ASTM F444-88(2004)e1

Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas

SCOPE
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers scald-preventing devices and systems delivering water in bathing areas.
1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performance requirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risks associated with the hazards of scalds.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2004
• ICS: 23.060.40 - Pressure regulators
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.03 - Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F444-88(1999) - Consumer Safety Specification for Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2004
• Replaced By: ASTM F444-88(2009) - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D5952-08(2015) - Standard Guide for the Inspection of Water Systems for Legionella and the Investigation of Possible Outbreaks of Legionellosis (Legionnaires' Disease or Pontiac Fever) (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2004

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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
e1
Designation: F 444 – 88 (Reapproved 2004)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 444; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
e NOTE—Updated warning note in 6.2.2.1 and added keywords editorially in August 2004.
INTRODUCTION
This consumer safety specification addresses certain hazards in connection with bathtub areas as
identifiedbytheAbtAssociates,Inc.,finalreport,“ASystematicProgramtoReducetheIncidenceand
Severity of Bathtub and Shower Area Injuries,” June 4, 1975, to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC).
This consumer safety specification is directed towards scalds. The general requirements of this
specification are intended to establish a maximum allowable discharge temperature and to provide for
automatic compensation if that temperature is exceeded.
This specification establishes the necessary requirements to ensure safety from scalds for both the
normalusercapacityandlimitedusercapacityofsomeaged,infirm,oryoung.Theserequirementscan
be attained through the utilization of devices, series of devices, or plumbing system designs that are
available in the marketplace. Many of these devices are applicable to both new construction and
retrofit installations. Specifications for the reliability and testing of these devices and systems are
available in most cases from organizations such as the American National Standards Institute or the
American Society of Sanitary Engineering.
1. Scope 2.4 mixing valve—device for mixing cold and hot water to
produce an intermediate temperature as required, either manu-
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers scald-
ally, pressure-equalizing, or thermostatically controlled, and
preventing devices and systems delivering water in bathing
which is adjustable manually or by other means.
areas.
2.5 safety shut-off device—maximum temperature-limiting
1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performance
device that reduces the flow of water to a specified amount.
requirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risks
2.6 scald—first-, second-, or third-degree burn injury
associated with the hazards of scalds.
caused by the contact of hot water on the skin.
2. Terminology 2.7 stop-check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of
water in one direction only and which also has the capability to
2.1 bathing area—bathing space that consists of a tub,
control the supply of water.
tub-shower, or shower stall bounded by four walls, real or
2.8 stop valve—valve used for the control of water supply.
imaginary, extending vertically to the ceiling from the outside
2.9 water outlet—discharge opening through which water is
edge of the tub or stall.
supplied to a bathing area.
2.2 check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of water
in one direction only.
3. Compliance
2.3 device—piece of equipment or mechanism designed to
3.1 No device or system produced after the approval date of
serve a special purpose or perform a special function.
this consumer safety specification shall either by label or other
means indicate compliance with this specification unless it
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
conforms to all requirements contained herein.
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.03 on
Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures.
4. Materials
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2004. Published August 2004. Originally
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as F 444 – 88 (1999).
4.1 The materials used in the scald-preventing devices or
Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330
systems shall conform to the following:
East-West Hwy., Bethesda, MD 20814.
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F 444 – 88 (2004)
4.1.1 All parts, external or internal, shall be capable of based on cold-water variations and hot-water capabilities as a
resisting deterioration in the environment to which they are guide to allow the installer to properly set the maximum
exposed to the degree that the intended performance of the water-outlet temperature.
device or system will not be adversely affected.
NOTE 1—The installer should also affix his name and company affili-
4.1.2 Any materials in contact with the w
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