ASTM F2517-22e1

Standard Specification for Determination of Child Resistance of Portable Fuel Containers for Consumer Use

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes recognized requirements for determining the child resistance of portable gasoline containers intended for use by consumers. The following tests shall be performed: senior adult test; child-resistant test (test subject/selection criteria); child-resistant tests (test failures); sequential test; and senior adult use effectiveness to conform with the specified requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes recognized requirements for determining the child resistance of portable fuel containers (PFCs) and other types of portable containers intended for use by consumers to hold, store, and transport liquid fuels such as gasoline, kerosene, and diesel.  
1.1.1 “Portable Fuel Container” is defined in Specification F852 and includes the receptacle for gasoline, kerosene, or diesel fuel as well as spouts, caps, and other closure mechanisms and components for use with or on portable gasoline, kerosene, or diesel receptacles.  
1.1.2 This specification is also applicable to spouts, caps, or other closure mechanisms sold separately for use with or on a fuel container.  
1.1.3 This specification does not cover one-time use portable emergency fuel containers conforming to Specification F2874.  
1.2 This standard addresses the effectiveness of the child resistance (CR) device only after closure cycling, but does not address closure effectiveness:  
1.2.1 When at high or low temperatures,  
1.2.2 After thermal aging of polymers,  
1.2.3 After exposure to sunlight,  
1.2.4 After exposure to intended fuels, and  
1.2.5 After physical abuses, such as drops or impacts.
Note 1: Please see Appendix X2 for additional information on these exemptions.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2022
• ICS: 23.020.99 - Other fluid storage devices
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.10 - Standards for Flammable Liquid Containers

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F2874-20 - Standard Specification for One Time Use Portable Emergency Fuel Containers (PEFC) for Use by Consumers
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM D3475-20 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D3475-18 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3475-17 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3475-16 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D3475-15 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3475-14 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2014
• Refers: ASTM D3475-13 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3475-12 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2874-12 - Standard Specification for One Time Use Portable Emergency Fuel Containers (PEFC) for Use by Consumers
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3475-11 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3475-09 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2009
• Refers: ASTM F852-08 - Standard Specification for Portable Gasoline Containers for Consumer Use (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3475-08 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3475-07 - Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2007

Overview

ASTM F2517-22e1 is the internationally recognized standard specification for assessing the child resistance of portable fuel containers (PFCs) intended for consumer use. Developed by ASTM International, this standard addresses the requirements and procedures to determine whether portable containers for gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and their closure mechanisms such as spouts and caps are child-resistant. The goal is to minimize the risk of accidental opening by children, thereby helping prevent potential poisoning, injuries, or unsafe exposure to liquid fuels in homes, garages, and during transport.

The standard specifies child-resistance effectiveness testing protocols, adult-use effectiveness, and detailed panel selection criteria for both children and adults in rigorous, controlled test environments. While ensuring containers are difficult for children to open, the standard also ensures usability for adults.

Key Topics

• Scope of Applicability:

  • Applies to all portable fuel containers and their components (spouts, caps, closure mechanisms) meant for multi-use consumer applications.
  • Includes aftermarket parts sold separately for use with compatible containers.
  • Excludes one-time use emergency fuel containers covered under ASTM F2874.

• Testing Procedures:

  • Child-Resistant Testing: Involves evaluation with a panel of children ages 42–51 months to test effectiveness over specific time intervals, both with and without demonstration.
  • Adult-Use Effectiveness: Adult panels aged 18–70 test that closures can be operated by adults under defined conditions.
  • Panel Selection and Diversity: Panels are assembled with attention to age, gender, geographic, and socioeconomic diversity, enhancing the robustness and generalizability of the results.
  • Test Methods: Includes closure cycling, environmental pre-conditioning, and realistic use scenarios.

• Limitations:

  • The specification measures child-resistance effectiveness after initial usage cycles (closure cycling), but does not require testing after exposure to temperature extremes, sunlight, fuel, aging, or physical abuse (these factors are covered in other standards such as ASTM F852).
  • Results are valid only for room temperature, preconditioned samples.

