Standardization News

The increasing popularity of low energy air, or airsoft, guns has led to the development of standards for equipment and consumer warnings since the formation of Subcommittee F08.27 on Airsoft in 2007. Now, two new airsoft standards focus on commercial playing area operation and player safety briefings.

F2940, Practice for Airsoft Field Operation, and F2941, Practice for Airsoft Play Safety Briefing, were both developed by Subcommittee F08.27, which is part of ASTM International Committee F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities.

"These two standards provide airsoft tactical games operators guidance as to best practices to assist them in running safe airsoft activities in a controlled setting," says Michael Lukas, director of global sourcing, Crosman Corp., and an F08.27 member.

Lukas notes that F2940 provides best practices for field layout, player equipment requirements, minimum engagement distances, chronograph procedures and other key elements of field operation. F2941 includes guidelines for the pre-activity safety briefing that is necessary to educate players on proper conduct, safe engagement distances and other important safety considerations. The two standards are designed to complement each other.

Commercial airsoft game sites throughout the world will be the primary users of F2940 and F2941. Lukas notes that many insurance providers will require adherence to these standards for coverage. Similar action was taken by insurance providers for paintball facilities after the publication of two standards developed by Subcommittee F08.24 on Paintball and Equipment.

All parties interested in the ongoing development of airsoft standards are invited to join F08.27.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: Michael Lukas, Crosman Corp. • Bloomfield, N.Y. • Phone: 585-410-5159 | ASTM Staff: Rick Lake • Phone: 610-832-9689 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 13-15 • November Committee Week • Jacksonville, Fla.