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industry standards
The current national industry standards for candles have been developed, balloted and published through the ASTM International standards organization. Although the ASTM candle standards are applicable to the United States, they are often referenced or drawn upon by candle organizations and regulatory authorities in other nations. NCA's role in the development of candle standards dates back to 1997. In response to increased reports of candle fires, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) asked the NCA to spearhead an ASTM subcommittee to develop consensus standards for improving candle fire safety. The result was the ASTM Subcommittee on Candle Products, which includes members of the NCA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fire officials, safety organizations and other interested parties. To date, six ASTM candle standards have been published, two of which are reference standards. Key ASTM Standards for Candles*Cautionary Labeling StandardReference #: ASTM F-2058 This standard sets forth specifications for the warning label that cautions consumers to always burn a candle within sight; to keep candles away from things that can catch fire; and to keep candles out of the reach of children. Reference title: Standard Specification for Candle Fire Safety LabelingHeat Strength of Glass Containers StandardReference #: ASTM F-2179 This standard establishes scratch test and temper specifications for the proper annealing of glass containers used for candles, as well as thermal shock differential requirements. Reference title: Standard Specification for Annealed Soda-Lime-Silicate Glass Containers that are Produced for Use as Candle Containers Fire-Safety Design StandardReference #: ASTM F-2417 This standard establishes maximum flame height, tip-over limits, secondary-ignition proscriptions, and end-of-useful life specifications. Reference title: Standard Specification for Fire Safety for Candles Candle AccessoriesReference #: ASTM F-2601 This standard sets forth specifications for the fire-safety manufacture, labeling and testing of candle accessories (e.g., candle rings, candle burners, potpourri burners). It is expected that this standard will be expanded in 2008 to include candle holders and other accessories. Reference title: Standard Specification for the Fire Safety for Candle Accessories
* The descriptions of these standards are designed solely to provide a generalized summary of their subject matter, and do not provide the actual specifications. All ASTM standards are copyrighted by ASTM International. Copies of the actual standards can be purchased and downloaded at www.astm.org. The cost is approximately $30 each. |
As part of its commitment to product quality, safety and corporate responsibility, the National Candle Association has played a leading role in the development of industry standards for candles and candle products.