EN ISO 8317 Child Resistance Testing of Plastic Storage Containers
The EN ISO 8317 standard specifies a method to determine whether plastic storage containers are child-resistant. This is critical in ensuring that products designed for children, such as medications or household chemicals, cannot be accessed by young children who may not have the manual dexterity to open them. Compliance with this standard helps manufacturers meet regulatory requirements and enhances product safety.
The test procedure involves simulating a child's attempts to open containers under controlled conditions. It evaluates the container’s resistance to being opened by a small group of subjects, typically children aged between 18 and 24 months old, whose manual abilities are within the lower range of normal for their age group.
The test setup includes a series of standardized plastic storage containers that mimic real-world packaging. These containers must be filled with a specified weight or volume of a non-hazardous substance to simulate the product they will contain. The testing environment is carefully controlled, and the test subjects are given no assistance in opening the container.
The success rate for passing this test is set at 85% or higher. This means that only containers where at least 85% of the tested children cannot open them within a specified time frame meet the standard requirements.
Understanding the intricacies of the EN ISO 8317 test is essential for manufacturers, as it directly impacts product safety and regulatory compliance. Non-compliance can lead to legal issues, recalls, and damage to brand reputation. By adhering to this standard, companies ensure their products are safe and meet international standards.
The testing process itself requires precise methodology to ensure reliability and consistency. This includes standardized containers, controlled environments, and consistent subject groups. The use of real-world scenarios increases the validity of the test results, ensuring that the containers will effectively prevent unauthorized access by children in everyday settings.
Manufacturers who fail to comply with this standard risk significant consequences, including legal action, product recalls, and potential injury or poisoning incidents involving children. Therefore, understanding and implementing EN ISO 8317 testing is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical aspect of responsible product design and development.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Container Type | Plastic storage containers designed for household use. |
| Subject Group | Children aged 18-24 months with manual abilities within the lower range of normal. |
| Testing Environment | Controlled environment simulating real-world conditions. |
| Substance | A non-hazardous substance to simulate the product contents. |
Scope and Methodology
The scope of EN ISO 8317 includes testing plastic storage containers for their ability to resist being opened by children. The methodology involves evaluating the containers under controlled conditions, using a standardized group of subjects, and ensuring that at least 85% of these subjects cannot open the container within a specified time frame.
- Prepare the test containers with the non-hazardous substance to simulate real product contents.
- Select and prepare the subject group according to age and manual ability criteria.
- Conduct tests in controlled environments that mimic real-world conditions.
- Evaluate the success rate of opening the container by each subject.
Why Choose This Test
- Ensures compliance with international safety standards and regulations.
- Protects children from potential harm due to access to dangerous substances.
- Enhances brand reputation by demonstrating a commitment to product safety.
- Avoids the risks associated with non-compliance, such as recalls and legal issues.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
- Increases customer trust by meeting stringent safety standards.
- Reduces the risk of product liability lawsuits and recalls.
- Safeguards children's health and well-being, leading to increased customer satisfaction.
