CPSC Recall regulations
These regulations govern recalls under section 15(b) of the Consumer Product
Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2064(b))
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 16, Volume 2, Parts 1000 to end]
[Revised as of January 1, 1998]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 16CFR1115]
[Page 157-172]
TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES
CHAPTER II--CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
PART 1115--SUBSTANTIAL PRODUCT HAZARD REPORTS
Subpart A--General Interpretation
Sec.
1115.1 Purpose.
1115.2 Scope and finding.
1115.3 Definitions.
1115.4 Defect.
1115.5 Reporting of failures to comply with a voluntary consumer
product safety standard relied upon by the Commission under
section 9 of the CPSA.
1115.6 Reporting of unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
1115.7 Relation to other provisions.
1115.8-1115.9 [Reserved]
1115.10 Persons who must report and where to report.
1115.11 Imputed knowledge.
1115.12 Information which should be reported; evaluating substantial
product hazard.
1115.13 Content and form of reports; delegations of authority.
1115.14 Time computations.
1115.15 Confidentiality and disclosure of data.
Subpart B--Remedial Actions and Sanctions
1115.20 Voluntary remedial actions.
1115.21 Compulsory remedial actions.
1115.22 Prohibited acts and sanctions.
Appendix to Part 1115--Voluntary Standards on Which the Commission Has
Relied Under Section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2061, 2064, 2065, 2066(a), 2068, 2069, 2070,
2071, 2073, 2076, 2079 and 2084.
Source: 43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General Interpretation
Sec. 1115.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this part 1115 is to set forth the Consumer Product
Safety Commission's (Commission's) interpretation of the reporting
requirements imposed on manufacturers (including importers),
distributors, and retailers by section 15(b) of the Consumer Product
Safety Act, as amended (CPSA) (15 U.S.C. 2064(b)) and to indicate the
actions and sanctions which the Commission may require or impose to
protect the public from substantial product hazards, as that term is
defined in section 15(a) of the CPSA.
Sec. 1115.2 Scope and finding.
(a) Section 15(a) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2064(a)) defines
substantial product hazard as either:
(1) A failure to comply with an applicable consumer product safety
rule, which failure creates a substantial risk of injury to the public,
or
(2) A product defect which (because of the pattern of defect, the
number of defective products distributed in commerce, the severity of
the risk, or otherwise) creates a substantial risk of injury to the
public.
(b) Section 15(b) of the CPSA requires every manufacturer (including
an importer), distributor, and retailer of a consumer product
distributed in commerce who obtains information which reasonably
supports the conclusion that the product fails to comply with an
applicable consumer product safety rule, fails to comply with a
voluntary consumer product safety standard upon which the Commission has
relied under section 9 of the CPSA, contains a defect which could create
a substantial product hazard described in subsection 15(a)(2) of the
CPSA, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or
[[Page 158]]
death, immediately to inform the Commission, unless the manufacturer
(including an importer), distributor or retailer has actual knowledge
that the Commission has been adequately informed of such failure to
comply, defect, or risk. This provision indicates that a broad spectrum
of safety related information should be reported under section 15(b) of
the CPSA.
(c) Sections 15 (c) and (d) of the CPSA, (15 U.S.C. 2064(c) and
(d)), empower the Commission to order a manufacturer (including an
importer), distributor, or retailer of a consumer product distributed in
commerce that presents a substantial product hazard to give various
forms of notice to the public of the defect or the failure to comply
and/or to order the subject firm to elect either to repair, to replace,
or to refund the purchase price of such product. However, information
which should be reported under section 15(b) of the CPSA does not
automatically indicate the presence of a substantial product hazard,
because what must be reported under section 15(b) are failures to comply
with consumer product safety rules or voluntary standards upon which the
Commission has relied under section 9, defects that could create a
substantial product hazard, and products which create an unreasonable
risk of serious injury or death. (See Sec. 1115.12.)
