SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has, in recent months, published several SafeGuardS in relation to clothing storage units (CSUs) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) response to the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act.
The STURDY Act aims to protect children from furniture tip-overs. Between January 2000 and April 2022, the CPSC was made aware of 234 fatalities from CSU tip-overs, including 199 children. Instability can be caused or affected by:
– Unstable design
– Use on a sloped or unstable surface (e.g., carpet)
– Failure to use a restraint device or defective restraint device
– Heavy objects placed onto the top of a CSU (e.g., television)
– Multiple drawers open simultaneously
Under the terms of the STURDY Act, the CPSC is required to adopt a mandatory stability standard that uses a test weight of 60 pounds and simulates real-world use. CSU must pass objective, repeatable and measurable tests that simulate real-world use, taking into account the weight of small children, impact on stability resulting from placement on carpeted surfaces, drawers with items in them, multiple open drawers, and dynamic forces.
The CPSC has now adopted ASTM F2057-23 as a mandatory requirement, replacing CPSC rule 16 CFR 1261, which was set to go into effect on May 24, 2023. It is expected that the direct final rule will come into effect on September 1, 2023.
SGS has published several SafeGuardS covering the journey towards the adoption of ASTM F2057-23 by the CPSC. These detail the criteria, definitions and requirements associated with legislation over CSU.
Stakeholders are advised to review the latest SafeGuardS 048.23 to find out more about the requirements in ASTM F2057.23 and the objectives of the STURDY Act.
SGS Furniture Services
SGS helps you deliver well-designed, functional, durable and safe products to your customers. We have the furniture industry, regulatory and technical expertise to check your products’ compliance against relevant standards and/or your own specifications. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Furniture Services:
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Federal Safety Standard for Clothing Storage Units – ASTM F2057-23 Adopted as Mandatory by CPSC SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Damien BERTHE
International Business Developer – Home Improvement & DIY
Tel: +33 (0)6 44 17 57 47
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
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