Fewer Shattered Tabletops Could Equal Fewer Injuries

Fewer injuries and fatalities caused by shattered glass tabletops and other glass furniture could soon be a possibility as ASTM International is one step closer to completing its new Specification for Consumer Safety for Glass Furniture. Subcommittee F15.42 on Furniture Safety, which reports to Committee F15 on Consumer Products, is leading these efforts.

Len Morrissey, with ASTM International told USGNN.com™ there were previously a number of comments and negatives from a

“I anticipate within a month—possibly sooner—we’ll look at those [returned ballots] to determine our next steps,” says Morrissey.

As for the comments and negatives that have been addressed, Morrissey says a number related to the type of glass (such as tempered). In addition, he says there has also been discussion over the types of products to be covered, such as tabletops, coffee tables or other horizontal surfaces.

“There’s been a lot of discussion to make sure that the guidance [we’re giving] is accurate,” says Morrissey.

According to ASTM International’s website, the draft’s scope currently reads that “the consumer safety specification covers performance requirements and test methods to ensure the relative safety of glass used in furniture as a primary or secondary surface on tables, including coffee tables and end tables.” The draft scope also notes “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. This consumer safety specification addresses injury and fatality incidents involving breakage of glass in furniture. This consumer safety specification attempts to minimize the above-listed hazards. This consumer safety specification is written with regard to the current technology of glass in furniture. It is intended that this specification will be updated whenever substantive information becomes available that necessitates additional requirements or justifies the revision of existing requirements.”

ASTM International’s

Safety issues relating to glass tabletops are often in the news and, as a result, is a subject USGNN.com has been following closely. Click the links below to read more of our coverage on this subject.