(d) The provisions of this part 1115 deal with all consumer products
(including imports) subject to regulation under the Consumer Product
Safety Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. 2051-2081) (CPSA), and the
Refrigerator Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 1211-1214) (RSA). In addition, the
Commission has found that risks of injury to the public from consumer
products subject to regulation under the Flammable Fabrics Act (15
U.S.C. 1191-1204) (FFA), the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C.
1261-1274) (FHSA), and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (15
U.S.C. 1471-1476) (PPPA) cannot be eliminated or reduced to a sufficient
extent in a timely fashion under those acts. Therefore, pursuant to
section 30(d) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2079(d)), manufacturers (including
importers), distributors, and retailers of consumer products which are
subject to regulation under provisions of the FFA, FHSA, and PPPA must
comply with the reporting requirements of section 15(b).
[43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978, as amended at 57 FR 34227, Aug. 4, 1992]
Sec. 1115.3 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions given in section 3 of the CPSA (15
U.S.C. 2052), the following definitions apply:
(a) Adequately informed under section 15(b) of the CPSA means that
the Commission staff has received the information requested under
Secs. 1115.12 and/or 1115.13 of this part insofar as it is reasonably
available and applicable or that the staff has informed the subject firm
that the staff is adequately informed.
(b) Commission meeting means the joint deliberations of at least a
majority of the Commission where such deliberations determine or result
in the conduct or disposition of official Commission business. This term
is synonymous with ``Commission meeting'' as defined in the Commission's
regulation issued under the Government in the Sunshine Act, 16 CFR part
1012.
(c) Noncompliance means the failure of a consumer product to comply
with an applicable consumer product safety rule or with a voluntary
consumer product safety standard upon which the Commission has relied
under section 9 of the CPSA.
(d) A person means a corporation, company, association, firm,
partnership, society, joint stock company, or individual.
(e) Staff means the staff of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
unless otherwise stated.
(f) Subject firm means any manufacturer (including an importer),
distributor, or retailer of a consumer product.
[43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978, as amended at 57 FR 34227, Aug. 4, 1992]
Sec. 1115.4 Defect.
Section 15(b)(2) of the CPSA requires every manufacturer (including
an importer), distributor, and retailer of a consumer product who
obtains information which reasonably supports the conclusion that the
product contains a defect which could create a substantial
product hazard to inform the Commission of such defect. Thus, whether
the information available reasonably suggests a defect is the first
determination which a subject firm must make in deciding whether it has
obtained information which must be reported to the Commission. In
determining whether it has obtained information which reasonably
supports the conclusion that its consumer product contains a defect, a
subject firm may be guided by the criteria the Commission and staff use
in determining whether a defect exists. At a minimum, defect includes
the dictionary or commonly accepted meaning of the word. Thus, a defect
is a fault, flaw, or irregularity that causes weakness, failure, or
inadequacy in form or function. A defect, for example, may be the result
of a manufacturing or production error; that is, the consumer product as
manufactured is not in the form intended by, or fails to perform in
accordance with, its design. In addition, the design of and the
materials used in a consumer product may also result in a defect. Thus,
a product may contain a defect even if the product is manufactured
exactly in accordance with its design and specifications, if the design
presents a risk of injury to the public. A design defect may also be
present if the risk of injury occurs as a result of the operation or use
of the product or the failure of the product to operate as intended. A
defect can also occur in a product's contents, construction, finish,
packaging, warnings, and/or instructions. With respect to instructions,
a consumer product may contain a defect if the instructions for assembly
or use could allow the product, otherwise safely designed and
manufactured, to present a risk of injury. To assist subject firms in
understanding the concept of defect as used in the CPSA, the following
examples are offered:
(a) An electric appliance presents a shock hazard because, through a
manufacturing error, its casing can be electrically charged by full-line
voltage. This product contains a defect as a result of manufacturing or
production error.
(b) Shoes labeled and marketed for long-distance running are so
designed that they might cause or contribute to the causing of muscle or
tendon injury if used for long-distance running. The shoes are defective
due to the labeling and marketing.
