Members of the broom-and-mop industry met on Oct. 9, 2001, at ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pa., to initiate standard labeling and package requirements for brooms and mops. Stakeholders at the meeting formed ASTM Subcommittee F15.54 on Brooms and Mops to organize this activity.

Does the label on a broom or mop accurately describe its contents? Descriptions of broomcorn; natural, blended, or mixed fiber; plastics, or filler can vary among manufacturers, raising questions about truth in advertising.

ASTM Subcommittee F15.54 will develop a standard labeling system that:

• Classifies brooms and mops according to their material content; and
• Provides uniform wording for product labels.

The subcommittee encourages consumers and other stakeholders to participate in the development of these standards. Other issues such as handle strength and sweep paths may be addressed in the future.

John A. Blair, chairman, ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products, and Kenneth R. Hutton, executive director, American Brush Manufacturers Association, Phila., Pa., will co-chair the subcommittee. Present members include:

• Broom and mop manufacturers;
• Distributors and suppliers;
• Bulk end-users from contract cleaning services, school districts, and hospitals; and
• Professional association members.

To participate, contact Ken Hutton, American Brush Manufacturers Association, Phila., Pa., (phone: 215/564-3484, ext. 215). For further details about ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products, contact Kathie Morgan, technical committee director (phone: 610/832-9721). //

Copyright 2002, ASTM