ASTM F2904-11(2023)

Standard Specification for Warnings on Paintball Marker Accessories Used In the Sport of Paintball

ABSTRACT
This specification covers warnings used on paintball marker accessories used in the sport of paintball. It states that all of the paintball marker accessories for use in the sport of paintball shall include a cautionary statement which prominently and durably conveys certain information on the instruction sheet, the packaging, or the product itself, or a combination thereof.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers warnings used on paintball marker accessories used in the sport of paintball. The warnings contained in this standard are intended for products that do not have individual ASTM standards which contain product specific warnings.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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-Mar-2023
• ICS: 01.080.10 - Public information symbols. Signs. Plates. Labels
• ICS: 97.220.99 - Other sports equipment and facilities
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.24 - Paintball and Equipment

Overview

ASTM F2904-11(2023): Standard Specification for Warnings on Paintball Marker Accessories Used In the Sport of Paintball establishes minimum requirements for warnings on paintball marker accessories. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that accessories such as barrels, loaders, sights, and other products intended for use with paintball markers provide clear, visible safety warnings. The specification applies specifically to products without existing individual ASTM standards containing product-specific warnings. By harmonizing labeling and cautionary practices, it aims to promote safety and awareness in the sport of paintball.

Key Topics

• Scope

  • Specifies requirements for warnings on accessories used with paintball markers.
  • Applies to products sold separately and designed to be affixed to or used in conjunction with paintball markers.
  • Excludes service parts, replacement parts, or accessories requiring professional installation.

• Warning Label Requirements

  • Warnings must be prominent, durable, and clearly displayed on the product, packaging, instruction sheet, or any combination.
  • The signal word (such as “WARNING” or “DANGER”) must stand out using a rectangular field, appropriate contrasting colors, and be at least 50% larger than other text.
  • Essential information must clearly state:
    • The product is not a toy.
    • Misuse may result in serious injury or death.
    • Eye protection specifically designed for paintball must be worn by all participants and bystanders within range.
    • A recommended minimum age for purchase.
    • Requirement for adult supervision for users under 18 years old.
    • The necessity to read the operating manual before use.

• Manufacturer and Product Information

  • Packaging or instructions must provide the name and contact information of the manufacturer or distributor.
  • Identification of the country of origin is required.

• Battery-Specific Warnings

  • Accessories requiring batteries must include warnings about fire, shock hazards, and legal disposal requirements.
  • Disposal instructions must highlight regulatory compliance and recycling options.

Applications

• Paintball Equipment Manufacturers: Ensure products feature compliant warnings to meet safety and labeling standards for paintball accessories.
• Retailers and Distributors: Confirm all paintball marker accessories in inventory or for sale display the specified safety information to reduce liability and enhance consumer safety.
• Event Organizers and Field Operators: Reference compliant accessories to maintain rigorous safety protocols during paintball activities.
• Consumers and Users: Recognize the importance of following label information, including age recommendations and eye protection directives, for safe participation in the sport.

Related Standards

• ASTM F1776 - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Paintball Sports
• ASTM F1979 - Standard Specification for Paintball Markers
• ASTM F2130 - Standard Practice for Field Evaluation of Paintball Goggles
• ISO/IEC 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
• ASTM F2810 - Related to non-lethal markers and safety

ASTM F2904-11(2023) plays a crucial role in standardizing paintball marker accessory warnings, contributing to safer play and informed equipment usage while supporting regulatory compliance for manufacturers and retailers alike.

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.
Designation: F2904 − 11 (Reapproved 2023) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Warnings on Paintball Marker Accessories Used In the
Sport of Paintball
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2904; 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 3. Significance and Use
1.1 This specification covers warnings used on paintball 3.1 This specification specifies the minimum warnings that
marker accessories used in the sport of paintball. The warnings are to be provided with or on paintball marker accessories
contained in this standard are intended for products that do not which are used in the sport of paintball.
have individual ASTM standards which contain product spe-
4. Conformance
cific warnings.
4.1 Paintball products shall not, either by label or other
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
means, indicate conformance with this specification unless, at
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the time of manufacture, they conform to all applicable
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
requirements contained herein.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Product Marking
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
5.1 All paintball marker accessories for use in the sport of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
paintball shall include a cautionary statement which promi-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
nently and durably conveys the following information on the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
packaging, the instruction sheet, or the product itself, or a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
combination thereof.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1.1 The prominence of the statement shall be achieved by
2. Terminology
placement within the borders of a rectangle and by use of a
suitable contrasting background. The statement may be a
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
combination of upper and lower case letters of a recommended
2.1.1 paintball marker accessory, n—a product which is
size being no less than 8-point type. The letters in the signal
designed to be used in conjunction with a paintball marker and
word shall be at least 50 % larger than the letters in other words
which is sold separately from a paintball marker.
in the cautionary statement. The signal word shall be in sans
2.1.1.1 Discussion—This definition includes products which
serif letters in upper case only and preceded by a safety alert
are affixed to a paintball marker and used in conjunction with
symbol. It is composed of an equilateral triangle surrounding
it. It specifically excludes other products which may be used
an exclamation point. The base of the safety alert symbol shall
when playing the sport of paintball if such products are not
be on the same horizontal line as the base of the letters of the
attached to the paintball marker. If specified by the manufac-
signal word. The height of the safety alert symbol shall equal
turer that the accessory in question requires installation by a
or exceed the signal word height. The signal word shall be in
qualified dealer or specially trained individual these warnings
black letters on an orange background. The solid triangle of the
will not apply. This standard is not intended to cover service or
safety alert symbol shall be black and the exclamation point
original equipment replacement parts.
portion 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
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
warning in two colors, the colors assigned to the signal word
Subcommittee F08.24 on Paintba
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