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Commercial Certification Guide

AATCC | ADA | ANSI | ASTM | CE | CPSC | CSFM | FM | NFPA | NSF | OSHA | OBRA | UL

AATCC is the world's leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals since 1921. AATCC is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, providing test method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for thousands of members in 60 countries throughout the world.

AATCC Test Method 134-2006: Electrostatic Propensity of Carpets.


The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.

Applicable guidelines referenced from the 'ADA STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN'.

4.15 Drinking Fountains and Water Coolers.

4.15.2 Spout Height. Spouts shall be no higher than 36 in (915 mm), measured from the floor or ground surfaces to the spout outlet.

4.15.3 Spout Location. The spouts of drinking fountains and water coolers shall be at the front of the unit and shall direct the water flow in a trajectory that is parallel or nearly parallel to the front of the unit. The spout shall provide a flow of water at least 4 in (100 mm) high so as to allow the insertion of a cup or glass under the flow of water. On an accessible drinking fountain with a round or oval bowl, the spout must be positioned so the flow of water is within 3 in (75 mm) of the front edge of the fountain.

4.15.4 Controls. Controls shall comply with 4.27.4. Unit controls shall be front mounted or side mounted near the front edge.

4.15.5 Clearances.

  • (1) Wall- and post-mounted cantilevered units shall have a clear knee space between the bottom of the apron and the floor or ground at least 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm) wide, and 17 in to 19 in (430 mm to 485 mm) deep. Such units shall also have a minimum clear floor space 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) to allow a person in a wheelchair to approach the unit facing forward.
    • EXCEPTION: These clearances shall not be required at units used primarily by children ages 12 and younger where clear floor space for a parallel approach complying with 4.2.4 is provided and where the spout is no higher than 30 in (760 mm), measured from the floor or ground surface to the spout outlet.
  • (2) Free-standing or built-in units not having a clear space under them shall have a clear floor space at least 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm) that allows a person in a wheelchair to make a parallel approach to the unit. This clear floor space shall comply with 4.2.4.

4.2.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space for Wheelchairs.

4.2.4.1 Size and Approach. The minimum clear floor or ground space required to accommodate a single, stationary wheelchair and occupant is 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm). The minimum clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be positioned for forward or parallel approach to an object. Clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be part of the knee space required under some objects

4.2.5 Forward Reach. If the clear floor space only allows forward approach to an object, the maximum high forward reach allowed shall be 48 in (1220 mm). The minimum low forward reach is 15 in (380 mm).

4.2.6 Side Reach. If the clear floor space allows parallel approach by a person in a wheelchair, the maximum high side reach allowed shall be 54 in (1370 mm) and the low side reach shall be no less than 9 in (230 mm) above the floor.

4.32.2 Seating. If seating spaces for people in wheelchairs are provided at fixed tables or counters, clear floor space complying with 4.2.4 shall be provided. Such clear floor space shall not overlap knee space by more than 19 in (485 mm)

4.32.3 Knee Clearances. If seating for people in wheelchairs is provided at tables or counters, knee spaces at least 27 in (685 mm) high, 30 in (760 mm) wide, and 19 in (485 mm) deep shall be provided.

4.32.4 Height of Tables or Counters. The tops of accessible tables and counters shall be from 28 in to 34 in (710 mm to 865 mm) above the finish floor or ground.

General. Benches required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with 4.37.

4.37.2 Clear Floor or Ground Space. Clear floor or ground space complying with 4.2.4 shall be provided and shall be positioned for parallel approach to a short end of a bench seat.

  • EXCEPTION: Clear floor or ground space required by 4.37.2 shall be permitted to be obstructed by readily removable seats in saunas and steam rooms.

4.37.3 Size. Benches shall be fixed and shall have seats that are 20 inches (510 mm) minimum to 24 inches (610 mm) maximum in depth and 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum in length.

4.37.4 Back Support. Benches shall have back support that is 42 inches (1065 mm) minimum in length and that extends from a point 2 inches (51 mm) maximum above the seat to a point 18 inches (455 mm) minimum above the seat.

4.37.5 Seat Height. Bench seats shall be 17 inches (430 mm) minimum to 19 inches (485 mm) maximum above the floor or ground.

4.37.6 Structural Strength. Allowable stresses shall not be exceeded for materials used when a vertical or horizontal force of 250 lbs. (1112 N) is applied at any point on the seat, fastener, mounting device or supporting structure.

