ASTM F3159-15(2022)
(Specification)Standard Safety Specification for Liquid Laundry Packets
Standard Safety Specification for Liquid Laundry Packets
ABSTRACT
This specification prescribes requirements for household Liquid Laundry Detergent Packet safety to help reduce unintentional exposures to the contents of the packets, especially to children. Liquid Laundry Detergent Packets refer to single-use laundry detergent products that contain a liquid detergent enclosed in a water soluble outer layer (”pouch film”), such as laundry detergent packets in soluble film having an all-liquid content, and those containing both liquid and non-liquid components.
This specification also covers packaging and labeling requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification provides requirements for household Liquid Laundry Detergent Packet safety to help reduce unintentional exposures to the contents of the packets, especially to children.
1.2 This standard applies exclusively to household Liquid Laundry Detergent Packets. “Liquid Laundry Detergent Packets” are single-use laundry detergent products that contain a liquid detergent enclosed in a water soluble outer layer (“pouch film”). This includes laundry detergent packets in soluble film that contain liquid only (that is, all liquid), as well as those that contain both liquid and non-liquid components.
1.3 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.
1.4 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
Relations
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: F3159 −15 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Safety Specification for
Liquid Laundry Packets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3159; 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.
INTRODUCTION
In November 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a SafetyAlert
to inform parents and caregivers that Liquid Laundry Detergent Packets need to be kept away from
children as those who are exposed to packet contents are at risk of serious injury and even death due
to the highly concentrated nature of the product. Children who have accidently ingested Liquid
Laundry Detergent Packets have experienced a range of injuries including loss of consciousness,
respiratory distress, vomiting, coughing, choking and drowsiness, and in cases where there has been
contactwiththeeyes,painfulirritationoftheeyesandcornealburnshaveoccurred.Inaddition,death
hasbeenreportedtooccurfollowingingestionofLiquidLaundryDetergentPackets,includinginone
child.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification provides requirements for household
D3475Classification of Child-Resistant Packages
Liquid Laundry Detergent Packet safety to help reduce unin-
D4332Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
tentionalexposurestothecontentsofthepackets,especiallyto
Packaging Components for Testing
children.
D4359Test Method for Determining Whether a Material Is
1.2 This standard applies exclusively to household Liquid
a Liquid or a Solid
Laundry Detergent Packets. “Liquid Laundry Detergent Pack-
2.2 ANSI Standard:
ets” are single-use laundry detergent products that contain a
ANSI Z535.4Safety Color Code—Environmental Facility
liquiddetergentenclosedinawatersolubleouterlayer(“pouch
Safety Signs—Criteria for Safety Symbols—Product
film”). This includes laundry detergent packets in soluble film
Safety Sign and Labels and Accident Prevention Tags
thatcontainliquidonly(thatis,allliquid),aswellasthosethat
3. Terminology
contain both liquid and non-liquid components.
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1 liquid, n—a substance or mixture which: (1) at 50°C
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
has a vapour pressure of not more than 300 kPa (3 bar), (2)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
which is not completely gaseous at 20°C and at a standard
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
pressure of 101.3 kPa, and (3) which has a melting point or
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
initial melting point of 20°C or less at a standard pressure of
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
101.3 kPa.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.1.1 Discussion—A viscous substance or mixture for
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
which a specific melting point cannot be determined shall be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
subjected to theTest Method D4359 – 90 test; or to the test for
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
determining fluidity (penetrometer test) prescribed in section
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.3.4 of Annex A of the European Agreement concerning the
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR).
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 F15.71 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Liquid Laundry Packets. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved March 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally theASTM website.
ɛ1 3
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F3159–15 . DOI: Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/F3159-15R22. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3159 − 15 (2022)
3.1.2 liquid laundry detergent packets, n—individual pack- 5.3 Options for Packaging:
ets that contain liquid laundry detergent and are intended to 5.3.1 Apackagethatmeetstheperformancerequirementsof
dissolve when used as intended. 16CFRPart1700,section1700.15andtestingrequirementsof
16 CFR Part 1700, section 1700.20.
3.1.3 pouch film, n—the water-soluble outer layer of a
5.3.2 An individually-wrapped package that contains no
Liquid Laundry Detergent Packet that contains laundry deter-
more than one packet and incorporates either:
gent or other liquid ingredients, or both, and is designed to
5.3.2.1 Ahiddentabornotchorothermeansofopeningthat
dissolve when used as intended.
is only exposed after the package has been folded or manipu-
4. Liquid Laundry Detergent Packet Requirements lated in an instructed manner, or
5.3.2.2 A feature described in Classification D3475 – 14,
4.1 The Liquid Laundry Detergent Packet must meet the
Type IV Non-reclosable packaging-flexible and Type V Unit
requirements set forth in European Commission Regulation
non-reclosable packaging-rigid.
