ASTM International Publishes Revised Safety Specification for Bean Bag Chairs and Bean Bag Covers

In October 2019, ASTM International announced the publication of a revised safety specification for Bean Bag Chairs and Bean Bag Covers (ASTM F1912-19). The revised standard now includes requirements for labeling and testing of bean bag chair covers sold separately. 

Introduction

This safety specification was developed and approved in 1998 in response to data collected by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and it attempts to minimize hazards associated with the use of bean bag chairs. Since its inception, the F1912 underwent two re-approvals with no changes and one revision with minor editorial changes. The ASTM F1912-19 revision includes a change to require that the safety labeling be present on all bean bag covers sold separately to assure that safety labeling be visible on the bean bag chair at all times during use of the chair.  

For purposes of this consumer safety specification, a bean bag chair is defined as an article of furniture composed of a fabric, vinyl, leather, or other cover, no internal support mechanism, and a filling of polymeric or natural material beads. A bean bag cover is defined as a bag or cover capable of being filled with polymeric or natural material beads, or a liner that contains polymeric or natural material beads.

The safety specification for Bean Bag Chairs and Bean Bag Covers sets forth the following requirements:

Performance Requirements

• Bean bag chairs and bean bag covers shall be supplied with appropriate safety labeling
• A durability test shall not result in exposure to the inner filler beads or to the inner liner
• Mechanical requirements for zippers for the bean bag chairs and the bean bag covers

Marking and Labeling Requirements

All bean bag chairs and bean bag covers must carry appropriate safety labeling. Labeling is based on whether the chair/cover is (1) with zippers but not intended to be refilled or (2) with zippers and intended to be refilled. 

Additional Information:
Click to purchase a copy of the ASTM F1912-19. 

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If you have any questions about these proposed revisions, please contact your customer service representative or email: cps.info@bureauveritas.com