ANSI Z83.11-2002/CSA 1.8-2002 American National Standard/CSA Standard for Gas Food Service Equipment

Safety Requirements for Temporary Floors, Holes, Wall Openings, Stairways and Other Unprotected Edges in Construction and Demolition Operations


ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Known for their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASTM International standards have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing and trade in the global economy.

ASTM 615
Standard specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon Steel. This specification covers deformed and plain carbon steel bars for concrete reinforcement in cut lengths and coils.

Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dipped Galvanized) Coating on Iron and Steel Products.

Standard Specification for Seamless and Welded Stainless Steel Pipe.

Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless.

ASTM C1028-89
Static Coefficient of Friction Dry 0.65

Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient of Friction of Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method

Specification for Portland Cement, specifically Portland Cement Type 1, for use when the special properties specified for any other type are not required, and Portland Cement Type III, for use when high early strength's desired.

This practice provides standardized requirements for making, curing, protecting, and transporting concrete test specimens under field conditions.

This specification defines the requirements for grading and quality of fine and coarse aggregate for use in concrete.

These test methods cover procedures for the testing of varnished cotton fabrics and varnished cotton fabric tapes to be used as electrical insulation and are directly applicable to both "straight-cut" and "bias-cut" materials, unless otherwise stated in the test method.

Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension

Rubber and rubber products must resist the deterioration of physical properties with time caused by oxidative and thermal aging. This test method provides a way to assess these performance characteristics of rubber, under certain accelerated conditions as specified.

These test methods are useful in comparing stiffness of rubber materials in compression. They can be used by rubber technologists to aid in development of materials for compressive applications.

Standard Guide for Exposing and Testing Plastics that Degrade in the Environment by a Combination of Oxidation and Biodegradation.

Vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) often fail in service due to the generation and propagation of a special type of rupture called a tear. This test method measures the resistance to tearing action.

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration Using Artificial Weathering Apparatus

Standard Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and Sheeting

Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials-Sponge or Expanded Rubber

This test method covers the measurement of the force required to pull a tuft completely out of a pile yarn floor covering sample.

Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials - Poly (Vinyl Chloride) Foam (Closed-Cell)

Standard test method for static and kinetic coefficients of friction of plastic film and sheeting.

Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness

Standard Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)

Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials

Abrasion resistance tests are intended to measure the wear resistance properties of a material. This may be correlated to expected end use performance.

Standard Guide for Abrasion Resistance of Textile Fabrics (Rotary Platform, Double-Head Method)

Standard Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric

The grab test procedure in this test method for the determination of breaking force and elongation is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of most woven or nonwoven textile fabrics, and the modified grab test procedure is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of most woven textile fabrics, since the procedures have been used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing.

Standard Test Method for Accelerated Soiling of Pile Yarn Floor Covering.

Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics

The test result is an average critical radiant flux (watts/square cm) which indicates the level of radiant heat energy required to sustain flame propogation in the flooring system.

This test method is intended to provide only comparative measurements of surface flame spread and smoke density measurements with that of select grade red oak and fiber-cement board surfaces under the specific fire exposure conditions described herein.

Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use.

ASTM F1561-96 Class B
Performance Standard for Monobloc Plastic Chairs for Commercial Outdoor Use Chair must be able to hold a static load of 400 pounds for 30 minutes. Chair must be able to hold a static load of 400 pounds while tilted back 4 1/2 inches on its rear legs. Chair must be able to sustain a weight of 150 pounds dropped on its seat 10 times from a height of eight inches.

ASTM F 1858 Class B
Performance Standard for Multiposition Plastic Chairs for Outdoor Use Chair seat must be able to hold a static load of 400 pounds for 30 minutes. Chair back must be able to hold a weight of 150 pounds suspended from it for 60 minutes. Chair seat must be able to sustain a 150 pound weight dropped 10 times from a height of 6". Chair armrests must be able to sustain a weight of 250 pounds suspended from their front edges for 60 seconds

ASTM F 1838 Class B
Performance Standard for Monobloc Plastic Child Chairs for Commercial Outdoor Use Chair seat must be able to hold a static load of 150 pounds for 30 minutes. Chair back must be able to hold a static load of 150 pounds while tilted back 3 inches on its rear legs . Chair must be able to sustain a weight of 60 pounds dropped on its seat 10 times from a height of eight inches.

