Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Disposable Cigarette Lighter Accidents And Safety Regulations

Abstract

Millions Of Disposable Cigarette Lighters Are Manufactured And Distributed To Consumers. To Mitigate The Danger From This Profuse Source Of Fires The Industry Relies On A Consensus Astm International Safety Standard Which Can Be Referenced By Forensic Engineers When Investigating The Causes Of Serious Burn Accidents. Because Young Children Constitute The Majority Of Abusers, As Well As Victims, The Uscpsc Promulgated Mandatory, But Complicated, Requirements For Ensuring Availability Of Child Resistant Cigarette Lighters. Several Cases Are Described, Including The Explosion Of Molded Plastic Cigarette Lighter Casings Traced To Defects Which Resulted In Bleve Excessive Fuel Pressure And Heat Generated Structural Failures.