To improve lighter safety, two ISO standards have been revised to help reduce the risks of open flame in pocket lighters and utility types of that have a longer reach. The common element in pocket- and utility-types of lighters is a plastic reservoir filled with pressurized flammable gas. This presents a danger if the lighter has not been designed and manufactured properly.
ISO 9994 and ISO 22702 have been revised to contribute to reducing hazards concerning pocket lighters and utility types of lighter.
ISO 9994 sets the basic safety requirements for pocket lighters—specifically maximum flame height, drop resistance, resistance to high temperatures, internal pressure and continuous burning. The standard was first introduced in 1989 and has been reviewed and updated to continually keep pace with the latest technology.
ISO 22702 first appeared in 2003 to cover longer-reach lighters commonly known as utility lighters, grill lighters, fireplace lighters, lighting rods or gas matches.
According to Steve Burkhart, the project leader and convenor of the ISO working group responsible for both International Standards, the new revisions make significant contributions to reducing hazards.
“ISO 9994 now includes requirements for flame height as well as the maximum quantity of fuel that can be stored, while ISO 22702 provides additional testing requirements that relate to the specific way in which they’re used,” Burkhart said.