• Reporting and Recordkeeping:

  • Requires detailed reporting of test conditions, criteria, and outcomes for traceability.
  • Procedures are in place to prevent fraud and ensure data integrity.

Applications

• Product Safety Compliance:

  • Manufacturers of portable gas cans, kerosene containers, and diesel storage solutions use this specification to demonstrate compliance with regulatory and industry requirements for child-resistant packaging.
  • Helps companies market safer, standardized products for fuel storage to consumers.

• Aftermarket Parts:

  • Third-party manufacturers of spouts, caps, and other closure mechanisms leverage ASTM F2517 to validate their products' child-resistance performance for use with compatible fuel containers.

• Regulatory Adoption:

  • Recognized by safety regulators and referenced in product safety regulations worldwide for flammable liquid containers.
  • Forms the basis for recalls, certifications, and product development in alignment with consumer safety goals.

• Testing Laboratories:

  • Used by independent labs specializing in child-resistance validation, adult usability testing, and packaging safety assessments.

Related Standards

• ASTM F852 – Specification for Portable Gasoline, Kerosene, and Diesel Containers for Consumer Use
• ASTM D3475 – Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
• ASTM F2874 – Specification for One-Time Use Portable Emergency Fuel Containers (PEFC) for Use by Consumers
• CSA B376 – Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels

