ASTM F2654-16(2020)

Standard Specification for Airsoft Gun Warnings

ABSTRACT
This specification covers low energy air guns (LEAG), commonly referred to as airsoft guns, air soft guns, or soft air guns, or any combination thereof, which propel a low energy air gun projectile. Non-powder guns, paintball markers, toy products, non-recreational guns such as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or military agencies are not covered by this specification. The appropriate warnings and instructions that are to be provided for literature, labels, packages, and procedures for safe use of low energy air guns are addressed in this specification. Literature shall be provided with each low energy air gun and shall include, as applicable, the prescribed instructions and cautionary statements. Packaging shall be labeled in a prominent and conspicuous manner as prescribed. Safety disclaimers shall not be used which dilute or negate the effectiveness of the warnings provided for in these instructions, labeling, and marking requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers airsoft guns, air soft guns, or soft air guns, or any combination thereof, which propel a low energy air gun projectile, as defined in 3.1.2 and meeting the requirements in Specification F2748. These devices are also known as low energy air guns (LEAG).  
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the following categories of gun products: Products covered by Specifications F589 (non-powder guns), F2272 (paintball markers), F2573 (toy products), and F2574 (non-recreational guns such as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or military agencies).  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 95.060 - Weapons
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.27 - Airsoft

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F2654 − 16 (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Airsoft Gun Warnings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2654; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope F2574 Specification for Low Velocity Projectile Marker
F2679 Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft
1.1 This specification covers airsoft guns, air soft guns, or
Guns
soft air guns, or any combination thereof, which propel a low
F2748 Specification for Airsoft Guns
energy air gun projectile, as defined in 3.1.2 and meeting the
requirements in Specification F2748. These devices are also
3. Terminology
known as low energy air guns (LEAG).
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the fol-
3.1.1 airsoft gun, n—commonly referred to as airsoft gun,
lowing categories of gun products: Products covered by
air soft gun, or soft air gun, or any combination thereof, or a
Specifications F589 (non-powder guns), F2272 (paintball
low energy air gun (LEAG), refers to a device specifically
markers), F2573 (toy products), and F2574 (non-recreational
designed to expel a projectile as described in Specification
guns such as those used by law enforcement, scientific, or
F2679, by the release of energy by compressed air, compressed
military agencies).
gas, mechanical springs, battery, or a combination thereof.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.2 airsoft gun projectile, n—is spherical, 6 mm (.24 cal)
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
in diameter, non-metallic and non-liquid filled projectile to be
only.
used in an airsoft gun meeting the requirements in Specifica-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the tion F2679.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 This specification addresses the appropriate warnings
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and instructions that are to be provided for literature, labels,
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
packages, and procedures for safe use of airsoft guns.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Conformance
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 Airsoft guns shall not, either by label or other means,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
indicate conformance with this specification unless they con-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
form with the applicable requirements contained herein.
2. Referenced Documents
6. General Requirements
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1 Literature—Literature shall be provided with each air-
F589 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Guns
soft gun and shall include, as applicable, the instructions and
F2272 Specification for Paintball Markers
cautionary statements specified in Section 7.
F2573 Specification for Low Velocity Resilient Material
6.2 Packaging—Packaging shall be labeled in a prominent
Projectile
and conspicuous manner in accordance with the provisions of
Section 7.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
7. Instructions, Labeling, and Marking
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.27 on Airsoft.
7.1 General—Packaging and literature for airsoft guns with
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
energy under two joule shall contain a cautionary statement as
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F2654 – 16. DOI:
prescribed in this specification.
10.1520/F2654-16R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
7.2 Safety disclaimers shall not be used which dilute or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
negate the effectiveness of the warnings provided for in these
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. instructions, labeling, and marking requirements.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2654 − 16 (2020)
7.3 Packaging: applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and
administrative policies related to airsoft equipment or use of
7.3.1 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two
joule shall contain a cautionary statement. The statement shall said equipment.
be placed prominently on the package and set distinctively
7.3.3.11 Information shall be provided which identifies the
apart from other wording or designs.
type of propellant or energy source intended for use in the
7.3.2 Prominence of the statement shall be achieved by
airsoft gun.
placement within the borders of a rectangle and by use of a
7.3.4 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two
suitable contrasting background. The statement may be in a
joule shall show conspicuously the name and address of the
combination of upper and lower case letters of a size not less
manufacturer, the distributor, or the dealer.
than 8-point type. The letters in the signal word shall be least
7.3.5 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two
50 % larger than the letters in the other words in the cautionary
joule shall be clearly marked with the following: a description
statement. The signal word shall be in upper case letters and
of the type of airsoft gun enclosed in the package, the model
preceded by a safety alert symbol. It is composed of an
number of the airsoft gun, and the caliber of the airsoft gun.
equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark. The base
7.3.6 Packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two
of the safety alert symbol shall be on the same horizontal line
joule must include a statement of maximum velocity, deter-
as the base of the letters of the signal word. The height of the
mined using a .12 or .20 gram, or both, projectile.
