Product Safety Education: CPSC and the U.K.s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) – separately – will offer seminars aimed at improving understanding of their respective requirements. CPSC's session will be September 17-18 in Guangzhou China and will target buyers and sourcing professionals in the textile/ apparel and electronics sectors. Learn more via the South China American Chamber of Commerce at bit.ly/315f6bi. The OPSS event is September 23 in London and will involve risk reduction and supply chain control. Learn more via Electrical Safety First at bit.ly/2GGSgzj.
Chemicals: CPSC July 31 posted 10 contractor reviews of chemicals under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). For the most part, the reports – all by the University of Cincinnati – did not find information or evidence of acute toxicity from various exposure mechanisms although there were some cases of insufficient data for assessment. Some reports covered numerous substances, mainly plasticizers. In all cases, CPSC staffers attached memos to the reports saying that the reviews were first steps towards potential further risk assessment under the FHSA. The memos do not address any next steps. Find the documents under the "Chemicals" section of CPSC's technical reports page (bit.ly/2ytxChB).
PFAS: Twenty state attorneys general plus those from Guam and Washington, D.C. July 30 urged congressional attention to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Their joint letter (on.ny.gov/2Oxp2ZS) voiced concern with the environmental persistence of the substances and risks to kidney, liver, thyroid and immune systems. The AGs from California and New York led the move. Cited products included nonstick cookware and wrinkle-resistant clothing.
Car Seats: Observed child-restraint use in 2018 for children aged 0- years was at 90.4%, according to an August 1 report from NHTSA. That compares to 92.8% the year before. Monitoring activity showed two statistically significant declines, according to the report (bit.ly/2Kmlq7T): use in the West region fell to 93.7% from 97.6%, and use during weekday non-rush hours fell to 86.9% from 94.3%. The document also covers seatbelt use for all age groups.
Anchoring: CPSC is planning to survey about 600 parents and caregivers of children ages 0-5 years about their furniture/TV anchoring behavior. Also targeted will be their related beliefs and attitudes and awareness of the agency's Anchor It! campaign. The goal is improved educational efforts. Commissioners unanimously approved (bit.ly/2SYbdSM) notice of the activity. Comments regarding OMB information collection approval are due September 3 – see bit.ly/2OIYTaq.
OHVs: Consumer Federation of America (CFA) July 30 emphasized there have been 97 recalls of Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) since 2010. It said the top three years were 2016 (14), 2017 (24), and 2018 (17) and that incomplete 2019 has eight. For the full period (January 1, 2010 to July 29, 2019), recalled OHVs were associated with 71 known injuries. CFA called for CPSC to investigate why there are more recalls in recent than in earlier years (bit.ly/334YrGG).
Strollers: Commissioners voted 5-0 (bit.ly/2SW0OXU) to update the Section 104 rule at 16 CFR 1227 to reflect changes in ASTM F833-19, including on accessible foam and static load tests (PSL, 7/29/19).
Flooring: Commissioners voted 3-2 (bit.ly/2yxuxwV) on party lines to deny a petition that sought mandatory rules. Agency staff had urged the move, saying (PSL, 7/29/19) the request did not resolve issues in a previous, similar petition. Commissioner Elliot Kaye issued a dissent, saying (bit.ly/2LUBa4S) floor slips merit attention and the agency would not be bound to follow the petition's requested direction.
Consumer Education: Additional materials from the U.K. Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) – on button batteries, fireworks, Halloween, and Christmas – are available at bit.ly/2KmnNHP. The agency recently (PSL, 2/29/19) put out posters and brochures on unsafe counterfeits of summer products.
Hot Car Deaths: NHTSA July 31 said (bit.ly/2HM7bZO) 44% of deaths involved caregivers who meant to drop children off at daycare or preschool and that incidents are most frequent the end of the work week.
Vinyl Gloves: The Ecology Center said its recent review found about 14% contain phthalates and that use is prevalent for food contact in fast-food restaurants (two of every three sites), raising concerns about migration. See its statement and get the report at bit.ly/334EmQN.
