ASTM_F_446_-_85_2009.pdf

Designation:F44685(Reapproved 2009)Standard Consumer Safety Specification forGrab Bars and Accessories Installed in the Bathing Area1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F446;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of originaladoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscriptepsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S.Department of Defense.INTRODUCTIONThis consumer safety specification addresses certain bathing area accidents that were identified bythe U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC),specifically those which might have beenprevented by the presence of adequate grab bars.This specification also addresses the safeperformance required of accessory items installed in the bathing area.Available data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System(NEISS)were studied byAbt Associates,Inc.,with assistance from Researchitects Inc.,and reported to the CPSC.Thisinformation was made available to ASTM Task Group F15.03.It was reviewed along with otherinformation appropriate to the subject and became the basis for developing this specification.The information reviewed indicated that slips and falls frequently occur while entering or leavingthe tub,while changing between a sitting or standing position,or while moving around in the bathingarea.This specification establishes parameters as to strength,location,and general requirements ofgrab bars and accessories to assist movement and reduce hazards in the bathing area.1.Scope1.1 This consumer safety specification covers performancerequirements,test methods,and levels of performance toensure satisfactory functioning of the grab bars and accessoryitems(not including plumbing controls)during reasonable useto assist a person entering,leaving,or moving within thebathing area.1.2 This consumer safety specification is intended to reducethe number of accidents by specifying requirements for grabbars and accessories designed to decrease the probability ofslips and falls.1.3 This consumer safety specification does not address thespecific need of gang showers,island tubs,peninsula tubs,sunken tubs,or tubs 6 ft(1.8 m)or longer.1.4This consumer safety specification exempts showerstalls with both interior dimensions of 34 in.(864 mm)or less.1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.6 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to thetest method portion,Section 7,of this specification.Thisstandard does not purport to address all of the safety problems,if any,associated with its use.It is the responsibility of the userof this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthpractices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-tions prior to use.2.Definitions2.1 back wallwall opposite the exit-entry side of a tub orshower(see Figs.1-4).2.2 bathing areabathing space that consists of a tub,tub-shower,or shower stall bounded by four walls,real orimaginary,extending vertically to the ceiling from the outsideedge of the tub or stall(see Figs.1-4).2.3 bathing area accessoriestowel bars,towel rings,soapholders,towel utility shelves,and other similar devices that areintended to be permanently affixed to surfaces and used in thebathing area.2.4 critical support areathat portion of the back,service,or nonservice wall in which support would most likely bebeneficial in four different bathing areas(see Figs.1-4 forspecific requirements in this area).2.5 grab-barbar or similar device made for the purpose ofassisting a person in movement within the bathing area and forassistance in entering or exiting the bathing area.Sometimesreferred to in the industry as hand holds.1This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 onConsumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.03 onSafety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures.Current edition approved Aug.1,2009.Published September 2009.Originallyapproved in 1978.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F446 85(2004)1.DOI:10.1520/F0446-85R09.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 2.6 nonservice wallany wall excluding the back wallwithin the bathing area that does not contain plumbing service.2.7 plumbing controlsvalves,spouts,and shower head orfittings,or both,that allow the user to control the water flowand temperature.2.8 potential hazard areaany surface within the bathingarea,including bathtub or shower receptor from tub or showerfloor up to 66 in.(1.7 m),which could be contacted by the bodyin a slip or fall situation.2.9 recessed tubbathtub enclosed by and attached to twoor three walls without shower facilities.2.10 se