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F1967 - 13

Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Seats¹

This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1967; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon (ɛ) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

¹ This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.20 on Bath Seats.

Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2013. Published August 2013. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F1967 – 11a. DOI: 10.1520/F1967-13.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

INTRODUCTION

This consumer safety specification is intended to address certain incidents associated with the use of bath seats, bath rings, and other similar devices.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identified drowning incidents which generally involved infants either tipping over, climbing out of, or sliding through the product after being left unattended by their caregiver.

This specification does not address incidents in which bath seats are unreasonably misused, are used in a careless manner that disregards the warnings and instructions that are provided with each product, or those instances where the caregiver leaves the infant unattended in the product.

This consumer safety specification is written within the current state-of-the-art product technology. It is intended that this specification will be updated whenever substantive information becomes available and known to ASTM which necessitates additional requirements or justifies the revision of existing requirements.

1. Scope

1.1

This consumer safety specification establishes performance requirements, test methods, and labeling requirements to promote the safe use of infant bath seats. Products commonly referred to as bath rings also are included in the scope of this specification. Traditional infant bath tubs that are used to bathe an infant are not within the scope of this standard.

1.2

This consumer safety specification is intended to reduce the risk of death and minimize injury to infants resulting from use and reasonably foreseeable abuse of infant bath seats.

1.3

No infant bath seat produced after the approval date of this consumer safety specification shall, either by label or other means, indicate compliance with this specification unless it conforms to all requirements contained herein.

1.4

The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5

The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, of this consumer safety specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:²

² For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

2.2 Federal Regulations: ³

³ Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401.

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

3.1.1 attachment components, n—

components of the bath seat that provide the means of attachment to the adult bath tub, including, but not limited to, clamps, arms, suction cups, and pads.

3.1.2 bath seat, n—

an article that is used in a bath tub, sink, or similar bathing enclosure and that provides support, at a minimum, to the front and back of a seated infant during bathing by a caregiver. This does not include products that are designed or intended to retain water for bathing.

3.1.3 locking or latching mechanism, n—

method of preventing a bath seat from folding or collapsing during use.

3.1.4 manufacturer’s recommended use position(s), n—

any position that is presented as a normal, allowable, or acceptable configuration for the use of the product by the manufacturer in any descriptive or instructional literature. This specifically excludes positions which the manufacturer shows in a like manner in its literature to be unacceptable, unsafe or not recommended.

3.1.5 nonpaper label, n—

any label material, such as plastic or metal, that either will not tear without the aid of tools or tears leaving a sharply defined edge or labels made of fabric.

3.1.6 occupant, n—

that individual who is in an infant bath seat in one of the manufacturer’s recommended use positions.

3.1.7 paper label, n—

any label material that tears without the aid of tools and leaves a fibrous edge.

3.1.8 principal display panel, n—

that part of the product’s package that is most likely to be displayed, presented, shown or examined under normal or customary conditions of display for retail sale.

3.1.9 stability, n—

ability of a bath seat to remain upright in all of the manufacturer’s recommended use positions.

3.1.10 static load, n—

vertically downward load applied by weights or other means.

4. Calibration and Standardization

4.1

Unless otherwise noted, the bath seat shall be completely assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

4.2

The product to be tested shall be in a room with an ambient temperature of 73 ± 9°F (23 ± 5°C) for at least 1 h prior to testing. Testing then shall be conducted within this temperature range.

4.3

All testing required by this specification shall be conducted on the same unit.

5. General Requirements

5.1

There shall be no hazardous sharp points or edges as defined in 16 CFR 1500.48 and 16 CFR 1500.49 before or after the product has been tested to this consumer safety specification.

5.2

There shall be no small parts as defined in 16 CFR 1501 before testing or liberated as a result of testing to this specification.

5.3

All decorated surfaces of the product shall comply with the requirements of 16 CFR 1303.

5.4 Latching, Locking, and Other Mechanisms:

5.4.1

Any unit that folds shall have a latching or locking device or other provision in the design that will prevent the unit from unintentionally folding when properly placed in the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s).

5.4.2

During and upon completion of the test in accordance with 7.1.1, the unit shall remain in the manufacturer’s recommended use position, and the latching or locking mechanism shall remain engaged and operative after testing.

5.4.3

For all single action locking/latching mechanisms, the mechanism shall not release with a minimum force of 10 lbf (45 N) when tested in accordance with 7.1.2.

5.4.4

For all double action locking/latching mechanisms, there is no force requirement when tested in accordance with 7.1.2.

5.4.5

Latching, locking, and other mechanisms that slide, turn, twist, are pushed or pulled, or can otherwise be adjusted during the installation or use of the product shall also comply with all requirements in 5.4 after cycling has been conducted in accordance with 7.1.3.