Keywords: child resistance, portable fuel containers, gas can safety, ASTM F2517-22e1, consumer fuel storage, portable gasoline container standard, portable diesel container, kerosene container safety, child-resistant packaging, fuel container testing.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
´1
Designation:F2517 −22
Standard Specification for
Determination of Child Resistance of Portable Fuel
Containers for Consumer Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2517; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Subsections 5.6.3, 5.6.10, 5.6.12, and X3.1 were corrected editorially in August 2022.
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.1 This specification establishes recognized requirements
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
for determining the child resistance of portable fuel containers
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
(PFCs) and other types of portable containers intended for use
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
by consumers to hold, store, and transport liquid fuels such as
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
gasoline, kerosene, and diesel.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1.1 “Portable Fuel Container” is defined in Specification
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
F852 and includes the receptacle for gasoline, kerosene, or
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
diesel fuel as well as spouts, caps, and other closure mecha-
nisms and components for use with or on portable gasoline,
2. Referenced Documents
kerosene, or diesel receptacles.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1.2 Thisspecificationisalsoapplicabletospouts,caps,or
D3475Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
other closure mechanisms sold separately for use with or on a
F852Specification for Portable Gasoline, Kerosene, and
fuel container.
Diesel Containers for Consumer Use
1.1.3 This specification does not cover one-time use por-
F2874Specification for One Time Use Portable Emergency
table emergency fuel containers conforming to Specification
Fuel Containers (PEFC) for Use by Consumers
F2874.
2.2 CSA Standards:
1.2 This standard addresses the effectiveness of the child
B376Portable containers for gasoline and other petroleum
resistance (CR) device only after closure cycling, but does not
fuels
address closure effectiveness:
1.2.1 When at high or low temperatures,
3. Terminology
1.2.2 After thermal aging of polymers,
3.1 Definitions:
1.2.3 After exposure to sunlight,
3.1.1 dispensing system, n—a component, or a combination
1.2.4 After exposure to intended fuels, and
of components, used for dispensing fuel from a container.
1.2.5 After physical abuses, such as drops or impacts.
3.1.2 closure, n—any combination of components, includ-
NOTE 1—Please see Appendix X2 for additional information on these
ing dispensing system components, that functionally seal any
exemptions.
intended opening and prevents the stored fuel or its vapors
1.3 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
from escaping during transportation and storage.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.3 filling opening, n—openingintendedtobeusedforthe
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
addition of fuel to the container which may also be the same
and are not considered standard.
opening used for dispensing fuel.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 portable fuel container (PFC), n—a single or multi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
compartmentvesselintendedforusebyconsumerstotransport
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.10 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards for Flammable Liquid Containers. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2022.PublishedJuly2022.Originallyapproved the ASTM website.
in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F2517–17. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd.,
F2517-22E01. Toronto, ON M9W 1R3, Canada, http://www.csagroup.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F2517−22
gasolinegas/oilmixtures(orseparatecompartmentsofgasand 5.1.1.1 Test each child resistance feature using a panel of at
oil), diesel or kerosene from their distribution points to the least 50 children and up to 200 children.
consumer’s storage and use points including all of the compo-
5.1.1.2 Test containers with multiple child resistance fea-
nents intended for use on or with the vessel including those
tureswitheachfeatureaccessibleatthesametimeaswouldbe
supplied by manufacturers other than the PFC manufacturer.
the likely scenario that a child would encounter the container.
5.1.1.3 Test with a child panel for each configuration of the
4. Requirements
containerforthosecontainerswheretheconfigurationintended
for storage and transportation is different from the configura-
4.1 General Requirements:
tion for dispensing (for example, when the spout is stored
4.1.1 Containers that share similar designs but vary in only
under the filling opening closure and attached for pouring). If
color or size, up to a maximum of 32L (8.45 U.S. gal) rated
the CR feature (for example, the filling opening closure) is the
capacity, shall be considered a container family.
same for both configurations, then test the filling opening
NOTE 2—Aspects which should be common in a container family
closure in the configuration intended for transportation and
include similar positioning of child resistance features on the receptacle,
storage and the dispensing system in the configuration for
design of the child resistance features, gasket material and design and
specification of O-rings and seals. dispensing.
5.1.2 Test Environment:
4.1.2 Test Articles—Child resistance testing in accordance
5.1.2.1 Conduct the testing in a location that is familiar to
with Section 5 shall be performed using the smallest container
the children, for example their customary nursery school.
