New ASTM Standard Issued on Fire Safety for
Candle Accessories
August 2007 (07B-142)
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Summary:
ASTM F2601-07 is a new standard that addresses the fire safety hazards associated with candle rings, candle burners, and potpourri burners.
It provides:
 Burn rates for candles rings, both for individual components and the
entire article.
Performance characteristics of candle burners, including the stability
of candle holders and lanterns.
The standard provides the first official guidelines and methods relating to candle accessories for industry to follow. |
Behind the Standard:
Increased Fire Incidents Related to Candle Accessories
Although residential fires have been on the decline in recent years, residential fires involving candles or candle accessories have been increasing. The increase in fire incidents resulting from candle related products mirrors the increased use of candle accessory products. These increases were the driving force behind the ASTM Task Group’s decision to develop specialized standards for candle accessories. Candle rings, candle burners and potpourri burners are the first items within the category of candle accessories for which standards have been created. Standards for candle holders will be developed next.
New Standard Offers Industry Better Methods to Manage and Minimize Risk
Prior to the publication of this standard, manufacturers and retailers had no official methods to manage the safety hazards and risks associated with candle rings, candle burners, and potpourri burners. In the absence of flammability requirements for candle rings, many manufacturers and retailers tested their candle rings to 16 CFR 1500.44, Method for determining extremely flammable and flammable solids.
The new ASTM standard provides customized flammability standards for candle rings. These standards are significantly more stringent than those found in 16 CFR 1500.44, requiring a 60 second ignition time vs. a five second ignition time. The new requirements are based on numerous tests conducted by the Task Force. The data recorded from these tests then became the foundation for the newly published standard.
Complying with ASTM Standards:
An Industry and Government Partnership
CPSC staff strongly encourages manufacturers to design, develop, and produce products that meet applicable voluntary safety standards to ensure safer candle and candle products. The CPSC staff encourages the testing and evaluation of products in accordance with applicable voluntary standards and encourages retailers, importers and distributors to specify conformance to the applicable standards.
CPSC staff continues to support the development of safer standards for candles and candle products through participation in ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products, and ASTM F15.45 Subcommittee on Candle Products.
For more information, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/volstd/vslinks.html.
How to Comply with ASTM F2601-07
Bureau Veritas can include the appropriate requirements for ASTM F2601-07 into your candle program, so that all your candle rings, candle burners, and potpourri burners will automatically be tested for compliance. Appropriate testing can also be requested on a per test request basis. Simply contact your program manager or Bill Hartke for details.
Bureau Veritas: An Industry Leader in Candle Testing
With experienced technical professionals in the area of candle testing and quality, we are committed to assisting industry in reducing the hazards and risks associated with candle products and accessories.
As an active member of the ASTM Subcommittee on Candle Products, Bureau Veritas participated in the development of this new standard along with candle suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors. We also will be participating in the upcoming development of standards for candle holders.
We are active members of the following groups:
National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)
National Candle Association (NCA)
ASTM Subcommittee F15.45 on Candle Products
Associacion Latino Americana De Fabricantes De Velas (ALAFAVE)
Comprehensive Candle Services Available
In addition to providing testing for this new standard, we offer comprehensive quality assurance services for candles including:
Performance
Workmanship
Candle burn testing
Compositional analysis
Candle holder testing
Label Review
Please contact us directly for details.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact your program manager or Bill Hartke, Hardlines Associate Product Test Engineer at 1-716-505-3543 or bill.hartke@us.bureauveritas.com
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Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services, Inc. (“BVCPS”) provides the information in this client bulletin as a resource of general information. It does not replace any applicable legal or regulatory requirements and is provided “as is.” BVCPS will not be liable for any indirect, special, punitive, consequential or other damages (including without limitation lost profits) of any kind in connection with this client bulletin. BVCPS DISCLAIMS ALL REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CLIENT BULLETIN.
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