(c) A kite made of electrically conductive material presents a risk
of electrocution if it is long enough to become entangled in power lines
and be within reach from the ground. The electrically conductive
material contributes both to the beauty of the kite and the hazard it
presents. The kite contains a design defect.
(d) A power tool is not accompanied by adequate instructions and
safety warnings. Reasonably foreseeable consumer use or misuse, based in
part on the lack of adequate instructions and safety warnings, could
result in injury. Although there are no reports of injury, the product
contains a defect because of the inadequate warnings and instructions.
(e) An exhaust fan for home garages is advertised as activating when
carbon monoxide fumes reach a dangerous level but does not exhaust when
fumes have reached the dangerous level. Although the cause of the
failure to exhaust is not known, the exhaust fan is defective because
users rely on the fan to remove the fumes and the fan does not do so.
However, not all products which present a risk of injury are defective.
For example, a knife has a sharp blade and is capable of seriously
injuring someone. This very sharpness, how- ever, is necessary if the
knife is to function adequately. The knife does not contain a defect
insofar as the sharpness of its blade is concerned, despite its
potential for causing injury, because the risk of injury is outweighed
by the usefulness of the product which is made possible by the same
aspect which presents the risk of injury. In determining whether the
risk of injury associated with a product is the type of risk which will
render the product defective, the Commission and staff will consider, as
appropriate: The utility of the product involved; the nature of the risk
of injury which the product presents; the necessity for the product; the
population exposed to the product and its risk of injury; the
Commission's own experience and expertise; the case law interpreting
Federal and State public health and safety statutes; the case law in the area of
products liability; and other factors relevant to the determination. If
the information available to a subject firm does not reasonably support
the conclusion that a defect exists, the subject firm need not report.
However, if the information does reasonably support the conclusion that
a defect exists, the subject firm must then consider whether that defect
could create a substantial product hazard. (See Sec. 1115.12(f) for
factors to be assessed in determining whether a substantial product
hazard could exist.) If the subject firm determines that the defect
could create a substantial product hazard, the subject firm must report
to the Commission. Most defects could present a substantial product
hazard if the public is exposed to significant numbers of defective
products or if the possible injury is serious or is likely to occur.
Since the extent of public exposure and/or the likelihood or seriousness
of injury are ordinarily not known at the time a defect first manifests
itself, subject firms are urged to report if in doubt as to whether a
defect could present a substantial product hazard. On a case-by-case
basis the Commission and the staff will determine whether a defect
within the meaning of section 15 of the CPSA does, in fact, exist and
whether that defect presents a substantial product hazard. Since a
consumer product may be defective even if it is designed, manufactured,
and marketed exactly as intended by a subject firm, subject firms should
report if in doubt as to whether a defect exists. Defect, as discussed
in this section and as used by the Commission and staff, pertains only
to interpreting and enforcing the Consumer Product Safety Act. The
criteria and discussion in this section are not intended to apply to any
other area of the law.
Sec. 1115.5 Reporting of failures to comply with a voluntary consumer
product safety standard relied upon by the Commission under
section 9 of the CPSA.
(a) General provision. Under the CPSA, the Commission may rely on
voluntary standards in lieu of developing mandatory ones. In recognition
of the role of voluntary standards under the CPSA, section 15(b)(1)
requires reports if a product fails to comply with a voluntary standard
``upon which the Commission has relied under section 9'' of the CPSA.
The Commission has relied upon a voluntary consumer product safety
standard under section 9 of the CPSA if, since August 13, 1981 it has
terminated a rulemaking proceeding or withdrawn an existing consumer
product safety rule because it explicitly determined that an existing
voluntary standard, or portion(s) thereof, is likely to result in an
adequate reduction of the risk of injury and it is likely there will be
substantial compliance with that voluntary standard. (See appendix to
this part 1115 for a list of such voluntary standards.) This provision
applies only when the Commission relies upon a voluntary standard in a
rulemaking proceeding under section 9 of the CPSA. In evaluating whether
or not to rely upon an existing voluntary standard, the Commission shall
adhere to all the procedural safeguards currently required under the
provisions of the CPSA, including publication in the Federal Register of
the Commission's intent to rely upon a voluntary standard in order to
provide the public with a fair opportunity to comment upon such proposed
action.
