Did you know that many home fires start with small ignition sources like matches? Ensuring safety and quality in everyday products like matches, is of paramount concern for consumers and regulatory bodies alike. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) monitors safety matches in accordance with the requirements of the National Standard – GYS 28:2006 – ‘Specification for Safety Matches,’ to ensure conformance. This is a regional Standard which was adopted from CARICOM to safeguard users and ensure the reliable performance of safety matches.
The National Standard defines a match as a product comprising of a splint with a head which will ignite when struck against a friction surface. The splint part of the match is made of a cardboard or wooden combustible stick which provide support during combustion and fuel its continued burning. The document specifies the requirements for the performance, sampling, packaging, and labelling of this product while also prescribing the criteria for the purchase of match splints from suppliers.
Safety matches, commonly used in households and various industries, pose significant risks if not manufactured to precise specifications. Poor quality matches can lead to accidental fires, injuries, and other hazardous incidents. As such, it is crucial that all safety matches conform to the requirements of the National Standard.
Importantly, the standard specifies that matches shall ignite without delay and no more than one shall fail to ignite when struck. It further states that no more than five percent (5%) of the match heads shall explode or drop hot ash during ignition or show breakage. Also, the flame shall transfer from head to splint to at least one-third of its length.
As it relates to match boxes, the National Standard pointed out that they should be of good workmanship free from: damage such as crushed, broken or torn containers, loosely fitted boxes and twisted or swollen boxes exposing match heads. In addition, the friction surface shall be uniformly distributed ending at least 2mm from each edge of the shorter side of the box.
Adherence to these comprehensive guidelines is essential for manufacturers to produce safety matches that are both effective and safe for use by consumers. Using the National Standard, the GNBS inspects safety matches for labelling including
Name of the manufacturer, importer or distributor, country of origin, average number of matches per box and cautionary warning indicating precautions that may need to be taken; “Close box before striking” and “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”. Inspectors of the Product Compliance Department conduct regular monitoring and inspection of safety matches at sales outlet and on importation.
Users of the product are also encouraged to inspect the product properly and look for adherence to the labelling requirements when purchasing safety matches to ensure they are choosing products that prioritise their safety.
The GNBS remains committed to upholding the safety and quality standards of products. Importers, manufacturers and distributors of safety matches are encouraged to acquire a copy of the National Standard to further enhance their commitment to quality.