5.5 Scissoring, Shearing, and Pinching—

The unit, when in the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s), shall be designed and constructed to prevent injury to the occupant from any scissoring, shearing, or pinching when members or components rotate about a common axis or fastening point, slide, pivot, fold or otherwise move relative to one another. Scissoring, shearing, or pinching exists when the edges of the rigid parts admit a probe greater than 0.210 in. (5.33 mm) and less than 0.375 in. (9.53 mm) at any accessible point throughout the range of motion of such parts.
Figure 1. Opening Examples Figure 1 shows a tube with a hole in it. An inset shows a release button that pokes through that hole, which when depresses allows one to fold the stroller. A second inset shows the maximum depths of the hole per Clause 5.6. < 0.375 (9.53 mm) 0.375(9.53 mm)Max.

FIG. 1 Opening Examples

5.6 Openings—

Holes or slots that extend entirely through a wall section of any rigid material less than 0.375-in. (9.53-mm) thick and admit a 0.210-in. (5.33-mm) diameter rod shall also admit a 0.375-in. (9.53-mm) diameter rod. Holes or slots that are between 0.210 in. (5.33 mm) and 0.375 in. (9.53 mm) and have a wall thickness less than 0.375 in. (9.53 mm) but are limited in depth to 0.375 in. (9.53 mm) maximum by another rigid surface shall be permissible (see Fig. 1 for examples). The product shall be evaluated in all manufacturer’s recommended use positions.

5.7 Protective Components—

If a child can grasp any components between the thumb and forefinger, or teeth, such as caps, sleeves, or plugs used for protection from sharp edges, 2 points, or entrapment of fingers or toes, or if there is at least a 0.040-in. (1.00-mm) gap between the component and its adjacent parent component when the product is in its manufacturer’s recommended use position(s), such component shall not be removed when tested in accordance with 7.2.

5.8 Requirements for Toys—

Toy accessories attached to, removable from, or sold with bath seats, as well as their means of attachment, must meet applicable requirements of Consumer Safety Specification F963.

5.9 Labeling:

5.9.1

Warning labels, whether paper or nonpaper, shall be permanent when tested in accordance with 7.3.1-7.3.4.

5.9.2

Warning statements applied directly onto the surface of the product by hot stamping, heat transfer, printing, wood burning, etc. shall be permanent when tested in accordance with 7.3.1 and 7.3.5.

5.9.3

Nonpaper labels shall not liberate small parts when tested in accordance with 7.3.6.

6. Performance Requirements

6.1 Stability—

The geometry and construction of the product shall not allow for any parts of the product to become separated from it, shall not sustain permanent damage, and shall not allow the product to tip over after being tested in accordance with 7.4. In addition, if any attachment point disengages from 3 (is no longer in contact with) the test platform and then fails to return to its manufacturer’s intended use position after being tested in accordance with 7.4, it fails the requirement. This test shall be conducted after the Mechanisms Durability test in 7.1.3. If any time during the application of force, the seat is no longer in the initial “intended use position” and is tilted at an angle of 12° or more from its initial starting position, it shall be considered a failure.

NOTE 1 — If the bath seat would continue to tip over under the application of force, but it is prevented from doing so by the test platform (bath tub) side walls, it shall be considered a tip over.

6.2 Restraint System:

6.2.1

Bath seats, when in the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s), must provide a passive crotch restraint and comply with 6.2.1.1. The bath seat shall not include any additional restraint system which requires action on the part of the caregiver to secure the restraint.
6.2.1.1
A passive crotch restraint shall be assembled as part of the bath seat before shipment from the manufacturer or shall be designed such that the bath seat cannot be used without the passive crotch restraint in place. The passive crotch restraint shall be permanently attached to the bath seat.

6.3 Static Load—

The product shall not break, become permanently deformed or damaged, or fail to comply with any of the other requirements of this specification when tested in accordance with 7.5.

6.4 Specific Requirements for Suction Cups—

Bath seats that utilize individual suction cups as a method of attachment to the bathing surface shall comply with the following requirements:

6.4.1

Each suction cup shall remain attached to the bath seat and shall not become damaged or broken after testing in accordance with 7.6.1.

6.4.2

The bath seat shall attach and remain attached to each test surface and shall not become damaged or broken after testing in accordance with 7.6.2.

6.5 Leg Openings

6.5.1

All openings on the sides of the product through which a seated occupant can slide or otherwise insert any extremity shall not permit the passage of the Bath Seat Torso Test Probe when tested in accordance with 7.7.1.

6.5.2

When these same openings are tested in accordance with 7.7.2, the 1.0-in. (25-mm) perimeter of the Bath Seat Shoulder Test Probe at the shoulder breadth end shall not be permitted to contact the seating surface of the product.

6.6 Attachment Components—

Before shipment, all attachment components shall be permanently attached to the bath seat. Attachment components shall be considered permanent if they cannot be removed without the use of a tool.

