ASTM F2553-16(2020)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Warnings on Refillable CO2 Cylinders Used In the Sport of Paintball
Standard Specification for Warnings on Refillable CO<inf>2</inf> Cylinders Used In the Sport of Paintball
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 This specification specifies the minimum warnings and instructions that are to be provided on the CO2 cylinder itself.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers warnings used on refillable CO2 cylinders with a threaded interface used in the sport of paintball.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Mar-2020
- Technical Committee
- F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
- Drafting Committee
- F08.24 - Paintball and Equipment
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
Overview
ASTM F2553-16(2020), Standard Specification for Warnings on Refillable CO₂ Cylinders Used In the Sport of Paintball, is an internationally recognized standard designed to enhance safety in the sport of paintball. This ASTM standard establishes the minimum requirements for warnings and instructions that must appear directly on refillable CO₂ cylinders with a threaded interface. By setting consistent labeling guidelines, the standard helps reduce the risk of accidents during the use, refilling, storage, and disposal of paintball CO₂ cylinders.
Key Topics
- Mandatory Markings: Specifies the content and visibility of required warnings and instructions, including critical safety alerts and operational notices.
- Label Formatting: Defines label content such as signal words (“WARNING” or “DANGER”) and the use of contrasting colors and minimum font sizes for readability.
- Prominent Safety Information: Includes explicit warnings about explosion hazards, the risks of improper handling, and proper procedures in the event of valve or cylinder malfunction.
- Filling and Repair: Stipulates that only trained personnel may fill, repair, or install valves, referencing industry-standard guidelines for such procedures.
- User Instructions: Covers essential behaviors such as not exceeding the cylinder’s marked CO₂ capacity, avoiding exposure to high temperatures, proper cylinder disposal, and the need to keep cylinders away from children.
- Manufacturer Identification: Requires each cylinder or assembly to display the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer information.
- No False Claims of Compliance: Paintball CO₂ cylinders must not claim ASTM F2553 conformance unless all requirements are met at manufacture.
Applications
ASTM F2553 is directly applicable to the following:
- CO₂ Cylinder Manufacturers and Distributors: Ensures products are marked with standardized warnings and information, promoting safe use within the paintball industry.
- Paintball Field Operators: Helps facilities maintain compliance with safety standards by only employing cylinders with appropriate markings, improving player and staff safety.
- Retailers & Refilling Stations: Provides guidance for choosing and handling paintball CO₂ cylinders to minimize liability and comply with best practices.
- End Users (Players): Instructs players on the risks and necessary precautions when using refillable CO₂ cylinders, supporting a safer sporting environment.
Adhering to this standard contributes to injury prevention, legal compliance, and consumer confidence by establishing a clear, uniform approach to hazard communication and operational instructions.
Related Standards
ASTM F2553 aligns with broader safety and handling guidelines for compressed gases, including:
- CGAPamphlets P-1, C-6, G-6.8, and AV-7: Industry documents referenced for training requirements on cylinder filling, handling, and maintenance procedures.
- ASTM F08 Series: Additional ASTM standards related to sports equipment, playing surfaces, and facilities.
- International Standards: Developed per recognized principles from the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring global relevance and acceptance.
- Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standards: Guidelines for the safe storage and usage of compressed gas cylinders across industries.
By meeting ASTM F2553-16(2020) requirements, organizations and individuals help ensure that refillable paintball CO₂ cylinders are clearly labeled for safe use, supporting hazard prevention and regulatory compliance throughout the paintball community.
Keywords: ASTM F2553, CO₂ cylinder warning, paintball safety, refillable CO₂ cylinder, sports equipment standards, hazard labeling
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ASTM F2553-16(2020) - Standard Specification for Warnings on Refillable CO<inf>2</inf> Cylinders Used In the Sport of Paintball
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F2553-16(2020) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Warnings on Refillable CO<inf>2</inf> Cylinders Used In the Sport of Paintball". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 2.1 This specification specifies the minimum warnings and instructions that are to be provided on the CO2 cylinder itself. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers warnings used on refillable CO2 cylinders with a threaded interface used in the sport of paintball. 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 2.1 This specification specifies the minimum warnings and instructions that are to be provided on the CO2 cylinder itself. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers warnings used on refillable CO2 cylinders with a threaded interface used in the sport of paintball. 1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM F2553-16(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.220.01 - Sports equipment and facilities in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F2553-16(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F2553-16, ASTM F3100-15(2023), ASTM F1777-19(2023), ASTM F2856-12(2020), ASTM F2748-19. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F2553-16(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:F2553 −16 (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Warnings on Refillable CO Cylinders Used In the Sport of
Paintball
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2553; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.1.3 Instructions to look at valve when removing the
cylinder.
1.1 This specification covers warnings used on refillable
4.1.4 Instructions to stop if valve starts to unscrew from the
CO cylinders with a threaded interface used in the sport of
cylinder.
paintball.
4.1.5 Instructions to screw it back on and immediately
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
contact the manufacturer for instructions for repair if the valve
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
does start to unscrew from the cylinder.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.6 Markings must include a graphic similar to that shown
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
in Fig. 1.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 All CO cylinders used in the sport of paintball shall be
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- 2
prominently and durably marked to convey the following:
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.2.1 A warning that the cylinder is an explosion hazard.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.2.2 Notice that improper use, filling, storage or disposal
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
may result in property damage, serious personal injury, or
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
death.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.2.3 Noticethatthecylindermustbefilledonlybyproperly
trained personnel in accordance with CGAPamphlets P-l, C-6,
2. Significance and Use
G-6.8, and AV-7.
2.1 This specification specifies the minimum warnings and
4.2.4 Notice that valves must be installed or repaired only
instructions that are to be provided on the CO cylinder itself.
by trained personnel.
4.2.5 Instructions to not exceed the cylinder’s marked CO
3. Conformance
capacity.
3.1 PaintballCO cylindersshallnot,eitherbylabelorother
4.2.6 Notice to not expose to temperatures exceeding 130°F
means, indicate conformance with this specification unless, at
when pressurized.
the time of manufacture, they conform with all applicable
4.2.7 Notice to not use caustic cleaners or strippers.
requirements contained herein.
4.2.8 Instructions to not modify the valve or cylinder in any
way.
4. Product Marking
4.2.9 Notice to not remove or cover the label.
4.1 Refillable CO cylinders used in the sport of paintball
4.2.10 Notice that the cylinder must be destroyed if exposed
that utilize a pin valve, which is of a design such that if the
to fire or heated to a temperature exceeding 350°F.
value is unscrewed from the cylinder the CO gas under
4.2.11 Notice to keep cylinder out of reach of children
pressure is immediately released, shall be prominently and
without proper supervision.
durably marked to convey the following cautionary statement:
4.3 Markings must include the maximum CO capacity of
4.1.1 A signal word such as “WARNING” or “DANGER”.
the cylinder in a prominent manner.
4.1.2 A war
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