CPSC-Administered Recalls |
Product | Date1 | Company | Hazard | Units2 | Incidents Reported | Sold | Price | Action |
Inclined Sleepers: BT055CSY Eddie Bauer Slumber and Soothe Bassinet | 7/31/19 | Dorel | Rollover while unrestrained | 24,000 | None | Nov 2014-Feb 2017 | $60 | Refunds |
Rattles: LB5000, LB5001, LB5002, LB5003, LB5004, LB5005, LB5006, LB5007 | 7/31/19 | London Bridge | Rattles can detach from socks/bands | 7,500 | One but no injuries | Jan 2019-May 2019 | $7 | Refunds |
Trampolines: 14-foot and 16-foot combo with enclosures | 8/1/19 | Super Jumper | Railing/leg welds can fail | 23,000 (C:860) | 97 with four injuries | Nov 2011-Jun 2019 | $200-$400 | Repair kits |
Trivets: Magnetic for Copper Chef 10-Piece Cerami-Tech Nonstick Cookware Sets | 7/30/19 | Tristar Products | Magnets can detach | 350,000 | One swallowed magnet requiring surgery | Oct 2017-Oct 2018 | $10 alone; $75-$120 sets | Replacements |
Wireless Chargers: Spansive Source multi-phone | 7/26/19 | Spansive | Attached metallic items can overheat | 950 | One but no injuries | May 2019 | $200 | Refunds |
1 Dates in parentheses are original dates for reannouncements. 2Numbers in parentheses are units in joint recalls with Health Canada (C) and/or Mexico’s Profeco (M). (U)=unspecified |
CPSC Calendar * |
When | CPSCers | With | Topic | Where | To Learn More |
8/5/19 3:00p | Hope Nesteruk and others | ASTM F15.18 | Play yards scope | Teleconference | Nesteruk, hnesteruk@cpsc.gov |
8/7/19 11:00a | Kristen Talcott and others | ASTM F15.17 | Strollers with tricycle modes | Teleconference | Talcott, ktalcott@cpsc.gov |
8/7/19 12:00p | Hope Nesteruk and others | ASTM F15.21 | Infant sling dynamic tests | Teleconference | Nesteruk, hnesteruk@cpsc.gov |
8/7/19 1:00p | Tim Smith and others | ASTM F15.19 | Infant bedding | Teleconference | Smith, tsmith@cpsc.gov |
8/7/19 3:00p | Hope Nesteruk and others | ASTM F15.21 | Soft infant carrier leg openings | Teleconference | Nesteruk, hnesteruk@cpsc.gov |
8/8/19 9:00a | Andrew Lock and others | Interested parties | Upholstered furniture flammability | Rockville, Md | LSEMeetings@cpsc.gov or Lock, alock@cpsc.gov |
8/8/19 10:00a | Janet Buyer and others | Interested parties | Portable generators and carbon monoxide | Rockville, Md. | Buyer, jbuyer@cpsc.gov |
8/8/19 11:00a | Kris Hatlelid | ASTM F15.24 | Children's jewelry | Teleconference | Hatlelid, khatlelid@cpsc.gov |
8/9/19 3:00p | Doug Lee and others | ASTM F15 | Connected devices | Teleconference | Lee, dlee@cpsc.gov |
8/12/19 11:00a | Kevin Lee | ASTM F15.76 | Cabinet locks/latches | Teleconference | Lee, klee@cpsc.gov |
8/12/19 3:00p | Hope Nesteruk and others | ASTM F15.21 | Infant slings ad hoc wording | Teleconference | Nesteruk, hnesteruk@cpsc.gov |
8/13/19 1:00p | Hope Nesteruk and others | ASTM F15.21 | Soft infant carrier fastener strength | Teleconference | Nesteruk, hnesteruk@cpsc.gov |
8/15/19 3:00p | Kristen Talcott and others | ASTM F15.17 | Jogging stroller wheel detachments | Teleconference | Talcott, ktalcott@cpsc.gov |
* (w) = webcast will be available on CPSC website; underscored names are commissioners; times are local; teleconferences are EST/EDT. |
ASTM Proposals |
Subject | (Work Item) Standard | Related to | Contact |
Infant Bathers | (WK69273) F3343-19, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bathers | Unspecified ad hoc updates | Molly Lynyak, mlynyak@astm.org |
| (WK69274) F3343-19, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bathers | Product definition | |
Infant Rockers | (WK69262) F3084-18, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant and Infant/Toddler Rockers | Batteries | Molly Lynyak, mlynyak@astm.org |
Play Equipment | (WK69250) F1487-17, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use | Banister rails and gliders | Molly Lynyak, mlynyak@astm.org |
ASTM New, Reapproved and Revised Standards |
Subject | Standard | Contact |
