CPSC Issues Lab Test Manual for Toys, Rattles, Pacifiers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted a new laboratory test manual that serves as a reference guide for CPSC staff who test children’s toys, rattles, and pacifiers for compliance with 16 CFR Parts 1501, 1510, and 1511.
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(This test manual has been developed to provide guidance to CPSC staff and is not intended to supersede or limit CPSC regulations. Should there be a discrepancy between the requirements in a regulation and the test methods outlined in the manual, the regulation would supersede. The manual notes that additional requirements for toys are contained in the ASTM F963 toy standard.)
Details Procedures for Uniform Method of Testing, Proper Sequencing
According to the manual, specific details regarding test procedures for some products are not contained in every regulation. Therefore, to provide a uniform method of testing and reporting within CPSC, this manual was developed to describe the tests to be conducted and to outline the proper sequence of product testing. Additional guidelines have been incorporated into this document where clarification was determined to be necessary.
Covers Toys, Rattles and Pacifiers and Their Components
The manual has brief summarizes of the applicable regulations and discusses performance requirements, general equipment lists, sampling, safety, test guidelines, materials, testing procedures, and test report and certification. It also has specific sections on the following products and components:
- rattles
- pacifiers
- battery-operated toys
- battery-powered toys
- sound-producing toys
- mouth-actuated toys
- projections
- wood
- wires and rods
- nails and fasteners
- packaging film
- folding mechanisms and hinges (except for toy chests)
- cords, straps, and elastics
- stability and over-load requirements
- confined spaces
- wheels, tires, and axles
- holes, clearance, and accessibility of mechanisms
- simulated protective devices (such as helmets, hats, and goggles)
- projectile toys
- teethers, teething toys, and squeeze toys
- toys intended to be attached to a crib or playpen
- toy chests
- toy gun marking
- toys with spherical ends
- small balls
- pompoms
- hemispheric shaped objects
- yo-yo balls
- magnets
- paint and similar surface-coating materials
- jaw entrapment in handles and steering wheels