safety alert symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word
7.3.7 If an airsoft gun with energy under two joule is
height. The signal word shall be in black letters on an orange
customarily sold without the packaging that would normally
background. The solid triangle of the safety alert symbol shall
contain the information required in 7.3.1 – 7.3.6, the informa-
be black and the exclamation point shall be orange. The
tion required in these sections shall be placed on the airsoft gun
cautionary statement shall have either black lettering on a
itself, either on a label or hangtag that meets the same
white background or white lettering on a black background.
requirements for content, prominence, and visibility at the time
When special circumstances limit the use of the warning to two
of sale.
colors, the colors assigned to the signal word background may
also be used for the cautionary statement letters, provided that 7.3.8 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy over two
they contrast with the background color of the product. When joule shall contain a cautionary statement. The statement shall
special circumstances preclude the use of safety colors on base be placed prominently on the package and set distinctively
materials such as wood, cardboard, metal, plastic, and so forth, apart from other wording or designs.
the marking used should (when feasible) contrast with the
7.3.9 Prominence of the statement shall be achieved by
background color of the base material.
placement within the borders of a rectangle and by use of a
7.3.3 The cautionary statement on packaging of all airsoft
suitable contrasting background. The statement may be in a
guns with energy under two joule shall convey the following
combination of upper and lower case letters of a size not less
information at a minimum:
than 8-point type. The letters in the signal word shall be least
7.3.3.1 A signal word “WARNING.”
50 % larger than the letters in the other words in the cautionary
7.3.3.2 A warning that this is not a toy.
statement. The signal word shall be in upper case letters and
preceded by a safety alert symbol. It is composed of an
7.3.3.3 A warning that misuse may cause serious injury,
especially to the eye. equilateral triangle surrounding an exclamation mark. The base
of the safety alert symbol shall be on the same horizontal line
7.3.3.4 A warning that eye protection designed for airsoft
as the base of the letters of the signal word. The height of the
guns must be worn by the user and any person within range.
safety alert symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word
7.3.3.5 Instructions to read operation manual before using.
height. The signal word shall be in black letters on an orange
7.3.3.6 The following cautionary statement may be used:
background. The solid triangle of the safety alert symbol shall
" WARNING—This is not a toy. Misuse may cause serious
be black and the exclamation point shall be orange. The
injury, especially to the eye. Eye protection designed for air
cautionary statement shall have either black lettering on a
soft guns must be worn by the user and any person within
white background or white lettering on a black background.
range. Read the owner’s manual before using.
When special circumstances limit the use of the warning to two
7.3.3.7 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under
colors, the colors assigned to the signal word background may
two joule shall contain a recommendation that a person be at
also be used for the cautionary statement letters, provided that
least 18 years of age to purchase.
they contrast with the background color of the product. When
7.3.3.8 The packaging must contain a warning that adult
special circumstances preclude the use of safety colors on base
supervision is required.
materials such as wood, cardboard, metal, plastic, and so forth,
7.3.3.9 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under
the marking used should (when feasible) contrast with the
two joule shall contain a warning not to misuse the gun and that
background colo
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2654 − 16 F2654 − 16 (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Airsoft Gun Warnings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2654; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers airsoft guns, air soft guns, or soft air guns, or any combination thereof, which propel a low energy
air gun projectile, as defined in 3.1.2 and meeting the requirements in Specification F2748. These devices are also known as low
energy air guns (LEAG).
1.2 Limitations—This specification does not cover the following categories of gun products: Products covered by Specifications
F589 (non-powder guns), F2272 (paintball markers), F2573 (toy products), and F2574 (non-recreational guns such as those used
by law enforcement, scientific, or military agencies).
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F589 Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Powder Guns
F2272 Specification for Paintball Markers
F2573 Specification for Low Velocity Resilient Material Projectile
F2574 Specification for Low Velocity Projectile Marker
F2679 Specification for 6 mm Projectiles Used with Airsoft Guns
F2748 Specification for Airsoft Guns
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 airsoft gun, n—commonly referred to as airsoft gun, air soft gun, or soft air gun, or any combination thereof, or a low
energy air gun (LEAG), refers to a device specifically designed to expel a projectile as described in Specification F2679, by the
release of energy by compressed air, compressed gas, mechanical springs, battery, or a combination thereof.
3.1.2 airsoft gun projectile, n—is spherical, 6 mm (.24 cal) in diameter, non-metallic and non-liquid filled projectile to be used
in an airsoft gun meeting the requirements in Specification F2679.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This specification addresses the appropriate warnings and instructions that are to be provided for literature, labels, packages,
and procedures for safe use of airsoft guns.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.27 on Airsoft.