(EU) No 1272/2008, Annex II, Part 3, Section 3.3.3, and
5.3.3 Apackagethatrequiresmanipulativeskillordexterity
Sections4(AversiveAgentintheSolubleFilm)and5(Capsule
to open, including, but not limited to:
Integrity) of the accompanying AISE Liquid Laundry Deter-
4 5.3.3.1 A package with two or more closure mechanisms
gent Capsules Guidelines on CLP Implementation , including
that are interdependent, so that the package cannot be fully
as may be amended. For reference, EU No 1272/2008,Annex
opened without releasing at least two of the closure mecha-
II, Part 3, Section 3.3.3, is attached as AnnexA5, and Sections
nisms.
4 and 5 of the AISE Liquid Laundry Detergent Capsules
5.3.3.2 A double-action release mechanism, defined as ei-
Guidelines on CLPImplementation are attached as AnnexA7.
ther:
4.2 For the avoidance of doubt, European Commission
(1)A mechanism requiring two consecutive motions, the
Regulation(EU)No1272/2008,AnnexII,Part3,Section3.3.3
first of which must be maintained (and which may include the
(i) does not specify any particular manner in which the soluble
act of physically holding or stabilizing the package) while the
packaging containing the agent must have the aversive agent
second is carried out in order to fully open the package, or
added to the soluble packaging. A company may choose, by
(2)Two separate and independent motions that must be
way of non-limiting examples, to introduce the aversive agent
activated or occur simultaneously to fully open the package.
to the soluble packaging by admixing it into a slurry that is
NOTE 1—Asimple zipper closure (pull to open or simple slider) would
subsequently formed or cast into a film and/or by coating it
not meet the requirements of either 5.3.3.2(1) or (2).
onto a previously formed film. It is up to each company to
5.3.3.3 A release mechanism or system of mechanisms
selecttheaversiveagentandtechnologytheydeemappropriate
which requires two independent release mechanisms to be
fortheirproductsandeffectiveformeetingthecriteriaofbeing
performed consecutively in order to fully open the package.
safe and eliciting oral repulsive behavior within a maximum
5.3.3.4 The package must be designed so that the user is
time of6sas provided by and in accordance with the EU
able to close the package and re-engage the release mecha-
Regulation.
nism(s) in a manner that requires only one re-engagement
5. Packaging Requirements
action on the part of the user.
5.3.4 A package closure that meets the requirements set
5.1 Liquid Laundry Detergent Packets shall be contained in
forth in European Commission Regulation (EU) No 1272/
opaque packaging or packaging that employs any equivalent
2008, Annex II, Part 3, Section 3.3.2 (iv), and Section 3.3
measureintendedtomaskthevisibilityoftheindividualLiquid
(OuterPackaging:Closures)oftheaccompanyingAISELiquid
Laundry Detergent Packets (“Package” or “Packaging”). The
Laundry Detergent Capsules Guidelines on CLP
package must not be labeled with graphics that make the
Implementation, as may be amended. For reference, EU No
opaque package appear transparent or translucent.
1272/2008, Annex II, Part 3, Section 3.3.2 (iv), is attached as
5.2 Packaging described in this Voluntary standard is pack-
Annex A4, and Section 3.3 of the AISE Liquid Laundry
agingthatisdesignedorconstructedtobedifficultforchildren
Detergent Capsules Guidelines on CLP Implementation is
to access Liquid Laundry Detergent Packets. To comply with
attached as Annex A6.
this standard, the package shall have the characteristics of at
5.3.5 Apackage that requires the intellectual skill or cogni-
least one of the following six options outlined below in 5.3.1.
tive ability of a child at least 6 years of age to open, that meets
In addition to meeting with at least one of the six options, a
all of the criteria set forth in 5.3.5.1 – 5.3.5.3, or a reasonable
package must also:
equivalent of 5.3.5.1 – 5.3.5.3, and meets the requirements of
5.2.1 Comply with this standard through the full life cycle
5.3.5.4:
of product package.