sizeofthecontainerfamilyandadultusetestinginaccordance
Alternatively, conduct the testing at a central location after
with Section 6 shall be performed using the largest container
making the children comfortable in that location.
size of the container family.Test articles shall be new contain-
ers and each test article may be used for testing up to five (5) 5.1.2.2 Conduct the testing in a test area that is well-lit and
where the children are isolated from all distractions.
panel participants. Test articles shall be handled so that no
damage or jarring will occur during storage or transportation
5.1.2.3 An individual tester shall not conduct testing with
and shall be at room temperature (23°C 6 3°C (73.4°F 6 more than 30% of the of the child test panel.
5.4°F) when testing is performed.
5.1.2.4 Record all data, except the timing of the testing,
4.1.3 Aftermarket Parts—Spouts, caps, or other closure
before or after the conduct of the test to allow the tester’s full
mechanisms or components sold separately for use with or on
attention to be on the children during the test period.
a container shall be demonstrated to comply with this specifi-
5.2 Child Resistance Test Panel:
cation for each container or container family for which the
5.2.1 Use from 1 to 4 groups of 50 children, as required
parts are identified as compatible.
under the sequential testing criteria in Table 1.
4.2 Child Resistance Requirements:
5.2.2 Document consent for each child participating in the
4.2.1 Without Demonstration—Container closures shall
testing, at the child or site level. If the testing is conducted at
achieve not less than 85% child resistance effectiveness when
a central location, a consent form (Appendix X4) shall be
testedinaccordancewithSection5inthefirst5-mintestperiod
completed for each child participating in the testing.
preceding the demonstration of the proper means of opening
5.2.3 Ensure the geographical diversity of the panel partici-
the designated closure.
pants using one of the following criteria:
4.2.2 With Demonstration—Container closures shall
5.2.3.1 Test no more than 20% of child test panel partici-
achieve no less than 80% child resistance effectiveness when
pants at a single site.
tested in accordance with Section 5 in the second 5-min test
5.2.3.2 Select no more than 20% of the child test panel
period following the demonstration of the proper means of
participants from a single geographical indicator (such as zip
opening the designated closure.
code, postal code, city or town) if testing is conducted at a
4.3 Adult Functional Requirement—Containers shall have
central location.
an adult-use effectiveness (AUE) of not less than 90% for the
5.2.4 Select each group of children to meet the following
adult panel test of Section 6.
criteria:
(a) Selectchildrenwithoutanobviousorovertphysicalor
5. Child Resistance Test Procedure
mental disability.
5.1 General: (b)Test with 30% of the children in each group between
5.1.1 Child Resistance Test Parameters: the ages of 42 to 44 months.
TABLE 1 Number of Test Failures
Cumulative Test Failures
Test Panel Number of First 5 min Full 10 min
Children Pass Continue Fail Pass Continue Fail
1 50 0–3 1–10 11+ 0–5 6–14 15+
2 100 4–10 11–18 19+ 6–15 16–24 25+
3 150 11–18 19–25 26+ 16–25 26–34 35+
4 200 19 – 30 . 31+ 26 – 40 . 41+
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F2517−22
(c)Test with 40% of the children in each group between container. Present each container to the paired children in
the ages of 45 to 48 months. random order and record the order.
(d)Test with 30% of the children in each group between
NOTE 3—Refer to Classification D3475 for guidance on functional
the ages of 49 to 51 months.
design of CR closures.
(e)The difference between the number of boys and the
5.5.2 Use a timing device (such as a stopwatch) to time the
number of girls in each age range shall not exceed 10% of the
number of seconds it takes the child to open the container and
number of children in that range.
to time the 5-min test periods.
5.2.4.1 Calculate the age of each child as described in
Appendix X5. 5.6 Child Test Instructions:
5.6.1 Escort the pair of children to be tested to the test area
5.2.5 Ensure that the panel participants are not offered a
and have the tester seat the children on the ground with no
reward or led to believe that a reward will be provided.
visual barrier between the children and the tester.
5.3 Test Article Preparation:
5.6.2 Have the tester talk to the children to make them feel
5.3.1 Fill each test article to between 15% and 35% of its
at ease.Avoid giving the children the impression that they are
rated capacity with water, secure the closures, and invert to
in a race or contest or that the test is a game or that it is fun.
check for leakage. If leakage occurs, the closures may be
5.6.3 Beginthefirst5mintestperiodbyhandingeachchild
resecured and the test repeated. Do not conduct testing with
anidenticaltestarticleandindicatingbygesturewhichclosure
containers that exhibit leakage.
is the designated closure for this test. Say, “Please try to open
5.3.2 Empty each test article and condition it as follows:
this for me” or “Please try to get the liquid out.”
5.3.2.1 Low-temperature Exposure—Soak continuously at
5.6.4 If a child opens or unlocks any of the child resistance
0°F (–17.8°C) for 8 h.
features, or otherwise accesses the liquid in the container (see
5.3.2.2 ElevatedTemperatureExposure—Soakcontinuously
5.4.2), thank the child, take the test article from the child, and
at 140°F (60°C) for 8 h.
placeitoutofreach.Donotaskthechildtoopenthetestarticle
5.3.2.3 Closure Cycling—Open and close each 250 times.
a second time or open any other closure on the test article.
5.3.3 Fill each test article to between 15% and 35% of its 5.6.5 Allow the children freedom of movement during the
rated capacity with water, secure the closures, and invert to test as long as the tester can watch both children (for example,
check for leakage. If leakage occurs, the closures may be they can stand up, get down on the floor, or bang or pry the
