U.S. – Proposed new mandatory requirements for neck floats

Vol. 1440 | 09 Dec 2024

New Mandatory Requirements for Neck Floats

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) proposed to add mandatory requirements for neck floats under the Safety Standards Mandating ASTM F963 for Toys (16 CFR 1250).

The requirements are applicable for neck floats, and they shall reduce the risk of children drowning while using a neck float. Neck floats, which encircles the neck, are used for supporting the weight of the child by being secured around the neck.

Conditioning procedure

Neck floats shall undergo thermal conditioning in accordance with section 5.5.4.1 of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-9:2022 with modifications.

Minimum buoyancy

Neck floats must provide an upward buoyancy of at least 30% of their expected weight capacity. Additionally, neck floats made with inherently buoyant materials shall lose no more than 5% of their initial buoyancy after tests.

Restraint system requirements

All restraint systems used to secure the neck float to the body or to connect its components must include a mechanism for releasing the fastening system. This release mechanism must either be a double-action system requiring two distinct, simultaneous actions to operate, or a single-action system requiring a minimum force of 50 N to disengage.

The restraint system shall comply with section 7.5.1 of ASTM F833-21 with modifications.

Neck opening test requirement

The neck opening of the neck float shall not admit the passage of a specified head probe.

Labelling requirements

Instead of having the warning for aquatic toys in ASTM F963-23, the following warning shall be found on necks floats and the packaging:

The safety alert symbol and the signal word “WARNING” shall be at least 1/8” high. The remainder of the text shall be at least 1/16”.

The instructions must include the same warning labels with comparable formatting. They should provide detailed guidance on assembly, installation, maintenance, cleaning, and proper use. Additionally, the instructions must explain how to ensure the neck float fits securely around the child’s neck to prevent slipping through the center opening. For inflatable neck floats, the instructions should clearly outline the steps for testing the float for leaks.

 

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