ASTM_F_445_-_88_2009.pdf

Designation:F44588(Reapproved 2009)Standard Consumer Safety Specification forThermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems inShowering Areas1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F445;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.INTRODUCTIONThis consumer safety specification addresses certain hazards in connection with shower areas2andis directed toward thermal shock.The general requirements of this specification are intended to establish a maximum allowabledischarge temperature and provide for automatic compensation if that temperature is exceeded,orlimit temperature changes that are potentially dangerous,or both.This specification establishes the necessary requirements to ensure safety from thermal shockduring showering for both the normal user capacity and limited user capacity of some aged,infirm,or young.These requirements can be attained through the utilization of devices,series of devices,orplumbing system designs,which are available in the marketplace.Many of these devices areapplicable to both new construction and retrofit installations.Specifications for the reliability andtesting of these devices and systems are available in most cases from such organizations as theAmerican National Standards Institute or the American Society of Sanitary Engineering.1.Scope1.1 This consumer safety specification covers thermal-shock-preventing devices and systems delivering water toshowering areas.1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performancerequirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risksassociated with the hazards of thermal shock.1.3 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.2.Terminology2.1 check valvevalve designed to allow the flow of waterin one direction only.2.2 devicepiece of equipment or mechanism designed toserve a special purpose or perform a special function.2.3 mixing valvedevice for mixing cold and hot water toproduce an intermediate temperature as required,eithermanually,pressure-equalizing,or thermostatically controlled,and which is adjustable manually or by other means.2.4 safety shut-off devicemaximum temperature-limitingdevice that reduces the flow of water to a specified amount.2.5 scaldfirst-,second-,or third-degree burn injury causedby the contact of hot water on the skin.2.6 showering 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.2.7 stop-check valvevalve designed to allow the flow ofwater in one direction only and which also has the capability tocontrol the supply of water.2.8 stop valvevalve used for the control of water supply.2.9 thermal shockchange in temperature that is rapid andgreat enough to produce a potentially hazardous reaction.2.10 water outletdischarge opening through which wateris supplied to a bathing area.3.Compliance3.1 No device or system produced after the approval date ofthis consumer safety specification shall either by label or other1This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Commit-tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of SubcommitteeF15.03 on Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures.Current edition approved April 1,2009.Published May 2009.Originallyapproved in 1978.Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F445 88(2004)1.DOI:10.1520/F0445-88R09.2“A Systematic Program to Reduce the Incidence and Severity of Bathtub andShower Area Injuries,”Abt Associates,Inc.,June 4,1975.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 means indicate compliance with this specification unless itconforms to all requirements contained herein.4.Materials4.1 The materials used in the thermal-shock-preventingdevices or systems shall conform to the following:4.1.1 All parts,external or internal,shall be capable ofresisting deterioration in the environment to which they areexposed to the degree that the intended performance of thedevice or system will not be adversely affected.4.1.2 Any materials in contact with the water flowingthrough the device or system that can in any way contaminatethe water so that it is injurious to humans are unacceptable.5.General Requirements5.1 The thermal-shock-preventing devices or systems shallmeet the following minimum requirements:5.1.1 The maximum allowable temperature at the wateroutlet to the fixture shall be 120F(49C)for maximum safety.5.1.2 The temperature of the water discharging from thewater outlet of the devices or systems shall automatically becon