ASTM F963-11

1.1 This specification relates to possible hazards that may not be recognized readily by the public and that may be encountered in the normal use for which a toy is intended or after reasonably foreseeable abuse. It does not purport to cover every conceivable hazard of a particular toy. This specification does not cover product performance or quality, except as related to safety. Except for the labeling requirements pointing out the functional hazards and age range for which the toy is intended, this specification has no requirements for those aspects of a toy that present an inherent and recognized hazard as part of the function of the toy. Such an example is a sharp point necessary for the function of a needle. The needle is an inherent hazard that is well understood by the purchaser of a toy sewing kit, and this hazard is communicated to the user as part of the normal educational process.

1.2 On the other hand, while a riding toy has inherent hazards associated with its use (for example, falling off onto the sidewalk), the possible hazards associated with its construction (sharp edges, exposed mechanisms, etc.) will be minimized by the application of this specification.

1.3 This specification covers requirements and contains test methods for toys intended for use by children under 14 years of age. Different age limits for various requirements will be found in this specification. These limits reflect the nature of the hazards and expected mental or physical ability, or both, of a child to cope with the hazards.

1.4 Articles not covered by this specification are as follows:

Bicycles

Tricycles

Non-Powered Scooters

(see Consumer Safety Specification F2264)

Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes

(see Consumer Safety Specification F2641)

Sling shots and sharp-pointed darts

Playground equipment

Non-powder guns

Kites

Hobby and craft items in which the finished item is notprimarily of play value

Model kits in which the finished item is not primarily ofplay value

Crayons, paints, chalks, and other similar art materials inwhich the material itself or the finished item is notprimarily of play value, except that all art materials,whether or not a component of a toy, must comply withLHAMA, in accordance with 4.29.1-4.29.3.

Toy Chests

Sporting goods, camping goods, athletic equipment,

musical instruments, juvenile products, and furniture;

however, toys that are their counterparts are covered.(It is recognized that there is often a fine line between,for example, a musical instrument or a sporting itemand its toy counterpart. The intention of the produceror distributor, as well as normal use and reasonablyforeseeable abuse, determines whether the item is atoy counterpart.)Powered models of aircraft, rockets, boats, and landvehicles; however, toys that are their counterparts arecovered.

Constant air inflatables

1.5 General guidelines for age labeling toys and toy packaging are contained in Annex A1.

1.6 Information regarding packaging and shipping is contained in Annex A2.

1.7 This consumer safety specification includes the following sections:

Scope- 1

Referenced Documents- 2

Terminology- 3

Safety Requirements- 4

Material Quality- 4.1

Flammability- 4.2

Toxicology- 4.3

Electrical/Thermal Energy- 4.4

Sound Producing Toys- 4.5

Small Objects- 4.6

Accessible Edges- 4.7

Projections- 4.8

Accessible Points- 4.9

Wires or Rods- 4.10

Nails and Fasteners- 4.11

Plastic Film- 4.12

Folding Mechanisms and Hinges- 4.13

Cords and Elastics in Toys- 4.14

Stability and Over-Load Requirements- 4.15

Confined Spaces- 4.16

Wheels, Tires, and Axles- 4.17

Holes, Clearance, and Accessibility of Mechanisms- 4.18

Simulated Protective Devices- 4.19

Pacifiers- 4.20

Projectile Toys- 4.21

Teethers and Teething Toys- 4.22

Rattles- 4.23

Squeeze Toys- 4.24

Battery-Operated Toys- 4.25

Toys Intended to be Attached to a Crib or Playpen- 4.26

Stuffed and Beanbag-Type Toys- 4.27

Stroller and Carriage Toys- 4.28

Art Materials- 4.29

Toy Gun Marking- 4.30

Balloons- 4.31

Certain Toys with Nearly Spherical Ends- 4.32

Marbles- 4.33

Balls- 4.34

Pompoms- 4.35

Hemispheric-Shaped Objects- 4.36

Yo Yo Elastic Tether Toys- 4.37

Magnets- 4.38

Jaw Entrapment in Handles and Steering Wheels- 4.39

Safety Labeling Requirements- 5

Instructional Literature- 6

Producer's Markings- 7

Test Methods- 8

General- 8.1

Testing for Hazardous Substance Content- 8.2

Test Methods for Determination of Heavy ElementContent in Toys, Toy Components and Materials- 8.3

Tests for Cleanliness and Preservative Effectiveness- 8.4

Normal Use Testing- 8.5

Abuse Testing- 8.6

Impact Tests- 8.7

Torque Tests for Removal of Components- 8.8

Tension Test for Removal of Components- 8.9

Compression Test- 8.10

Tests for Tire Removal and Snap-in Wheel and Axle Assembly Removal- 8.11

Flexure Test- 8.12

Test for Mouth-Actuated Toys- 8.13

Projectiles- 8.14

Test for Stability of Ride-On Toys- 8.15

Stalled Motor Test for Battery-Operated Toys- 8.17

Tests for Battery-Powered Ride-On Toys- 8.18

Tests for Toys which Produce Noise- 8.19

Dynamic Strength Test for Wheeled Ride-On Toys- 8.20

Packaging Film Thickness- 8.21

Test for Loops and Cords- 8.22

Yo Yo Elastic Tether Toy Test Methods- 8.23

Magnet Test Methods- 8.24

Test Methods for Locking Mechanisms or Other Means- 8.25

Identification- 9

Age Grading Guidelines- Annex A1

Packaging and Shipping- Annex A2

Design Guidelines for Toys Attached to Cribs or Playpens- Annex A3

Design Guidelines for Bath Toy Projections- Annex A4

Flammability Testing Procedure for Solids and Soft Toys- Annex A5

Flammability Testing Procedure for Fabrics- Annex A6

Compositing Procedure for Total Heavy Metal Analysis- Annex A7

Rationale for 2007 Revisions- Annex A8

Rationale for 2008 Revisions- Annex A9

Rationale for 2011 Revisions- Annex A10

1.8 The values stated first are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.9 The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 8, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Product Details

Published:

12/01/2011

Number of Pages:

68

File Size:

1 file , 1.2 MB

Redline File Size:

2 files , 2.5 MB