5.3.5.1 Identification of a non-obvious opening method that
5.2.2 The package must meet the option standard for which
requires cognitive understanding of a manipulative concept.
the package is designed while also accounting for any other
5.3.5.2 The mechanical means that secures the package is
way the package could conceivably be opened for example by
obscured from view and not readily apparent when handling
twisting, pulling, or use of singular force.
the package.
5.3.5.3 Requires manipulation of a visual or tactile feature
in a way that is non-obvious unless the user understands the
A.I.S.E., Liquid Laundry Detergent Capsules Guidelines On CLP
Implementation, Version 1.0, 27 February 2015. manipulative concept.
F3159 − 15 (2022)
5.3.5.4 The package must be designed so that the user is Packets can burst if children put them in mouth or play with
able to close the package and re-engage the release mecha- them.
nism(s) in a manner that requires only one re-engagement
See warning on [back/side] label.
action on the part of the user.
Keep out of reach of children.
5.3.6 Apackage that, in order to be opened, requires either:
6.2.1 See AnnexA1 for an example of an FHSA-compliant
(1)An opening force greater than that which a child is
layout.
capable of generating while not being greater than a senior
6.3 The Safety Alert Symbol and text of the precautionary
adult is capable of generating, or
statements shall be laid out on the back or side panel of the
(2)Hand anthropometric characteristics greater than those
secondary container as set forth in ANSI Z535-4 (2011)
of an average-sized child.
Figures 3 through 12 and Figures B26 through B28 or in a
5.3.6.1 Theagesanddistributionofchildrentobetestedfor
substantiallysimilarformat,exceptthatneitherthebordersnor
purposes of establishing the opening force strength or hand
boxesdepictedinthosefiguresarerequired.Theprecautionary
anthropometric characteristics must meet the requirements set
statements shall include the following:
forth in 16 CFR 1700.20(a)(2)(i).
6.3.1 The Safety Alert Symbol, as found in ANSI Z535-4,
5.3.6.2 The opening force strength or hand anthropometric
Fig. 1 (D) or (E).
characteristics shall be set at the 95th percentile for children,
6.3.2 Annex A2 includes additional safety symbols to be
and the 5th percentile for senior adults.
used with the warning statements. Each package must feature
5.3.6.3 Research must demonstrate that the opening force
at least one pair (that is, one “keep out of reach of children”
strength or hand anthropometric characteristics do not exceed
symbol and one “keep contents out of eyes” symbol).
those of senior adults between the ages of 50 and 70 years to
access the package, as tested pursuant to the requirements set
6.4 The following statements shall appear on the back or
forth in 16 CFR 1700.20(a)(3).
side panel of the secondary container:
5.3.6.4 Research that establishes opening strength or hand
WARNING:
anthropometric characteristics as set forth above must be
Concentrated detergent packets can burst if children put
conducted by an independent third party, and the results
them in mouth or play with them. The liquid inside is
published in a peer-reviewed journal.
harmful if put in mouth, swallowed, or in eyes.
5.3.6.5 A manufacturer must demonstrate through testing
Keep packets out of reach of children.
that the opening force required or hand anthropometric char-
• Storecontainerwherechildrencannotreachorclimbtoit,
acteristics for its packaging design are within the limits of the
out of sight and in a secure place.
data.
• Keep container fully closed.
• Never leave any packets out of container.
6. Labels
• DO NOT let children handle packets, even if supervised.
6.1 Each package shall be labeled with warning statements.
Avoid breaking packets.
The warning statements shall be:
• Do not handle packets with wet or moist hands. Do not
6.1.1 In contrasting color(s), permanent, conspicuous, and
expose packets to moisture.
in sans serif style font;
• Do not cut or puncture packets. If packets stick together,
6.1.2 Distinctively separated from any other wording or
do not try to separate them.
graphics, in a “quiet zone” (that is, placed on a single-color,
Call poison control center immediatelyifdetergentgetsin
contrasting background); and
mouthoreyeoronskin.Immediatelyandthoroughlyrinseeye
6.1.3 Locatedontheproductinaprominentlocationsothey
or skin with water for 15 min.
are visible to the consumer.
6.5 Allindividually-wrappedsamplepackagesshallcontain
6.2 The following statements shall appear on the front
no more than one packet. Each individually-wrapped sample
panel/principal display panel of the package:
package shall include the following statements:
WARNING:
Harmful if put in mouth or swallowed. Eye irritant. WARNING:
FIG. 1 Safety Alert Symbol
F3159 − 15 (2022)
Concentrated detergent packets can burst if children put “keepoutofreachofchildren”symbolandone“keepconte
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