(b) Reporting requirement. A firm must report under this section if
it has distributed in commerce, subsequent to the effective date of the
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 (November 16, 1990), a
product that does not conform to a voluntary standard or portion(s) of a
voluntary standard relied upon by the Commission since August 13, 1981.
If the Commission relied upon only a portion(s) of a voluntary standard,
a firm must report under this section only nonconformance with the
portion(s) of the voluntary standard relied upon by the Commission.
Pursuant to section 7(b)(2) of the CPSA, the Commission shall monitor
any modifications of a voluntary standard upon which it has relied and
determine, as a matter of policy, at the time any substantive safety
related modification is adopted, whether it shall continue to rely upon
the former standard or whether it shall rely, subsequently, upon the
modified
[[Page 161]]
standard. The Commission shall publish such decisions in the Federal
Register. Until the Commission makes such a decision, subject firms need
not report under this provision a product which complies with either the
original version of the voluntary standard relied upon by the Commission
or the new version of the standard. A firm must continue to evaluate
whether deviations from other portions of a voluntary standard, or other
voluntary standards not relied upon by the Commission, either constitute
a defect which could create a substantial product hazard or create an
unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
[57 FR 34228, Aug. 4, 1992; 57 FR 39597, Sept. 1, 1992]
Sec. 1115.6 Reporting of unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
(a) General provision. Every manufacturer, distributor, and retailer
of a consumer product distributed in commerce who obtains information
which reasonably supports the conclusion that its product creates an
unreasonable risk of serious injury or death is required to notify the
Commission immediately. 15 U.S.C. 2064(b)(3). The requirement that
notification occur when a responsible party ``obtains information which
reasonably supports the conclusion that'' its product creates an
unreasonable risk of serious injury or death is intended to require
firms to report even when no final determination of the risk is
possible. Firms must carefully analyze the information they obtain to
determine whether such information ``reasonably supports'' a
determination that the product creates an unreasonable risk of serious
injury or death. (See Sec. 1115.12(f) for a discussion of the kinds of
information that firms must study and evaluate to determine whether they
have an obligation to report.) Firms that obtain information indicating
that their products present an unreasonable risk of serious injury or
death should not wait for such serious injury or death to actually occur
before reporting. Such information can include reports from experts,
test reports, product liability lawsuits or claims, consumer or customer
complaints, quality control data, scientific or epidemiological studies,
reports of injury, information from other firms or governmental
entities, and other relevant information. While such information shall
not trigger a per se reporting requirement, in its evaluation of whether
a subject firm is required to file a report under the provisions of
section 15 of the CPSA, the Commission shall attach considerable
significance if such firm learns that a court or jury has determined
that one of its products has caused a serious injury or death and a
reasonable person could conclude based on the lawsuit and other
information obtained by the firm that the product creates an
unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
(b) Unreasonable risk. The use of the term ``unreasonable risk''
suggests that the risk of injury presented by a product should be
evaluated to determine if that risk is a reasonable one. In determining
whether a product presents an unreasonable risk, the firm should examine
the utility of the product, or the utility of the aspect of the product
that causes the risk, the level of exposure of consumers to the risk,
the nature and severity of the hazard presented, and the likelihood of
resulting serious injury or death. In its analysis, the firm should also
evaluate the state of the manufacturing or scientific art, the
availability of alternative designs or products, and the feasibility of
eliminating the risk. The Commission expects firms to report if a
reasonable person could conclude given the information available that a
product creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. In its
evaluation of whether a subject firm is required to file a report under
the provisions of section 15 of the CPSA the Commission shall, as a
practical matter, attach considerable significance if such firm obtains
information which reasonably supports the conclusion that its product
violates a standard or ban promulgated under the FHSA, FFA, PPPA or RSA
and the violation could result in serious injury or death.