7. Test Methods

7.1 Latching and Locking Mechanism:

7.1.1 Resistance to Folding:

7.1.1.1
Erect the bath seat in one of the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s) on the test surface specified in 7.4.3. Secure the product so that the normal folding motion is not impeded.
7.1.1.2
Apply a force of 45 lbf (200 N) in the direction normally associated with folding the bath seat.
7.1.1.3
Repeat this procedure four more times within a 2-min period.
7.1.1.4
Submerge the product in enough clear water to fully cover the latching/locking mechanism. Water shall be at an initial temperature of 100 to 105°F (37.8 to 40.6°C).
7.1.1.5
Repeat the testing prescribed above in 7.1.1.1-7.1.1.3.
7.1.1.6
Repeat the testing in both the dry and the submerged conditions for each additional manufacturer’s recommended use position.

7.1.2 Release Mechanism Activation:

7.1.2.1 Products With Single Action Release Mechanism—
With the product in each manufacturer’s recommended use position, gradually apply a 10-lbf (45-N) force to the locking or latching mechanism in the direction tending to release it.
7.1.2.2 Products With Double Action Release Mechanism—
Each double action locking/latching mechanism shall require two distinct and separate actions for release of the mechanism.

7.1.3 Mechanisms Durability—

Latching, locking, and other mechanisms that slide, turn, twist, are pushed or pulled, or can otherwise be adjusted during the installation or use of the product shall be cycled independently through their normal full range motion a total of 2000 cycles. Cycling shall be conducted at a rate of 12 cycles per minute.

7.2 Protective Components:

7.2.1

If the torque and tension tests are to be conducted on the product, first completely submerge the testable components for 20 min in clear water that is at an initial temperature of 100 to 105°F (37.8 to 40.6°C). Conduct the torque and tension tests within 10 min after removal from the water.

7.2.2 Torque Test for Graspable Components:

7.2.2.1
Using any convenient method to hold the parent component in place, grasp the component to be tested and apply a torque evenly over a period of 5 s in a clockwise direction until either a rotation of 180° is attained or a torque value of 4 lbf-in. (0.4 N-m) has been reached.
7.2.2.2
Maintain the torque value or the 180° rotation for an additional 10 s and then allow the component to return to its original position.
7.2.2.3
Repeat this test using a torque in the counterclockwise direction.

7.2.3 Tension Test for Graspable Components—

The same component which has undergone the torque test also shall undergo the following tension test immediately following the torque test:
7.2.3.1
Using any convenient method to hold the parent component in place, grasp the component to be tested and apply a tension force of 15 lbf (67 N) evenly over a period of 5 s in the direction normally associated with the removal of the component. The device used to grasp the component should not compress or expand the component being tested so that it hinders any possible removal.
7.2.3.2
Maintain this force for an additional 10 s.

7.3 Permanence of Labels and Warnings:

7.3.1

To determine the permanence of a label or printing applied to the surface of the product, first completely submerge 4 the label or printed area for 20 min in clear water that is at an initial temperature of 100 to 105°F (37.8 to 40.6°C). Drain off the excess water and let the label or printed area air dry for 24 h at 73 ± 9°F (23 ± 5°C), 20 to 70 % RH, prior to conducting any permanency tests.

7.3.2

A paper label (excluding labels attached by a seam) shall be considered permanent if, during an attempt to remove it without the aid of tools or solvents, it cannot be removed, it tears into pieces upon removal or such action damages the surface to which it is attached.

7.3.3

A nonpaper label (excluding labels attached by a seam) shall be considered permanent if, during an attempt to remove it without the aid of tools or solvents, it cannot be removed or such action damages the surface to which it is attached.

7.3.4

A warning label attached by a seam shall be considered permanent if it does not detach when subjected to a 15-lbf (67-N) pull force applied in any direction using a ¾-in. diameter clamp surface.

7.3.5

Adhesion test for warnings applied directly onto the surface of the product.
7.3.5.1
Apply the tape test defined in Test Method B, Cross-Cut Tape Test of Test Methods D3359, eliminating parallel cuts.
7.3.5.2
Perform this test once in each different location where warnings are applied.
7.3.5.3
The warning statements will be considered permanent if the printing in the area tested is still legible and attached after being subjected to this test.

7.3.6

A nonpaper label, during an attempt to remove it without the aid of tools or solvents, shall not be removed or shall not fit entirely within the small parts cylinder defined in 16 CFR 1501 if it can be removed.

7.4 Stability:

7.4.1 Surface Preparation and Product Installation:

7.4.1.1
Prepare the test surface as follows:
  1. For all surfaces on the test platform where the product makes contact, clean the coverage area (as defined in 7.4.3.3) with a commercial cleaner intended for bath tubs, then wipe the coverage area with alcohol and allow to dry.
  2. Using a spray bottle containing a 1:25 mixture of test solution (see Table 1) to distilled water, immediately before each test run, thoroughly saturate all test platform surfaces above the water line where the product makes contact and where contact might be expected.
  3. Flood the test platform with clear water that is at an initial temperature of 100 to 105°F (37.8 to 40.6°C) to a depth of 2 in. (51 mm) above the highest point of the occupant seating surface.
7.4.1.2
Install the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions onto the test platform specified in 7.4.3. For the purpose of measuring the water level, the product’s seating surface can be temporarily weighed down to prevent the seat from floating. The weight shall be removed following the measurement of the water level and prior to conducting the test.

