CPSC Chairman Outlines 2010 Top Priorities, Cautions Business
In a speech before the International Consumer Product Health & Safety Organization on February 17, 2010, Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Tenenbaum outlined her top priorities for 2010, issued certain warnings for manufacturers of consumer products, etc.
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
CPSC's Top Priorities for 2010
Chairman Tenenbaum states that her top priorities for CPSC in 2010 include:
Completing CPSIA rulemakings. CPSC will continue its work to complete pending Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 rulemakings on:
defining what a "children's product" is under CPSIA;
establishing rules for what is reasonable testing, and
promulgating more of the mandatory infant/toddler product safety rules.
New crib standards. CPSC is carrying out a multipronged "Safe Sleep" initiative for babies and toddlers. As part of that initiative, in 2010, CPSC staff will begin rulemaking to mandate new performance standards for cribs. Chairman Tenenbaum states that CPSC is working closely with ASTM1 on this standard, however if ASTM stalls or fails to approve key elements, then CPSC will act independently. The Chairman states that either way, there will be a new federal safety standard for cribs this year.
Product incident database. CPSC plans certain modernization in 2010, including work on the public, searchable product incident database and a new Consumer Product Safety Risk Management System that will improve agency efficiencies and take in more data. CPSC will also open a new testing facility with new, modern equipment.
Unblockable drain & minority campaigns. CPSC will be implementing an expansive information and education campaign tied to unblockable drains and the Pool and Spa Safety Act. It will also be carrying out a separate, minority outreach campaign.
Operational review & strategic plan. In 2010, CPSC will conduct an operational review and create a new five-year strategic plan.
Will Explore Component Testing, Assist in Consideration of CPSIA Amendments
Chairman Tenenbaum added that CPSC is going to keep pursuing component testing (for CPSIA testing and certification of children's products) and exploring other cost savings options for small businesses, but noted that the CPSIA covers all companies, big and small, for good reason.
She also stated that CPSC will continue to be responsive to Congress as they consider options and possible amendments to the CPSIA.
Firms Must Stop Blaming Consumers in Recall Notices, Accept Public Database, Etc.
Chairman Tenenbaum also had certain harsh words for industry. Among other things, she warned that consumer product manufacturers would be "called out" for attempting to blame parents in the press when CPSC announces a recall of their product that involves a death.
Regarding the public database, Chairman Tenenbaum warned industry to stop fighting old battles and start getting prepared, as this time next year, the database will be activated.
To those who sit on voluntary standards committees, Chairman Tenenbaum suggested "stepping up" to enhance those standards now. Even beyond the CPSIA, where a voluntary standard is not being complied with or is not working to protect consumers, the Chairman has directed staff to explore federal rulemaking.
1ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world.
CPSC Chairman Tenenbaum's speech (posted 02/18/10) available at http://www.cpsc.gov/PR/tenenbaum02172010.html