CPSC Sets New Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is setting new mandatory standards for infant bath tubs, it said (here). In a change from the underlying proposal (see 1508140012), CPSC's final rule adopts the latest version of the current industry voluntary standard, ASTM F2670-17, without modification. The updated industry standard addresses all of the modifications CPSC included in its proposed rule, the agency said. The new mandatory standard takes effect Oct. 2, 2017.

The final rule adopts the voluntary standard’s definition of an infant bath tub as a “tub, enclosure, or other similar product intended to hold water and be placed into an adult bath tub, sink, or on top of other surfaces to provide support or containment, or both, for an infant in a reclining, sitting, or standing position during bathing by a caregiver.” Falling within this definition are products of various designs, including “bucket style” tubs that support a child sitting upright, tubs with an inclined seat for infants too young to sit unsupported, inflatable tubs, folding tubs, and tubs with spa features, such as handheld shower attachments and even whirlpool settings, the CPSC said. Infant bath tubs may have “a permanent or removable passive crotch restraint as part of their design,” but no additional restraint systems requiring action by the caregiver to secure or release. Excluded from the definition’s scope are “products commonly known as bath slings, typically made of fabric or mesh.”

(Federal Register 03/30/17)