7.4.2 Test Protocol:

7.4.2.1
Securely attach a 1 by ¼-in. (25 by 6-mm) rigid aluminum flat bar to the inside edge of the occupant seating space in a vertical orientation at the position that is most likely to cause the bath seat to tip over. The length of the flat bar must be such that it extends beyond the uppermost edge or surface of the bath seat at least as far as the maximum distance D (calculated in Eq 1).
7.4.2.2
Calculate the distance D for a tipover force to be applied to the aluminum bar using the following formula:

D = ( 20.4 in. - H ) / 2 [ (518 mm - H)/2 ] (1)

where:

H = the height of the uppermost edge or surface above the lowest point of the occupant seating surface.

7.4.2.3
Rigidly install an inclinometer to the test bar above the location where force is to be applied. The weight of the inclinometer and the fastening method shall be ≤2.2 lb. The inclinometer shall have a measurement tolerance of less than or equal to 0.5°. Measure and record the pre-test angle of the test bar.
7.4.2.4
Apply a force of 17.0 lbf (76.5 N) to the aluminum bar at this distance D above the height H. Apply the force in a horizontal plane and outward from the center of the bath seat over a period of 5 s (see Fig. 2). Maintain this force for an additional 10 s. If the bath seat begins to release from the test surface, continue to maintain this force and its orientation relative to the aluminum bar until the bath seat tips over or the 10 s time limit is attained.

NOTE 2 — If necessary, to prevent the bath seat from sliding horizontally on the test surface during this test protocol, the bottom edge of the bath seat may be blocked or wedged to prevent such sliding. However, such blocking should in no way interfere with or influence the results of this test protocol to either increase or decrease the tip over force.

Figure 2. Diagram of Force Application The diagram of a bath seat has a circular seating surface. There are four pillars going up, and a circular bar on the top. The infant sits inside the device. The distance from the hiehgt of the uppermost edge or surface above the lowest point of the seating surface is labelled H. A 1 by 1/4-in. rigid aluminum bar is attached at the point that is most likely to cause tip over. The bar protrudes above the top of the uppermost by the distance D, which is equal to (20.4 in. - H) / 2. A force F of 17.0 lbf is applied to the top of the bar in a horizontal plane outward from the center of the bath seat. F = 17.0 lbf (76.5 N) APPLIEDIN HORIZONTAL PLANE OUTWARDFROM CENTER OF BATH SEAT 1 by 1/4-in. (25 by 6-mm)RIGID ALUMINUM BARATTACHED AT THE POSITIONTHAT IS MOST LIKELY TOCAUSE TIP OVER D F H H = HEIGHT OF UPPERMOST EDGEOR SURFACE ABOVE THE LOWESTPOINT OF SEATING SURFACE D = (20.4 in. - H)/2; [(518 mm - H)/2] SEATING SURFACE

FIG. 2 Diagram of Force Application

7.4.2.5
Measure and record the maximum angle of the test bar during the application of the 17.0 lbf load. Calculate the absolute value of the change in angle in degrees. Change in Angle = (Angle measured during test ) – (Angle measured pre-test).

TABLE 1 Representative Baby WashA

NOTE 1 — Instructions:
Mix Polyquaternium-10 wtih 40 % of the water to hydrate.
Mix surfactants and the rest of the water until uniform, then add polymer solution.
Add preservative and fragrance mixture. Mix well.
Adjust final pH (6 to 7) with citric acid.
Viscosity range: 6000 to 10 000 cPs.
Ingredients% WeightFunction
Cocmidopropyl Betaine (30 % active)14.0 Surfactant
PEG-80 Sorbitan Laurate (74 % active) 5.0 Anti-irritant
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (70 % active)4.3 Surfactant
Glycerine 0.5 Humectant
Polyquaternium-10 0.2 Conditioner
PEG-150 Distearate 0.3 Thickener
Tetrasodium EDTA (40 %) 0.2 Chelant added for clarity
Dye/Fragrance As desired Not added
DMDMH 0.2 Preservative
Water 75.3

A This baby wash (Lot #00536–133, made Aug. 16, 2005) can be obtained from Cognis Care Chemicals, 300 Brookside Ave., Ambler, PA 19002. Alternatively, the baby wash solution may be generated following the instructions and using the ingredients in their respective percentages shown in this table.