Floor Surfaces | E648-19, Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source | Tom O'Toole, totoole@astm.org |
Playground Surfaces | F2223-19, Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing | Joe Koury, jkoury@astm.org |
UL Proposals and Outlines |
Subject | Date | Standard | Related to | Contact |
A/V Cabinets | 7/26/19 | UL 2416, Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment Cabinet, Enclosure and Rack Systems | Unspecified | Theresa.Espejo@ul.org |
Circuit Cables | 7/26/19 | UL 13, Power-Limited Circuit Cables | Correction of -LS reference | Joshua.Johnson@ul.org |
Circuit Protectors | 7/26/19 | UL 497A, Secondary Protectors for Communications Circuits | Unspecified | Theresa.Espejo@ul.org |
Comm. Circuits | 7/26/19 | UL 1863, Communications-Circuit Accessories | Unspecified | Theresa.Espejo@ul.org |
Conduit/Fittings | 7/26/19 | UL 651, Schedule 40, 80, Type EB and A Rigid PVC Conduit and Fittings | Wire performance tests, more | Joshua.Johnson@ul.org |
Dimming Controls | 7/31/19 | UL 1472, Solid-State Dimming Controls | Replacement/retrofit application | Derrick.L.Martin@ul.org |
Door/Gate Operators | 7/26/19 | UL 325, Door,Drapery,Gate,Louver,and Window Operators and Systems | Unspecified | Amy.K.Walker@ul.org |
Fire Pumps | 7/26/19 | UL 1247, Diesel Engines for Driving Stationary Fire Pumps | Alternator output, more | Griff.Edwards@ul.org |
Heat Alarms | 7/26/19 | UL 539, Single and Multiple Station Heat Alarms | Unspecified | Paul.E.Lloret@ul.org |
LED Equipment | 7/26/19 | UL 8750, Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products | Unspecified | Ross.Wilson@ul.org |
LP Gas Containers | 7/26/19 | UL 644, Container Assemblies for LP-Gas | Reaffirmation | Jeffrey.Prusko@ul.org |
Luminaires | 7/26/19 | UL 1598, Luminaires | Unspecified | AnneMarie.Jacobs@ul.org |
Photographic Gear | 7/26/19 | UL 122, Photographic Equipment | Unspecified | Grace.Roh@ul.org |
UL New Editions and Revised Standards |
Subject | Date | Standard | Contact |
AFCIs | 7/29/19 | UL 1699, Standard for Safety for Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters | Patricia.A.Sena@ul.org |
Fuses | 7/31/19 | UL 248-5, Low-Voltage Fuses - Part 5: Class G Fuse | Mitchell.Gold@ul.org |
| 7/31/19 | UL 248-6, Low-Voltage Fuses - Part 6: Class H Non-Renewable Fuses | |
| 7/31/19 | UL 248-7, Low-Voltage Fuses - Part 7: Class H Renewable Fuses | |
LEDs | 7/30/19 | UL 8750, Light Emitting Diode (LED) Equipment for Use in Lighting Products | Ross.Wilson@ul.org |
Non-U.S. Recalls |
Country | Product | Date | Company | Hazard | Incidents Reported | Units | Sold | Action |
Australia | Basketball Rings: B4250 heavy duty | 8/1/19 | Regent Sporting Goods | No warning labels or installation instructions | (U) | (U) | May 2018-Apr 2019 | Refundsornew instructions |
| Carabiner: Simond Rocky | 7/31/19 | Decathlon Australia | Screw-gate might be installed upside down | (U) | (U) | Dec 2018-Jul 2019 | Refunds |
| Dining Chairs: Tara and Toto | 8/1/19 | Fantastic Furniture | Instability | (U) | (U) | Dec 2015-May 2019 | Repairs or exchanges |
| Jacks: Torin trolley, bottle, and axle stand | 8/1/19 | Cannon Tools | Incorrect use labels | (U) | (U) | Apr 2017-Mar 2019 | Replacement labels |
| Pacifier Chains: Dummy Clip/Chain | 7/29/19 | Hallie & Moo | Noncompliant length | (U) | (U) | Apr 2019-Jul 2019 | Refunds |
| Pool Noodles: NABAIJI, various colors | 7/28/19 | Decathlon | Missing safety labels | (U) | (U) | Dec 2017-Jul 2019 | Refunds |
| Utility Tractors: 2025R | 7/28/19 | Deere & Company | Incorrect safety labels | (U) | (U) | Dec 2017-Feb 2019 | Repairs |
Canada | Speaker Mounts: Mount-Play5 wall | 8/1/19 | Vivo | Front ledge can loosen | None in Canada; 3 in U.S. but no injuries | 170 | Mar 2018-Jun 2019 | Repair kits or refunds |
| Trampolines: 14-foot and 16-foot TP-14, TP-14CO and TP-16CO | 8/1/19 | Super Jumper | Railing/leg welds can fail | None in Canada; 95 in US with 4 injuries | 860 | Jan 2017-Aug 2018 | Repair kits |
