Repeating the same steps over and over will not make recalls more effective, CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye told consumer group representatives March 11. This came in an update meeting that touched on many issues important to those organizations. He said he is hoping for new ideas at an upcoming agency workshop on better recalls (PSL, 3/7/16).
He also stressed that the focus should not be on one entity bearing responsibility; the work should cover all roles. On the other hand, he noted that ideas for CPSC's part should consider its statutory powers; it would be a waste to focus too much on what it is not allowed to do. He stressed that he did not want to see the issue repeat past patterns of attention and then going away for a few years. The agency held a series of brainstorming sessions 13 years ago (PSL, 9/15/03).
As for timing, the agency is targeting summer, but that is ambitious, explained Executive Director Patricia Adkins. She said the necessary steps need to be "mapped back" from a possible June date to see if it is possible. She stressed that it is important to ensure all the needed stakeholders are represented, adding that those who are interested should contact the Chairman's office.
Some other highlights of the session, included:
- Crumb Rubber: CPSC doesn't see the recently-begun project with other agencies (PSL, 2/22/16) as the end of its effort, so expect carryover into 2017. EPA has done some literature review work, but CPSC is receptive to more information. The other agencies are farther along and have more resources to use than CPSC.
- Liquid Nicotine: After the effective date of CSPC's new PPPA jurisdiction over the substance (PSL, 2/1/16), it will approach the matter as a compliance issue. Ami Gadhia, of the American Academy of Pediatrics suggested her members might be likely to serve as "extra cops on the beat" given their concern about poisoning incidents.
- Hoverboards: There is some consumer confusion in the absence of recalls, said Consumer Federation of America's Rachel Weintraub. She sought more on what consumers should do next. Kids in Danger's Nancy Cowles suggested that consumers are taking a wait-and-see approach to units they already possess. The agency recently insisted (PSL, 2/22/16) that products must comply with the electrical and fire provisions the recently-crated UL 2272 outline, but there have been no recalls so far. CPSC Communications Director Scott Wolfson said that information provided by CPSC has had numerous iterations as the situation has developed, and he stressed that the goal has been to be as strong and clear as possible.
- Flame Retardants: CPSC staffers are going though input on the petition to ban non-polymeric additive organohalogen from both comments and a hearing last year (PSL, 12/14/15). But it would accept additional information.
- Phthalates: There was a large volume of technical information in comments (PSL, 8/24/15) on work towards a rulemaking, which is taking a while to process, but the goal is to have a briefing package by the end of FY2016.
- Window Coverings: There is optimism for progress (PSL, 3/7/16), but concerns spelled out by CPSC staff still stand as far as voluntary standard work goes.
