CPSC Proposes Safety Rule For Matchbooks

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 1) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today published for public comment a proposed mandatory safety standard designed to eliminate or reduce unreasonable risks of death or injury from accidents associated with matchbooks.

The proposed standard applies only to the common matchbook. Individual wooden matches packaged in boxes, survival matches, and "strike anywhere" wooden kitchen matches are not covered by the proposal.

According to the Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) estimates, between July 1, 1974, and June 30, 1975, 9,500 people required hospital emergency room treatment for match-related injuries. The nature of these injuries, combined with additional data provided to the Commission from the Death Certificate Program and the Flammable Fabrics Accident Case and Testing Program, indicates that the risk of death or injury associated with matchbooks include death or severe burns due to clothing ignition; localized burns due to flaking or fragmentation; fires resulting from afterglow of extinguished match or dislodged matchhead; burn injuries to the hand and fingers due to delayed ignition, poor matchbook design or ignition of entire matchbook; and, death from house or room fires caused by misuse of matches or dropped lighted matches.

Included in the proposal are requirements for a child-resistant matchbook cover to prevent easy access to the matches. Child-resistant features require two or more simultaneous or sequential motions or a minimum force to open the matchbook. The proposed re-latching requirement, however, is a very simple procedure designed to encourage adult acceptance.

In view of epidemiological data, consideration of various human factors, an intense study of possible child-resistant requirements and a preliminary assessment of the economic effect on the matchbook industry, the Commission finds a latching cover design requirement to be, at this time, the most feasible means of child resistance. However, it is not the intent of the Commission to exclude other designs that might offer the equivalent child resistance of the latching design. Included in the proposed standard is a procedure for interested persons to submit alternate cover designs for Commission acceptance.

Other features designed to reduce the risk of burns and fires are also included in the proposed standard. The proposal specifies the burn-distance and burn-time of the bookmatch. Under the proposed test conditions, the flame must self-extinguish within 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) down from the top of the match and within a 15-second period.

Prior to publishing this proposal, the Commission assessed any possible environmental effects the standard could have. According to a staff report, the only potentially significant adverse effects are related to the burn-distance/burn-time provision because of the chemicals that could be used to treat the match. However, the report further notes, "there is no evidence to suggest that conditions any more hazardous than currently prevail would be produced through the use of such chemicals to meet the requirements of the standard....We conclude that the proposed standard will not cause significant adverse impacts on the environment."

The comment period on this proposed standard is 60 days, or through June 1, 1976. The Commission must either issue a final standard or withdraw the proceeding to establish the standard within 120 days or by July 30, 1976. Should the Commission elect to issue a mandatory safety standard for matchbooks, it is proposed to take effect 365 days after publication of the final rule in the Federal Register.

Comments on this proposed standard should be addressed to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207. Copies of the proposal are available through the Office of the Secretary.