New Zealand | Bath Robes: Sweet & Soft children's | 7/30/19 | NZ Sale | Flammability noncompliance | (U) | (U) | Mar 2018-Dec 2018 | Refunds plus NZ$20 credit |
| Cardigan Sets: Sweet & Soft 5-pice babies' | 7/30/19 | NZ Sale | Flammability noncompliance | (U) | (U) | May 2018-Dec 2018 | Refunds plus NZ$20 credit |
| Electric Bicycles: Porteur & Cortland | 7/31/19 | Faraday Bicycles | Seat posts can break | (U) | (U) | (U) | Replacement posts |
| Pajamas: Sweet & Soft children's | 7/30/19 | NZ Sale | Flammability noncompliance | (U) | (U) | Aug 2017-Mar 2019 | Refunds plus NZ$20 credit |
| Pants: Sweet & Soft 1-pack children's | 7/30/19 | NZ Sale | Flammability noncompliance | (U) | (U) | May 2018-Jun 2018 | Refunds plus NZ$20 credit |
| Ponchos: Unicorn, Minnie, Cat | 7/26/19 | The Warehouse | Drawstring and pompons can tangle | (U) | (U) | Apr 2019-Jul 2019 | Refunds |
(U) = Unspecified in the notice. |
EU Safety Gate (RAPEX) Notices Issued July 26 (Report 30) |
Country | Product (number of notices) | Hazard | Action |
Austria | Dolls: E-Classy Baby Cute Amiable | DEHP | Voluntary withdrawal |
Belgium | Baby Slings: Tula TBCA9W50 and TBCA9W61 | Tearing and missing weight labels | Mandatory recall |
Cyprus | Dresses: 4 Ans unknown model girls' | Functional waist cords | Mandatory withdrawal |
| Dresses: Top Wear unknown model girls' | Functional waist cords | Mandatory withdrawal |
Czech | ACs: Sencor SAC MT1221CH and MT1222CH | Damaged wiring | Voluntary withdrawal/recall |
Republic | Games: Penguin Race 616-2 | Lead and cadmium in solder | Mandatory withdrawal |
Estonia | Toy Horses: Beauty Horse NGHE 684049 | DEHP | Voluntary withdrawal |
Finland | Baby Wash: Urtekram All-Over Wash 83593 | Bacteria | Ban |
France | LED Bulbs: Deco-Light 140.607E | Inadequate insulation | Voluntary recall |
Germany | Gloves: Roeckl Classic Driver Peccary 11013-942 | Chromium VI | Mandatory withdrawal/recall |
| Gloves: Roeckl Power Color 13011-004 | Chromium VI | Mandatory withdrawal/recall |
| Necklaces: Leslii Be Fashioned Halskette | Cadmium | Voluntary recall |
| Shoes: Staro Paris 318-K11167B children's | Nickel in rivets | Voluntary withdrawal |
| Toy Balls: Fun Trading Mesh Ball Rainbow 4747 | Bacteria in liquid | Voluntary withdrawal |
Hungary | Battery Chargers: Global Henry YH-BCP1204S | Flammable wire insulation | Mandatory withdrawal/recall |
| USB Chargers: Flextronics A1265 | Inadequate insulation | Mandatory withdrawal |
Ireland | Hair Color: Ayumi Naturals Henna Powder | Bacteria | Voluntary destruction |
| Hair Color: Ayumi Naturals Shikakai Powder | Bacteria | Voluntary destruction |
Italy | Hairdryers: Tec One 8888 | Unspecified fire risk | Mandatory withdrawal |
Lithuania | Rattles: Chick Rattle 667 | Long handle, small parts | Mandatory withdrawal |
Luxembourg | Slime Toys: RT Beheer BV The Slick Slimys | Boron | Ban |
Poland | Toy Cash Registers: Wandisi BB152004/1611P | Lead and cadmium in solder | Voluntary withdrawal |
| Toy Drums: Super Music | No quick release on strap | Voluntary withdrawal |
| Toy Phones: Chimstar B1471113/QF366-007A | Lead and cadmium in solder | Voluntary withdrawal |
| Toy Police Sets Toys Group Force Police | Suction cup detach | Voluntary withdrawal |
| USB Chargers: Selty CX-03 | Inadequate insulation, more | Voluntary withdrawal |
Slovakia | Earrings: Fashion Jewelry unknown model | Nickel | Import rejection |
| Plush Toys: Pepco Toys Hug Me Honey | Accessible stuffing | Mandatory withdrawal/recall |
| Plush Toys: Unknown brand A9496D2V360A406 | Nose and suction cup detach | Mandatory withdrawal/recall |
| Plush Toys: Unknown brand MH-173498 | Eyes and suction cups detach | Mandatory withdrawal/recall |
| Plush Toys: Unknown brand SPC181641 | Eyes/nose/suction cups detach | Mandatory withdrawal/recall |
Sweden | Changing Tables: Carena Tornö L-8001554-0000 | Stitching can break | Voluntary recall |
U.K. | Plush Toys: Toy Sharing Bunny 001 | Accessible stuffing | Import rejection |
