ASTM F444-88(2009)
(Specification)Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
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.
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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:F444 −88 (Reapproved 2009)
Standard Consumer Safety Specification for
Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF444;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
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 2.2 check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of water
in one direction only.
1.1 This consumer safety specification covers scald-
preventing devices and systems delivering water in bathing 2.3 device—piece of equipment or mechanism designed to
areas.
serve a special purpose or perform a special function.
1.2 This specification establishes the minimum performance
2.4 mixing valve—device for mixing cold and hot water to
requirements for the devices and systems to minimize the risks
produce an intermediate temperature as required, either
associated with the hazards of scalds.
manually, pressure-equalizing, or thermostatically controlled,
and which is adjustable manually or by other means.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
2.5 safety shut-off device—maximum temperature-limiting
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
device that reduces the flow of water to a specified amount.
and are not considered standard.
2.6 scald—first-,second-,orthird-degreeburninjurycaused
by the contact of hot water on the skin.
2. Terminology
2.7 stop-check valve—valve designed to allow the flow of
2.1 bathing area—bathing space that consists of a tub,
water in one direction only and which also has the capability to
tub-shower, or shower stall bounded by four walls, real or
control the supply of water.
imaginary, extending vertically to the ceiling from the outside
edge of the tub or stall. 2.8 stop valve—valve used for the control of water supply.
2.9 water outlet—discharge opening through which water is
supplied to a bathing area.
This consumer safety specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Commit-
tee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
3. Compliance
F15.03 on Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures.
Current edition approved April 1, 2009. Published May 2009. Originally
3.1 No device or system produced after the approval date of
ε1
approved in 1978. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as F444 – 88 (2004) .
this consumer safety specification shall either by label or other
DOI: 10.1520/F0444-88R09.
means indicate compliance with this specification unless it
Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330
East-West Hwy., Bethesda, MD 20814. conforms to all requirements contained herein.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F444−88 (2009)
4. Materials 6.1.4 Instructions for adjusting devices or systems, where
required, shall include information on temperature settings
4.1 The materials used in the scald-preventing devices or
based on cold-water variations and hot-water capabilities as a
systems shall conform to the following:
guide to allow the installer to properly set the maximum
4.1.1 All parts, external or internal, shall be capable of
water-outlet temperature.
resisting deterioration in the environment to which they are
exposed to the degree that the intended performance of the
NOTE 1—The installer should a
...
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