(c) Serious injury or death. The term ``serious injury'' is not
defined in the CPSA. The Commission believes that the term includes not
only the concept of ``grievous bodily injury,'' defined at
[[Page 162]]
Sec. 1115.12(d), but also any other significant injury. Injuries
necessitating hospitalization which require actual medical or surgical
treatment, fractures, lacerations requiring sutures, concussions,
injuries to the eye, ear, or internal organs requiring medical
treatment, and injuries necessitating absence from school or work of
more than one day are examples of situations in which the Commission
shall presume that such a serious injury has occurred. To determine
whether an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death exists, the firm
should evaluate chronic or long term health effects as well as immediate
injuries.
[57 FR 34228, Aug. 4, 1992]
Sec. 1115.7 Relation to other provisions.
The reporting requirements of section 37 of the CPSA (15 U.S.C.
2084) are in addition to the requirement in section 15 of the CPSA.
Section 37 requires a product manufacturer to report certain kinds of
lawsuit information. It is intended as a supplement to, not a substitute
for, the requirements of section 15(b) of the CPSA. Whether or not a
firm has an obligation to provide information under section 37, it must
consider whether it has obtained information which reasonably supports
the conclusion that its product violates a consumer product safety rule,
does not comply with a voluntary safety standard upon which the
Commission has relied under section 9, contains a defect which could
create a substantial product hazard, or creates an unreasonable risk of
serious injury or death. If a firm has obtained such information, it
must report under section 15(b) of the CPSA, whether or not it is
required to report under section 37. Further, in many cases the
Commission would expect to receive reports under section 15(b) long
before the obligation to report under section 37 arises since firms have
frequently obtained reportable information before settlements or
judgments in their product liability lawsuits.
[57 FR 34229, Aug. 4, 1992]
Secs. 1115.8-1115.9 [Reserved]
Sec. 1115.10 Persons who must report and where to report.
(a) Every manufacturer (including importer), distributor, or
retailer of a consumer product that has been distributed in commerce who
obtains information that such consumer product contains a defect which
could create a substantial risk of injury to the public shall
immediately notify the Office of Compliance, Division of Corrective
Actions, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207
(telephone: 301-504-0608), or such other persons as may be designated.
Manufacturers (including importers), distributors, and retailers of
consumer products subject to regulation by the Commission under
provisions of the FFA, FHSA, PPPA, as well as consumer products subject
to regulation under the CPSA and RSA, must comply with this requirement.
(b) Every manufacturer (including importer), distributor, or
retailer of a consumer product that has been distributed in commerce who
obtains information that such consumer product fails to comply with an
applicable consumer product safety standard or ban issued under the CPSA
shall immediately notify the Commission's Office of Compliance and
Enforcement, Division of Corrective Actions or such other persons as may
be designated. A subject firm need not report a failure to comply with a
standard or regulation issued under the provisions of the RSA, FFA,
FHSA, or PPPA unless it can be reasonably concluded that the failure to
comply results in a defect which could create a substantial product
hazard. (See paragraph (a) of this section.)
(c) Every manufacturer (including importer), distributor, and
retailer of a consumer product that has been distributed in commerce who
obtains information that such consumer product fails to comply with a
voluntary consumer product safety standard upon which the Commission has
relied under section 9 of the CPSA, shall immediately notify the
Commission's Office
[[Page 163]]
of Compliance and Enforcement, Division of Corrective Actions or such
other persons as may be designated.