5
7.4.2.6
Repeat this test protocol, including the recalculation of the distance D, three additional times at increments of 90° around the perimeter of the bath seat enclosure area.
7.4.2.7
Repeat this test protocol with the product in each of the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s) as a bath seat and for both test surfaces as described in 7.4.3.1 and 7.4.3.2.
Figure 3. Test Platform There are two diagrams. The top is labelled bath tub top view. The bottom is labelled bath tub side view. The bath tub top view has a length of 60 inches. Inside that is bathtub, which is equivalent to a rectangle with two half circles on each end (e.g., a stadium oval). The bath tub is 60 by 34 by 14, and the bathing well has dimesnsions of 56 by 25 by 13 1/4. For the side view, there is a height of 14 inches and the rim of the bathtub is 4 inches. 82 ± 3 89 ± 2 60 in. 56 in. 25 in. 18.0 in. 4.0 ± 0.5 3.5 ± 0.5 Top width of3.5 ± 0.5 in.specified forflat sectiononly BATH TUB SIDE VIEW 4 ± 0.5 in. total top widthmeasurement taken atintersection of side and topalong straight lines 14 in. 13.25 in. 82 ± 3 89 ± 2 BATH TUB TOP VIEW

FIG. 3 Test Platform

7.4.3

The test platform (see Fig. 3) shall consist of a standard recessed porcelain enameled metal bath tub of the following nominal dimensions: 60 by 34 by 14 in. (152.4 by 86.4 by 35.6 cm). The bathing well shall have the following nominal dimensions: 56 by 25 by 13 ¼ in. (142.2 by 63.5 by 33.7 cm). The side ledge of the tube shall be of a uniform thickness of 4 ± 0.25 in. (10.2 ± 0.64 cm) for at least 24 in. (60.0 cm) along the length of the tub when measured as shown in Fig. 3. The inside angle of the side ledge of the tub shall be 82° (63°) when measured from vertical for at least 24 in. (60.0 cm) along the length of the tub. The outside angle of the side ledge of the tub shall be 89° (62°) when measured from vertical for at least 24 in. (60.0 cm) along the length of the tub.4

⁴ The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is American Standard, Princeton model, from American Standard, 1 Centennial Plaza, Piscataway, NJ 08855-6820. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.

7.4.3.1 Test Surface #1—
Any area on the test platform within the 24 in. (60.0 cm) length of uniform tub side ledge thickness as described in 7.4.3 where commercially available adhesive backed safety tread strips (for bath tub use) have been applied as described in 7.4.3.3-7.4.3.6.
7.4.3.2 Test Surface #2—
Any area within the 24 in. (60.0 cm) length of uniform tub side ledge thickness as described in 7.4.3 on the original test platform surface (smooth porcelain enamel). One test platform can be used for both test surfaces if there is sufficient space that allows for proper coverage areas as described in 7.4.3.3.
7.4.3.3
The size of the coverage area shall be at least 1 in. (25 mm) larger in all directions than the perimeter outlined by any part of the product that is designed to contact any internal surface of the tub well or tub bottom.
7.4.3.4
The safety tread strips used on Test Surface #1 shall be rectangular, approximately 0.75 in. (19 mm) wide by 7 in. (180 mm) or greater in length.
7.4.3.5
Prior to applying the safety tread strips, the coverage area shall be cleaned thoroughly using an alcohol or other solvent-based cleaner to remove all foreign material and then thoroughly dried.
7.4.3.6
The safety tread strips shall then be applied evenly on the surface at a distance of 0.375 ± 0.125 in. (9.5 ± 3 mm) apart from edge to edge.

7.5 Static Load Test:

7.5.1

Install the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions onto the test surface specified in 7.4.3.

7.5.2

Flood the test surface with clear water that is at an initial temperature of 100 to 105°F (37.8 to 40.6°C) to a depth of 2 in. (51 mm) above the highest point of the occupant seating surface.

7.5.3

Place a weight of 30 lb (13.6 kg) on the center of the seat and distribute it upon a 6 by 6-in. (150 by 150-mm) ¾-in. (19-mm) thick block made of high density polyethylene (HDPE).

7.5.4

Remove the weight after a time period of 20 min.

7.6 Suction Cup Tests:

7.6.1 Suction Cup Attachment to Bath Seat:

7.6.1.1
Install the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions onto test surface #2 specified in 7.4.3.2. Flood the surface with clear water that is at an initial temperature of 100 6 to 105°F (37.8 to 40.6°C) to a depth of 2 in. (51 mm) above the highest point of the occupant seating surface. Allow the product to soak for a minimum of 20 min.
7.6.1.2
Remove the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions and immediately apply to each suction cup a tensile force of 25 lbf (111 N). Apply this force within 5 s and in the direction most likely to cause failure. Hold the force for an additional 10 s.

7.6.2 Suction Cup Attachment to Bathing Surface:

7.6.2.1
For the test surfaces specified in 7.4.3, install the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions onto each surface. Flood the test surface with clear water that is at an initial temperature of 100 to 105°F (37.8 to 40.6°C) to a depth of 2 in. (51 mm) above the highest point of the occupant seating surface when the bath seat has been placed in the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s) on the surface. Allow the product to soak for a minimum of 20 min.
7
7.6.2.2
Within 5 s, apply a vertical tensile force of 25 lbf (111 N) at the center of the product. Hold the force for an additional 10 s.
7.6.2.3
Remove and install the bath seat into the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s) a total of 2000 cycles using the manufacturer’s recommended method(s).
7.6.2.4
Repeat the testing specified in 7.6.2.2.

