ASTM International Publishes Revision of the Standard for Clothing Storage Units

Introduction

This safety specification was developed in response to data collected by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and it attempts to minimize hazards associated with clothing storage units.

For purposes of this consumer safety specification, clothing storage units are free standing units, including but not limited to chests, chests of drawers, drawer chests, armoires, chifferobes, bureaus, door chests and dressers, 27 inches (686 mm) and above in height.

The updated scope now includes clothing storage units 27 inches
and above in height. The updated warning label now includes
a “hazard symbol” pictorial of a TV outlined in a slashed circle.

The scope also clarifies that this safety specification does not cover occasional/accent furniture not intended for bedroom use, laundry storage/sorting units and nightstands, nor does it cover “Clothing Storage Chests” as defined in Consumer Safety Specification F2598.

The standard now defines a nightstand as a small furniture item for use beside a bed, intended to hold or store items including but not limited to a lamp, alarm clock, a book, magazines, or reading glasses.

The standard also reformatted the warning label format and content with a new section.

The furniture industry has requested the US Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) recognize the longstanding agreement for a 180-day compliance date grace period after the date of publication of ASTM F2057-19. This would provide the furniture manufacturers the minimal amount of time necessary to fully implement the changes that are contained in ASTM F2057-19, including the expansion of the scope to cover units between 27 inches and 30 inches tall. The CPSC has not yet offered a comment on this request.

Additional Information:

Click to purchase a copy of the ASTM F2057-19.