Setting standards

UL, a global safety science company, said yesterday that Joyetech, a global manufacturer of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, had become the first organization to certify to UL 8139, a safety standard that evaluates the electrical and battery systems of ‘vaping devices and electronic cigarettes’. The certification was issued to Joyetech’s vapor pen, eGO AIO.
In a press note issued through PR Newswire, UL said it had recently published ANSI/CAN/UL 8139, Electrical Systems of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices, which had been recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), covering the electrical, heating, battery and charging systems of these products. The development of UL 8139 addressed also specific fire safety concerns raised by North American fire officials.
“UL strives to help manufacturers bring safer products to market and empower consumer trust,” said Ghislain Devouge, vice president and general manager for UL’s Consumer Technology division. “UL 8139 is a collaborative effort with government agencies and industry stakeholders to further enhance consumer safety.”
The testing requirements for UL 8139 evaluate the safety of the electrical, heating, battery and charging systems, but the standard does not address devices that have removable battery cells, e-cigarette consumables or the long-term or physiological effects of the consumables.
Joshua Church, chief compliance officer for the Joyetech Group, said Joyetech strived to be a leader in the ENDS [electronic nicotine-delivery system] industry and was constantly looking for ways to ensure the safety of its high-end technology. “For us, this UL 8139 certification is a validation of our commitment to using scientific and expert methods to test our products,” he said. “For our customers, it illustrates our dedication to providing greater peace of mind.”
Meanwhile, Maggie Gowen, executive director of the Global Vaping Standards Association, a non-profit trade group, said the Association had been working toward the introduction of safety standards such as UL 8139 that helped manufacturers bring the best products to the consumer. “Our membership base is dedicated to pursuing higher quality standards, especially those that cover hardware and battery design, she said”