7.7 Leg Openings:

7.7.1

With the bath seat in each of the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s), insert the tapered end of the Bath Seat Torso Probe (see Fig. 4) in all orientations into each opening. The probe should be inserted from the direction of the occupant seating surface. Gradually apply a force of 15 lbf (67 N) in the direction of the major axis of the probe within a period of 5 s. Maintain this force for an additional 10 s (see Fig. 5).
Figure 4. Modified Bath Seat Torso Probe The top view is in the shape of a rectangle with half circles on either end, e.g., a stadium oval. The device is 5.2 in. long and 2.91 in. wide. The circular ends have a radius of 1.45 in. There is a slot in the middle of the top view indicated by a dotted line. Below that is the front view, whish is shaped like a rectangle, below which is a trapezoid. The rectangle is 2.99 in. high, the full front view is 4.25 in. high. The trapezoid has a 45 degree angle, so it is narrower at the end than the rectangle. 2.91 in.( 74 mm ) 5.20 in.( 132 mm ) 2.99 in.( 76 mm ) 4.25 in.( 108 mm ) 45° 45° Front View Side View Top View 1.45 in.( 37 mm ) R

FIG. 4 Modified Bath Seat Torso Probe

Figure 5. Bath Seat Torso Probe Force This is a photograph of a bath seat with the prope nestled inside on the left, with the probe pointing out to the right and protruding through the right side of the seat. A label says Direction of Force and it is pointed leftwards. In other words, one attempts to push the fat part of the probe through the upright columns of the bath seat.

FIG. 5 Bath Seat Torso Probe Force

7.7.2

With the bath seat in each of the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s), insert the tapered end of the Bath Seat Shoulder Probe (see Fig. 6) in all orientations into each opening. The probe should be inserted from the direction of the occupant seating surface. Gradually apply a force of 15 lbf (67 N) in the direction of the major axis of the probe within a period of 5 s. Maintain this force for 10 s (see Fig. 7). Release and apply a force of 10 lbf (44 N) to the top 1.0-in. (25-mm) perimeter of the probe in a direction vertically downward toward the seating surface over a period of 5 s. Maintain this force for an additional 10 s (see Fig. 8).
Figure 6. Bath Seat Shoulder Probe The diagram shows 4 views. It is indicated that the block shall be made from sanded hardwood. The top view is a rectangle with rounded corners which is 7 in long and 3 in. wide. The 7 inch length indicates that it is the shoulder breadth for 6-8 months old.The front view has a height of 9.5 inches. The top 1 inch of the height is straight, after that the block tapers inward so it has a width of 5.5 inches at the bottom (the top being 7 inches). The side view looks like a rectangle, but on the bottom view it is possible to discern the fact that the block has tapered down in width. BLOCK SHALL BEMADE FROM ASANDED HARDWOOD 1.0"(25 mm)Typical 7.0 in. (178 mm) 3.0 in. (76 mm) Top View Shoulder Breadth6 - 8 mos. 1.0 in. (25 mm) Front View Side View 5.04°Ref. 9.5 in. (241 mm) 5.5 in. (140 mm) Full taper 2 pl Bottom View

NOTE: Not to Scale

FIG. 6 Bath Seat Shoulder Probe

Figure 7. Bath Seat Shoulder Probe Force This photograph shows the wooden block inserted in the bath seat at an angle. On the end of the probe is a measuring device to show the force and it is applied straight to the end of the block.

FIG. 7 Bath Seat Shoulder Probe Force

Figure 8. Bath Seat Shoulder Probe Force This photograph is similar to Figure 7, except in this diagram the probe is shoved into the bath seat further and the force is applied straight down into the seat, e.g., at an angle to the probe.

FIG. 8 Bath Seat Shoulder Probe Force

8. Marking and Labelling

8.1

Each unit of product and its packaging shall be labeled as follows:

WARNING—NOT A SAFETY DEVICE
Babies have DROWNED while using bath seats.
ALWAYS keep baby within adult’s reach.
STOP using when baby begins pulling to a standing position.

8.1.1

The safety alert symbol, the signal word, and all other words that are all capital letters shall be in sans serif type face with letters not less than 0.4 in. (10 mm) in height, with all remainder of the text not less than 0.2 in. (5 mm) in height. All warning(s) on both the product and the package shall be distinctively separated from any other wording or designs and shall appear in the English language at a minimum. They shall also be highly visible and in a contrasting color to the background on which they are located.
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8.2

The warning specified in 8.1 shall be located on the product so that it is visible to the caregiver when the product is in the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s) and the occupant is in the product. The specified warnings may not be placed in a location that allows the warnings to be obscured or rendered inconspicuous when in the manufacturer’s recommended use position.
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8.3

Specified warning(s) on the package shall be on the principal display panel.

8.4

Warnings, statements, or graphic pictorials shall not indicate or imply that the infant may be left in the product without a caregiver in attendance.

8.5

Each product’s retail package shall address the recommended age and developmental stage for the user as follows:

Product is suitable for babies able to sit up unassisted (approximately 5 months of age).

STOP using when baby begins pulling to a standing position (approximately 10 months of age).