ASTM F 1988-99 Class B
Performance Standard for Plastic Chaise Lounges for Commercial Outdoor Use Chaise seat must be able to hold a static load of 400 pounds for 30 minutes. Chaise back, while in the furthest reclining position, must be able to hold a static load of 150 pounds for 60 minutes. Chaise leg rest must be able to sustain a weight of 400 pounds for 30 minutes. Chaise seat must be able to sustain a 150 pound weight dropped 10 times from a height of 8". Chaise leg rest must be able to sustain a 150 pound weight dropped 10 times from a height of 8". Chaise armrests must be able to support a 250 pound weight resting on the center point of the arms.


The CE marking (an acronym for the French "Conformité Européenne") certifies that a product has met EU health, safety, and environmental requirements, which ensure consumer safety. Manufacturers in the European Union (EU) and abroad must meet CE marking requirements where applicable in order to market their products in Europe.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard or can injure children.


Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs;
Standard for the Surface Flammability of Small Carpets and Rugs

Guidelines for Public Playgrounds, publication #325.
An excellent guide for owners and operators of public play enviroments.


California State Fire Marshal listing is obtained for various types of containers once tested (by independent testing laboratories) against specific criteria. Following our receipt of the UL and/or FM approval for those Items, the results were submitted/accepted by California. The State of California is generally regarded to have the most stringent fire codes of all the United States.

Decorative Waste products that are UL Listed, FM Approved Fire-Safe/Self-Extinguishing and UL Classified are listed by the Malformed State Fire Marshal pursuant to section 13144.1 of the California Health and Safety Code. See CSFM Listing No. 4480-0460:125 (formerly: 4480-1025:100)

Factory Mutual is an independent testing agency whose approvals are based on Standard 6921 Combustible Waste Containers. Standard 6921 is performance criteria for containers with covers (lids) and their ability to withstand internal fires, maintain a certain range of stability, if dumped, and stay intact over a wide temperature range. Standard 6920 is performance criteria for Oily Waste Containers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a legislative mandate under Title 49 of the United States Code, Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety, to issue Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Regulations to which manufacturers of motor vehicle and equipment items must conform and certify compliance. These Federal safety standards are regulations written in terms of minimum safety performance requirements for motor vehicles or items of motor vehicle equipment.

Flammability of Interior Materials - Passenger Cars, Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles, Trucks, and Buses. This standard specifies burn resistance requirements for materials used in the occupant compartments of motor vehicles. Its purpose is to reduce deaths and injuries to motor vehicle occupants caused by vehicle fires, especially those originating in the interior of the vehicle from sources such as matches or cigarettes.


LEED®

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

Our Steel and Aluminum products comply with the National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code #101, section #31, which states wastebaskets and other waste containers shall be noncombustible.

Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films.


NSF/ANSI Standard 4: Commercial Cooking, Rethermalization and Powered Hot Food Holding, and Transport Equipment Ranges, ovens, deep fat fryers, fat filters, griddles, broilers, steam and pressure cookers, steam jacketed kettles, toasters, rotisseries, hot beverage makers and component water heating equipment, proof boxes or cabinets, hot food holding and transport cabinets, rethermalization units, etc.

NSF/ANSI Standard 61: Drinking Water System Components Health Effects is the standard that establishes minimum health effects requirements for materials, components, products or systems that contact drinking water, drinking water treatment chemicals or both.

Decorative Waste products comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard for Occupational Safety and Health Part 1910.141 Sanitation.

Defenders Step Cans and Medi-Cans comply with OSHA Standard for Blood borne Pathogens, Final Rule 29CFS, Part 19101030.
All UL Listed/ FM Approved Fire-Safe/ Self-Extinguishing steel receptacles comply with the following Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 Nursing Home Reform Legislation Regulations:

Quality of Life-483.15(h)(1) Environment. Dietary Service-483.35(h)(3) Disposal of Garbage and Refuse. Infection Control Program (c) Storage of Linen. Physical Environment-483.70(a) Life Safety From Fire (g)(2) Smoking Areas

Underwriters Laboratory. The UL Classified baskets (2540, 2541, 2542, 2543, 2544) meet the criteria for UL Standard 242 which is a standard of performance for open top, non-metallic wastepaper containers. UL classified baskets are generally found in use in patient care rooms (hospitals/nursing homes).

Decorative Receptacle products that are UL Classified have been tested and approved only to burning paper containment and resistance to temperature rise of surrounding surfaces.

Decorative Receptacle products that are UL Listed / FM Approved / Fire-Safe / Self-Extinguishing have been tested and approved for the fire-safe containment of dry flammable paper waste products
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