The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved a new federal mandatory standard intended to improve the safety of portable hook-on chairs and prevent deaths and injuries to young children. A portable hook-on chair is a legless seat attached to a table where the occupant sits and that is supported solely by the table on which the chair is mounted. Portable hook-on chairs are intended for children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years and who weigh no more than 37 pounds.
The new federal standard incorporates by reference the most recent voluntary standard developed by ASTM International (ASTM F1235-15), Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Portable Hook-On Chairs, without modification.
In addition, the new safety standard addresses hazards associated with portable hook-on chairs, including:
- Compromised attachment
- Restraint or containment issues
- Unintended release of seat fabric fastenings
- Seat fabric separation due to breaking or tearing components
- Broken structural components