8.6

Each product and its retail package shall be marked or labeled clearly and legibly to indicate the following:

8.6.1

The name of the manufacturer, distributor, or seller, and either the place of business (city, state, and mailing address, including zip code), or telephone number, or both.

8.6.2

A code mark or other means that identifies the model number and the date (month and year at a minimum) of manufacture.

8.7

Any upholstery label required by law shall not be used to meet the requirements in 8.6.

9. Instructional Literature

9.1

All products shall have instructional literature enclosed which explains the proper use of the product. Such literature shall include instructions for assembly, maintenance, cleaning, inspections, limitations of the product, and storage, as well as the manufacturer’s recommended use position(s).

9.2

Instructional literature shall also include the following warnings:

9.2.1

The warning specified in 8.1.

9.2.2

Prevent drowning.

Babies can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.

ALWAYS bathe your infant using as little water as necessary.

9.2.3

Prevent drowning.

Babies can drown even when other children are in or near the bathtub.

DO NOT allow other children to substitute for an adult.

9.2.4

In addition, the instructional literature shall emphasize and reinforce the requirement that the parent or adult caregiver should always be present within arm’s reach of the infant in the bath seat, regardless of the circumstances.

9.3

All warning statements in the instructional literature shall meet the requirements as described in 8.1.1 for letter height, language, color, and type.

9.3.1

If warnings required in the instructional literature are placed directly under or adjacent to one another, then the safety alert symbol, the signal word WARNING, and the phrase “Prevent drowning” need to be displayed only once.

9.4

Instructional literature shall also instruct to test the temperature of the water surrounding the bath seat prior to placing the infant into the product. Instructions shall also indicate that the typical water temperature for bathing a baby should be between 90 and 100°F (32.2 and 37.8°C).

9.5

Instructional literature shall instruct the caregiver to discontinue the use of the product if it becomes damaged, broken, or disassembled.

9.6

Instructional literature shall include the age and developmental stage information as specified in 8.5.

9.7

Warnings, statements, or graphic pictorials shall not indicate or imply that the infant may be left in the product without a caregiver in attendance.

10. Keywords

10.1

bath ring; bath seat; bath tub; drowning; stability

APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. RATIONALE

X1.1 Section 1—

A separate standard is to be developed through the ASTM process to address the Infant Bath Tub product category.

X1.2 Section 3—

All of the definitions reflect those previously approved in the safety standards for other juvenile products.

X1.3 Sections 3.1.1 and 6.6—

This definition and requirement address potential incidents that may occur with bath seat designs that require the use of an extra component(s) to attach the bath seat to an adult bath tub. Because such component(s) may not be attached to the bath seat, and the bath seat may appear to function as intended without using the component(s), consumers can chose to install the bath seat without them. In addition, such component(s) may not be removable from their originally installed locations and thus not accompany the bath seat to a different use location. These bath seat designs, when installed without the extra component(s), are very similar in performance to older designed bath seats that were associated with over 100 tip-over incidents, many of which resulted in the death of the infant. Requiring any attachment component(s) to be permanently attached to the bath seat before consumers buy it will help ensure their use is not optional and will help prevent other tip-over fatalities.

X1.4 Section 4—

This section reflects similar wording previously approved in the safety standards for other juvenile products.
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X1.5 Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.5—

These sections reflect wording previously approved in the safety standards for other juvenile products.

X1.6 Section 5.4—

This section was revised to include other mechanisms on the bath seat that are not considered to be latches or locks, but are considered essential operating mechanisms which may affect the proper installation and function of the bath seat.

X1.7 Section 5.7—

These are commonly accepted requirements for all graspable components on any children’s product.

X1.8 Section 5.8—

All toys associated with a bath seat product should meet the toy safety standard.

X1.9 Section 6.1—

This requirement is based on the need to determine the ability of the bath seat to remain stable and not tip over during use, which would allow the infant to become submerged or trapped. Refer to the CPSC Federal Register final rule of June 4, 2010, for the rationale for including the 12° tilt angle requirement.

X1.9.1

This section and the corresponding referenced test method were revised in 2007 to include:
  1. A specified test platform (bath tub) that represents a “worst case scenario” for products that attach to the side of the tub. Based on incidents involving this style bath seat, it is apparent that bath seats installed on certain bath tubs are more susceptible to tip over than on others. Testing conducted on various bath tubs has determined that porcelain coated steel tubs with thinner/straight side wall ledges are the most susceptible of standard sized bath tubs.
  2. A solution that is sprayed on all contact areas between the test platform (bath tub) and the bath seat. Laboratory testing has shown that certain bath seats, when attached to bath tubs under wet conditions, are more susceptible to tip over than when attached dry. Bathing a child occurs in wet and soapy conditions, thus the rationale for including the soap solution preparation as part of the stability test.

X1.9.2

This section was revised in 2011 to reflect the requirement and rationale from the CPSC Federal Register final rule of June 4, 2010.

