Fuel Can Group Gives Flame Mitigation Update to Commissioners

Representatives of the Portable Fuel Container Manufacturers Association (PFCMA) October 13 sought guidance on compliance issues and discussed the ASTM F15.10 flame mitigation task group’s progress with CPSC commissioners. PSL attended the session with Chairman Elliot Kaye's office.

Compliance Issues: Harold Cunningham, PFCMA chairman of the board demonstrated three non-compliant products now on the market and asked Chairman Kaye for assistance. He first showed a spout accessory marketed as offering better performance but, he said, without regard to safety. He also noted that the manufacturer offered on-line videos with step-by-step instructions to modify the container.

Kaye asked if accessories like spouts were covered by existing mandatory requirements and heard that spouts instead are covered under the voluntary standard, F852. Kaye said this was a potential 15(j) opportunity and that he would discuss the issue with compliance staff.

Kaye recommended that in regards to the second product, a metal fuel container designed for industrial or commercial use that is not child proof (but sold next to compliant containers), PFCMA should discuss the issue directly with the retailers. He commented, “I find it can be a good idea. Large retailers would like to know these issues and you should share concerns about foreseeable misuse.”

Hal Stratton, former CPSC chairman and current counsel to PFCMA added that the container manufacturers were claiming OSHA compliance so believed that they were therefore exempt from other regulations.

The group briefly discussed a third product, an oversized plastic container meant for on-track auto racing yet sold at consumer retailers. Participants agreed that asking the retailers to move them to contractor areas of stores was a good first step.

Flame Mitigation: Phil Monckton, PFCMA president offered an update the work of the ASTM F15.10 task group, describing the group’s three phases:

• Understand and Define: With approximately 2 ounces of fuel, vapors can ignite, causing an explosion within a container.

   

• Prevention: Monckton expressed concern that metal screens could cause sparks from static electricity. A nylon filter screen from a generator offers promise.

   

• Real World: The group is looking at how mitigation devices stand up to various situations (see related story in this issue).

The PFCMA representatives also shared their intention for increased communication and transparency between their industry and CPSC staff.