sticks ignited in five containers; and
N is the nominal stick of each container.
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Annex H
Method of test for afterglow

(informative)

H.1

Place the bases of the splints of 25 matches into holes in a metal plate 20 mm ± 0.5 mm apart, arranged in a 5 × 5 array as shown in Figure 2.

H.2

In a darkened room, apply a flame to an outside row of the matches and tilt the metal plate so as to ignite all of the matches on the plate as quickly as possible.

H.3

Allow the splints to burn away completely and, when the flame dies out, examine the ashed remains of the splints for any afterglow, ignoring any pinpoint glow immediately beneath the head.

H.4

Where afterglow is considered to persist for longer than 3 s, repeat the test on a further 25 matches struck as directed in Annex I and examine them individually.

H.5

Repeat H.1 to H.4 on a second group of 25 matches and record a cumulative result for the 50 matches tested.

Figure 2 — Perforated metal plate

Figure 2 — Perforated metal plate

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Annex I
Method of striking matches

(normative)

Wherever any of the tests calls for striking of matches, the match is struck along the container with an upward sweep and held clear out of the container to avoid damage to the friction paint (see Figure 3).

Image

Figure 1. Method of striking matches

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Annex J
Test for breaking resistant of the splint

(informative)

The apparatus illustrated in Figure 2 is used to conduct this test.

The moment arm on the apparatus is,

  1. 2 cm in length, where wood matches are being tested;
  2. 1.5 cm in length, where matches other than wood matches are being tested.

The match is inserted in the apparatus as illustrated in figure 2 and the clamp and match gradually lowered until the match breaks.

The maximum force registered on the scale or balance required to break the splint is recorded.

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