ASTM_D_3473_-_88_1995.pdf

Designation:D 3473 88(Reapproved 1995)Standard Test Methods forLifting Force Required to Remove Certain Child-ResistantSnap Caps1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3473;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of the forcenecessary to open child-resistant snap-engagement packages ofthe type that require alignment of two points,followed byupward pressure on a designated location on the closure.1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 lifting forcethe measurement of force applied to thelifting tab of a snap-engagement cap,which has been rotated tothe opening position,so the locking tab can pass through thegap in the locking ring of the bottle neck finish.3.Summary of Test Methods3.1 The test package is held securely on the stage of aforce-measuring instrument,and an upward force is applied ata predetermined rate to the proper closure location by means ofa lifting foot.Either of two test methods can be used:3.1.1 Test Method A,in which the package is held with itsvertical axis perpendicular to the tester stage,or,3.1.2 Test Method B,in which the package is held with itsvertical axis canted to a specific angle.4.Significance and Use4.1 These test methods may be used in establishing andconfirming quality control standards.4.2 The test methods may be used to establish performancestandards.5.Apparatus5.1 Testing Machine,2consisting of a force gage with asuitable lifting foot,and a supporting stand with provision foreither manual or motorized operation.To ensure maximumaccuracy,a calibrated gage with the most appropriate rangeavailable should be used.NOTE1The upward vertical force to remove certain Type II ALug-Style Child-Resistant closures may be measured with this test methodusing a modified lifting foot.5.2 The lifting foot transmits the force to the proper closurelocation.A design found satisfactory for many applications isshown in Figs.1 and 2.In some cases,a special foot might berequired.6.Sampling6.1 The number of samples will depend on the desiredpurpose for which the test is being conducted.However,for agiven set of samples,sufficient measurements should be takenin accordance with established statistical sampling proceduresin order to obtain consistent results.6.2 Performance should normally be based on a test of notless than ten representative specimens of a given type selectedat random.7.Calibration7.1 Check the calibration of the force gage by using certifieddead weights that will include the full scale range of the gage.8.Conditioning8.1 Force values may be influenced by:8.1.1 Precise method of closure application,including am-bient conditions and nature of contents,8.1.2 Length of time the closure has been in place,8.1.3 Temperature and humidity conditions during any stor-age period,and8.1.4 Temperature and humidity at time of test.8.2 The preceding variables should be controlled to a degreeconsistent with the objectives of the test(such as,research,quality assurance,and production monitoring)so that the datawill be valid for lot-to-lot comparison.8.3 Immediately prior to testing,the packages should beintact(with closures in place),and conditioned at 23 6 2C1These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-10 onPackaging and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.31 on ChildResistant Packaging.Current edition approved Dec.30,1988.Published February 1989.Originallypublished as D 3473 76.Last previous edition D 3473 81.2Chatillon Universal Test Stands LTC and LTCM,with series DPP force gagesof appropriate range,and standard pressor feet,available from John Chatillon andSons,Kew Gardens,NY 11415,have been found satisfactory for this method.Similar equipment(Series CTM Universal Testing Machines,and Series L forcegages)is also available from Hunter Spring,a Division ofAmetek,Inc.,Hatfield,PA19440.1AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS100 Barr Harbor Dr.,West Conshohocken,PA 19428Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards.Copyright ASTMNOTICE:Thisstandardhaseitherbeensupersededandreplacedbyanewversionordiscontinued.ContactASTMInternational(www.astm.org)forthelatestinformation.and 50 6 5%relative humidity for not less than 24 h,unlessotherwise agreed upon.8.4 The atmosphere conditions in Table 1 may be used whenspecial conditioning is appropriate.Other atmosphere condi-tions may also be used as appropriate.9.Procedure9.1 Zero the gage,then set i