The following new requirements and revisions to ASTM F963, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety are expected to be published on or about April 15, 2007.

 

 NEW: Hazardous Magnets: A new requirement has been added to address hazardous magnets for toys intended for children 3 to 8 years of age. Toys containing loose, as-received hazardous magnets or as-received hazardous magnetic components that have a flux index of 50 or greater and a specific shape and size shall carry safety labeling on their packaging and instructions. The labeling shall consist of the signal word “WARNING” and contain, at a minimum, the following text or equivalent text that clearly conveys the same warning:

WARNING: This product contains (a) small magnet(s). Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnet(s) are swallowed or inhaled.

However, if a toy liberates a hazardous magnet or hazardous magnetic component during the specified use and abuse testing, the toy does not comply with ASTM F963.This is in place to address the unexpected release of hazardous magnets. Additionally, a new test method has been added that details how to determine the magnetic flux index of magnetic toys for applicability to this section using a flux density measurement.

 NEW: Yo-Yo Elastic Tether Toys: A new requirement has been added that addresses potential strangulation hazards for toys that can stretch to greater than 20 inches (50 cm) when measured while rotating at 80 rpm. This new requirement defines and establishes the performance requirements and test method for yo-yo elastic tether toys with an end mass greater than 0.04 pounds (0.02 kg).  Paddleballs are excluded.

 NEW: Wheeled Ride-On Toys:  A new requirement has been added for ride-on toys incorporating wheels and intended for movement along the ground to be tested in accordance with the dynamic strength test for wheeled ride-on toys. As the test method has already been part of ASTM F963, since the 2003 revision, this new requirement ties the specific requirement for wheeled ride-on toys to the test method.

 Acoustics: Additional requirements have been added to more closely harmonize with the approach being taken in EN 71-1 and the proposed changes to ISO 8124-1. 

 Cords, Elastics and Straps: Expands the scope of the existing requirement to include straps. A new test method was added to help clarify the evaluation of elastic loops using the head probe with the introduction of a new hook test fixture. A new test method was added for testing large loops bigger than the base of the head probe that utilize a breakaway feature.

 Flammability: An additional figure will be added to the appendix section A4 of the standard that will illustrate how to measure the burn distance of the sample.

 Hemispheric-Shaped Objects:  An additional clarification was provided that indicates the opening measurements of applicable toys having a nearly round, oval, or elliptical opening are based on the inner dimensions. A new performance requirement was added allowing for a single opening with a minor dimension of 0.77 inch (17mm) provided the edge of the opening is at least 0.5 inch (13mm) from the rim.

 Packaging Film:  An additional requirement was added that allows for thin plastic sheeting to be perforated with defined holes.  This additional requirement is now harmonized with the safety requirements of EN 71-1 and ISO 8124-1.

For More Information: Please contact Dave Dick, Sr. Product Engineer, (800) 277-3300, ext.3501, (716) 505-3501 or via email dave.dick@us.bureauveritas.com.

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