X1.10 Section 6.2—

This requirement is based on the need for the bath seat to prevent the infant from sliding through the front of the product. It precludes bath seats with a passive crotch restraint from also having any additional restraint system due to the potential for allowing this additional restraint to give a false sense of security to the caregiver.

X1.11 Section 6.3—

This section reflects wording previously approved in the safety standards for other juvenile products.

X1.12 Section 6.5—

To prevent submarining of a child through the openings of a bath seat and to prevent the entrapment of a child in the opening with their shoulders below the top rail of the bath seat, two probes are used to determine compliance. These probes represent the 5th percentile 6- to 8-month-old hip breadth and hip-to-shoulder dimension. The torso probe is also identical to the probe used in the current high chair Consumer Safety Specification F404, for a product which has the same minimum developmental stage occupant.

X1.13 Section 7.1—

This section reflects wording previously approved in safety standards for other juvenile products.

X1.14 Section 7.1.3—

Assumes one use per day for 24 months of product usage. Incorporates a safety factor of 2.5 into the calculation to take into consideration multiple uses per day or extended life of the product (730 days × 2.5 = 1825). Rounded off to 2000 for convenience.

X1.15 Section 7.2—

This section reflects standard testing methodology for any graspable components. The submersion for 20 min in warm water was determined to be the most representative condition for conducting this test.

X1.16 Section 7.3—

This section reflects wording previously approved in safety standards for other juvenile products.

X1.17 Section 7.4—

The initial reference for this test method was Consumer Safety Specification F977. However, a fundamental difference between the bath seat and the walker is that in the bath seat, the infant is in a sitting position without their legs being extended vertically to use for standing or pushing. Using anthropometric data for a 12 to 15 month old infant, the maximum crown to rump length is 20.4 in. (518 mm). The 95th percentile weight for this same age group is 27.8 lb (12.6 kg). Sixty percent of the weight of the infant was used for the force calculation. Fifty percent of the difference between the crown to rump length and the height of the bath seat was used as the location for this force to be applied.

X1.17.1

Refer to the CPSC Federal Register final rule of June 4, 2010, for the rationale for rearranging the protocol steps.

X1.18 Section 7.5—

This section reflects wording previously approved in safety standards for other juvenile products.

X1.19 Section 7.7—

Refer to the CPSC Federal Register final rule of June 4, 2010, for the rationale for revising the protocol for the torso probe test, as well as the dimensions of the torso probe itself.

X1.20 Section 8—

The bath seat subcommittee contracted a focus group comparison of bath seat warning labels to ascertain consumer impressions of two alternatives. The phrase, “not a safety device” made strong impressions on focus group participants, causing them to report thinking of hazards that they had not previously considered. Using the term, “babies” was supported, because this word seems to have emotional implications and therefore seems more likely to get consumers’ attention. The phrase, “adult’s reach” addresses the need to avoid reliance on children as supervisors. The last line indicates to stop using the bath seat when a baby begins pulling up. The modal age of fatality is around 7 months of age, when children are beginning to be strong enough to pull themselves partially to a standing position, but they are still very unbalanced. Consequently, the most vulnerable time period seems to 12 be when the child begins to pull to a standing position. If caregivers wait until a child is fully capable of pulling to a stand, they may use the product for too long.

X1.20.1

Refer to the CPSC Federal Register final rule of June 4, 2010, for the rationale for increasing the size of the warnings and the additional requirement regarding placement.

X1.21 Section 8.5—

Information reviewed on normal child development suggests that the age at which a child begins sitting up unassisted ranges from 5 to 9 months, with varying degrees of stability. The opinion provided by the CPSC indicates that an older child most at risk in the product when left unattended is a child able to pull itself up to a standing position, but who is still unable to stand alone. Given the intended use of the product and this at risk scenario, the developmental milestone where use should be discontinued is when a child can pull to a standing position. With the revision of 8.1 in 2007, 8.5 is revised to be consistent with the use of the identifiers, “baby” and “babies” and also to include the same verbiage indicating the approximate end point of product use.

X1.22 Section 9—

This section reflects similar wording previously approved in safety standards for other juvenile products. It has also been updated to reflect wording similar to the infant bath tub standard.

X1.23 Section 9.2.2—

96.4 % of all death, injury, and other incidents involving bath seats have occurred when reported water depths were greater than 1 or 2 in. It is generally recognized and has been continuously debated as to whether a specific maximum water level should be recommended to caregivers. Although there is a consensus that no “safe” level of water can be recommended, it is appropriate to strike a balance between the amount of water generally considered necessary to bathe a baby and the amount of water that may be inherently dangerous. This warning is intended to alert the caregiver to this important issue, but leave the decision up to them.

X1.24 Section 9.2.3—

54 % of all death, injury, and other incidents involving bath seats have occurred when one or more siblings were present in the bath with the baby. This is generally recognized as potentially being one factor in the caregiver’s decision to leave the baby (and sibling) alone for some time period. This warning is intended to alert the caregiver to this important issue, as well as to reinforce the warning to be present at all times with the baby during bathing.

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