resecured and the test repeated. Do not conduct testing with package)andtotalktoeachotherduring,andwatcheachother
containers that exhibit leakage. performing, the test.
5.6.6 Do not allow a child to try to open the other child’s
5.4 Child-Resistance Sequential Test Procedure:
test article.
5.4.1 Sequential Test—Groups of 50 children are tested
5.6.7 Stopthetestifachildisendangeringhimselforothers
sequentially,uptoamaximumof200children,toestablishthat
at any time.
the child-resistance requirements (4.2) are met with high
5.6.8 Reassure and gently encourage a child who refuses to
certainty. Testing is continued with a new group when the
participate after the test has started. Ask the child to hold the
number of test failures observed during the testing in accor-
test article in his/her lap until the other child is finished if the
dancewith5.5fallinthe‘continue’rangeofvaluesinTable1.
child continues to refuse.
When the cumulative number of test failures in the first 5min
5.6.9 Minimize conversation with the children as long as
of testing is below the values given in the inconclusive range
they continue to attempt to open their test articles. Avoid
in Table 1, the container has shown 85% child resistance
discouraging the children verbally or with facial expressions.
effectiveness without demonstration. When the cumulative
5.6.10 Reassure and gently encourage the child to keep
number of test failures in the full ten minutes below the values
trying(forexample,“Pleasekeeptryingtoopenthisforme”or
given in the inconclusive range in Table 1, the container has
“Please keep trying to get the liquid out.”) if a child gets
shown 80% child resistance effectiveness with demonstration.
frustrated or bored and stops trying to open his/her test article.
5.4.2 Child Resistance Test Failure—A test failure occurs
5.6.11 After 5min has elapsed, ask the children to set their
whenthechildaccessestheliquidfromanyclosure,regardless
containers aside so that they cannot continue to try to open
of which closure was designated and demonstrated. For clo-
their containers during the demonstration period.
sures that close automatically, access means dispensing liquid.
5.6.12 Demonstrate the operation (opening and closing or
For closures that do not close automatically, access means
getting the liquid out) of the closure designated in 5.6.3using
opening the closure.
an identical demonstration test article if either child has not
5.4.3 Eliminate the pair of children from the test results if a
opened his or her test article using the designated closure.
test has been stopped due to a risk of danger (per 5.6.7).
Instruct the children to “Watch me open my container,” and
5.4.4 Include the tests result of a child who has refused to
operate the designated closure normally at a distance of about
participate (per 5.6.8).
2ft (0.6m) from the children without explaining its operation.
5.5 Test Procedures:
5.6.13 Begin the second 5-min period by saying, “Now you
5.5.1 Test the children in pairs following the child test try to open your container or get the liquid out,” and allowing
instructions in 5.6. Test no more than 2 closures, which must the children to pick up their test articles. Use the protocols of
have a different functional design and be on a different type of 5.6.5 to 5.6.10 as required during this test period.
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F2517−22
5.6.14 End the second 5-min test period by asking the 6.2 Adult Test Panel Composition:
children to set their test articles aside and saying “Thank you 6.2.1 Age and Gender Distribution—The adult test panel is
for helping.” Also say, “Never open containers like this when comprised of a total of 100 test participants, selected by age,
youarebyyourself.Thiskindofcontainerwillhavesomething which result in the distribution shown in Table 2. Include at
in it that will make you sick.” least 30 female participants. Use test results in the order of
5.6.15 Have the children stand up and stretch for a short testing if more adults are tested than required in Table 2.
time if they are to participate in a second test. Ensure that they 6.2.2 Effective Participation—Do not perform testing with
do not disrupt other tests in progress. an adult with a permanent or temporary illness, injury, or
disability that would interfere with his/her effective participa-
5.6.16 Escort the children back to their classroom or other
supervised area if their participation is completed. tion in the testing.
6.2.3 Geographical Diversity—Ensure the geographical di-
versity of the panel participants using one of the following
6. Adult Use Effectiveness Test
criteria:
6.1 General:
6.2.3.1 Test no more than 20% of adult test panel partici-
6.1.1 Overview—The Adult Use Effectiveness Test ensures
pants at a single site.
that a sufficient portion of adults can open a CR feature. The
6.2.3.2 Select no more than 20% of adult test panel
test is divided into three phases: the first phase is a 5-min
participants from a geographical indicator (such as zip code,
familiarization phase; then a 1-min dispensing closure phase;
postal code, city, or town) when testing is conducted at a
and ending with a 1-min filling closure phase. In each phase,
central location.
the participant is given tasks to complete. The participant
6.2.4 Recruitment of Adult Panel Participants—Use appro-
passes if s/he successfully completes certain tasks within the
priate language from the adult panel consent form (Appendix
phase time frame.
X3) to recruit participants.
6.1.2 Conduct testing in well-lit and distraction-free areas.
6.2.5 Verifythatselectedparticipantshaveusedagascanin
6.1.3 Test each adult test panel participant individually and
the preceding two years. It is permissible to use the term “gas
not in the presence of other participants or onlookers.
can”whenverifyingprevioususageasthisisconsideredaterm
6.1.4 Testonlyonetypeofcontainerinasinglesittingofan
familiar to the general public for these
...