Current edition approved June 1, 2016April 1, 2020. Published June 2016April 2020. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 20152016 as
F2654 – 15.F2654 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/F2654-16.10.1520/F2654-16R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2654 − 16 (2020)
5. Conformance
5.1 Airsoft guns shall not, either by label or other means, indicate conformance with this specification unless they conform with
the applicable requirements contained herein.
6. General Requirements
6.1 Literature—Literature shall be provided with each airsoft gun and shall include, as applicable, the instructions and
cautionary statements specified in Section 7.
6.2 Packaging—Packaging shall be labeled in a prominent and conspicuous manner in accordance with the provisions of
Section 7.
7. Instructions, Labeling, and Marking
7.1 General—Packaging and literature for airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall contain a cautionary statement as
prescribed in this specification.
7.2 Safety disclaimers shall not be used which dilute or negate the effectiveness of the warnings provided for in these
instructions, labeling, and marking requirements.
7.3 Packaging:
7.3.1 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall contain a cautionary statement. The statement shall be
placed prominently on the package and set distinctively apart from other wording or designs.
7.3.2 Prominence of the statement shall be achieved by placement within the borders of a rectangle and by use of a suitable
contrasting background. The statement may be in a combination of upper and lower case letters of a size not less than 8-point type.
The letters in the signal word shall be least 50 % larger than the letters in the other words in the cautionary statement. The signal
word shall be in upper case letters and preceded by a safety alert symbol. It is composed of an equilateral triangle surrounding an
exclamation mark. The base of the safety alert symbol shall be on the same horizontal line as the base of the letters of the signal
word. The height of the safety alert symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word height. The signal word shall be in black letters
on an orange background. The solid triangle of the safety alert symbol shall be black and the exclamation point shall be orange.
The cautionary statement shall have either black lettering on a white background or white lettering on a black background. When
special circumstances limit the use of the warning to two colors, the colors assigned to the signal word background may also be
used for the cautionary statement letters, provided that they contrast with the background color of the product. When special
circumstances preclude the use of safety colors on base materials such as wood, cardboard, metal, plastic, and so forth, the marking
used should (when feasible) contrast with the background color of the base material.
7.3.3 The cautionary statement on packaging of all airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall convey the following
information at a minimum:
7.3.3.1 A signal word “WARNING.”
7.3.3.2 A warning that this is not a toy.
7.3.3.3 A warning that misuse may cause serious injury, especially to the eye.
7.3.3.4 A warning that eye protection designed for airsoft guns must be worn by the user and any person within range.
7.3.3.5 Instructions to read operation manual before using.
7.3.3.6 The following cautionary statement may be used: " WARNING—This is not a toy. Misuse may cause serious injury,
especially to the eye. Eye protection designed for air soft guns must be worn by the user and any person within range. Read the
owner’s manual before using.
7.3.3.7 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall contain a recommendation that a person be at least 18
years of age to purchase.
7.3.3.8 The packaging must contain a warning that adult supervision is required.
7.3.3.9 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall contain a warning not to misuse the gun and that
brandishing it in public or changing the coloration and markings to make it look more like a firearm may confuse people and may
be a crime.
7.3.3.10 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall contain an advisory that the end user of this product
should be aware of all requirements imposed by applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and administrative
policies related to airsoft equipment or use of said equipment.
7.3.3.11 Information shall be provided which identifies the type of propellant or energy source intended for use in the airsoft
gun.
7.3.4 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall show conspicuously the name and address of the
manufacturer, the distributor, or the dealer.
7.3.5 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two joule shall be clearly marked with the following: a description of
the type of airsoft gun enclosed in the package, the model number of the airsoft gun, and the caliber of the airsoft gun.
7.3.6 Packaging for airsoft guns with energy under two joule must include a statement of maximum velocity, determined using
a .12 or .20 gram, or both, projectile.
F2654 − 16 (2020)
7.3.7 If an airsoft gun with energy under two joule is customarily sold without the packaging that would normally contain the
information required in 7.3.1 – 7.3.6, the information required in these sections shall be placed on the airsoft gun itself, either on
a label or hangtag that meets the same requirements for content, prominence, and visibility at the time of sale.
7.3.8 The packaging for airsoft guns with energy over two joule shall contain a cautionary statement. The statement shall be
placed prominently on the package and set distinctively apart from other wording or designs.
7.3.9 Prominence of the statement shall be achieved by placement within the borders of a rectangle and by use of a suitable
contrasting background. The statement may be in a combination of upper and lower case letters of a size not less than 8-point type.
The letters in the signal word shall be least 50 % larger than the letters in the other words in the cautionary statement. The signal
word shall be in upper case letters and preceded by a safety alert symbol. It is composed of an equilateral triangle surrounding an
exclamation mark. The base of the safety alert symbol shall be on the same horizontal line as the base of the letters of the signal
word. The height of the safety alert symbol shall equal or exceed the signal word height. The signal word shall be in black letters
on an orange background. The solid triangle of the safety alert symbol shall be black and the exclamation point shall be orange.
The cautionary statement shall have either black lette
...