CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Infant Bath Tubs

(Source:  CPSC Website:  https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2017/CPSC-Approves-New-Federal-Safety-Standard-for-Infant-Bath-Tubs).

The personal injury lawyers at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., in Reading, Berks County, PA, want to share some important information about keeping infants and toddlers safe when using infant baths, from the website of the U.S. Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

To help keep infants and toddlers safe, the CPSC has approved a new federal standard intended to improve the safety of infant bath tubs and prevent drownings.  An “infant bath tub” is a tub, enclosure, or other similar product intended to hold water and be placed into an adult bath tub, sink, or on top of other surfaces.  The product provides support and/or containment for an infant in a reclining, sitting, or standing position during bathing by a caregiver.  The infant bath tub category covers a variety of products, including bucket-style tubs, inflatable tubs, foldable tubs, and bath tubs with spa features, such as “whirlpool” settings, “separate whirlpool” settings, and separate handheld showers.

The new federal safety standard incorporates the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F2670-17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Tubs).  The mandatory standard contains several requirements for infant bath tubs, including:  (i) latching and locking mechanism requirements, (ii) static load testing, and (iii) drowning and fall warnings, markings and instructions.

Between January 2004 and December 2015, a total of 247 incidents were reported to CPSC involving infant tubs—31 fatal and 216 nonfatal. Of the 216 non-fatal incidents, 32 reports involved an injury to the infant during use of the product.

The most frequent hazard patterns associated with infant bath tubs include:

  1. drowning/near-drowning because the child was left alone in the tub;
  2. protrusions/sharp edges or points/lacerations;
  3. product failures;
  4. entrapment issues;
  5. slippery tub surfaces;
  6. mold/allergy issues; and
  7. and other issues, including battery-related incidents.

CPSC advises parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant bath tubs and to follow these safety tips:

  1. can drown quickly, even in small amounts of water.
  2. Always keep a young child in a bathtub within arm’s reach.  If you must leave, take the child with you.
  3. Don’t leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub under the care of another young child.
  4. Learn CPR.  It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.

The attorneys at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., are concerned for the safety of children and families in Reading, Berks County, PA, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, and throughout Eastern and Central Pennsylvania.  The lawyers there handle injury claims, including claims for serious injuries or death caused by the negligence of others and by unsafe and dangerous products.

From the desk of Adam K. Levin, Esquire.

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