(d) Every manufacturer (including importer), distributor, and
retailer of a consumer product that has been distributed in commerce who
obtains information that such consumer product creates an unreasonable
risk of serious injury or death shall immediately notify the
Commission's Office of Compliance and Enforcement, Division of
Corrective Actions or such other persons as may be designated. This
obligation applies to manufacturers, distributors and retailers of
consumer products subject to regulation by the Commission under the
Flammable Fabrics Act, Federal Hazardous Substances Act, Poison
Prevention Packaging Act, and Refrigerator Safety Act as well as
products subject to regulation under the CPSA.
(e) A distributor or retailer of a consumer product (who is neither
a manufacturer nor an importer of that product) is subject to the
reporting requirements of section 15(b) of the CPSA but may satisfy them
by following the procedure detailed in Sec. 1115.13(b).
(f) A manufacturer (including an importer), distributor, or retailer
need not inform the Commission under section 15(b) of the CPSA if that
person has actual knowledge that the Commission has been adequately
informed of the defect or failure to comply. (See section 15(b) of the
CPSA.)
[43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978, as amended at 57 FR 34229, Aug. 4, 1992; 62
FR 46667, Sept. 4, 1997]
Sec. 1115.11 Imputed knowledge.
(a) In evaluating whether or when a subject firm should have
reported, the Commission will deem a subject firm to have obtained
reportable information when the information has been received by an
official or employee who may reasonably be expected to be capable of
appreciating the significance of the information. (See Sec. 1115.14(b).)
(b) In evaluating whether or when a subject firm should have
reported, the Commission will deem a subject firm to know what a
reasonable person acting in the circumstances in which the firm finds
itself would know. Thus, the subject firm shall be deemed to know what
it would have known if it had exercised due care to ascertain the truth
of complaints or other representations. This includes the knowledge a
firm would have if it conducted a reasonably expeditious investigation
in order to evaluate the reportability of a death or grievous bodily
injury or other information. (See Sec. 1115.14.)
Sec. 1115.12 Information which should be reported; evaluating
substantial product hazard.
(a) General. Subject firms should not delay reporting in order to
determine to a certainty the existence of a reportable noncompliance,
defect or unreasonable risk. The obligation to report arises upon
receipt of information from which one could reasonably conclude the
existence of a reportable noncompliance, defect which could create a
substantial product hazard, or unreasonable risk of serious injury or
death. Thus, an obligation to report may arise when a subject firm
received the first information regarding a potential hazard,
noncompliance or risk. (See Sec. 1115.14(c).) A subject firm in its
report to the Commission need not admit, or may specifically deny, that
the information it submits reasonably supports the conclusion that its
consumer product is noncomplying, contains a defect which could create a
substantial product hazard within the meaning of section 15(b) of the
CPSA, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. After
receiving the report, the staff may conduct further investigation and
will preliminarily determine whether the product reported upon presents
a substantial product hazard. This determination can be based on
information supplied by a subject firm or from any other source. If the
matter is adjudicated, the Commission will ultimately make the decision
as to substantial product hazard or will seek to have a court make the
decision as to imminent product hazard.
(b) Failure to comply. A subject firm must report information
indicating that a consumer product which it has distributed in commerce
does not comply with an applicable consumer product safety standard or
ban issued under the CPSA, or a voluntary consumer product safety
standard upon which
[[Page 164]]
the Commission has relied under section 9 of the CPSA.
(c) Unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. A subject firm
must report when it obtains information indicating that a consumer
product which it has distributed in commerce creates an unreasonable
risk of serious injury or death.
(d) Death or grievous bodily injury. Information indicating that a
noncompliance or a defect in a consumer product has caused, may have
caused, or contributed to the causing, or could cause or contribute to
the causing of a death or grievous bodily injury (e.g., mutilation,
amputation/dismemberment, disfigurement, loss of important bodily
functions, debilitating internal disorders, severe burns, severe
electrical shocks, and injuries likely to require extended
hospitalization) must be reported, unless the subject firm has
investigated and determined that the information is not reportable.
(e) Other information indicating a defect or noncompliance. Even if
there are no reports of a potential for or an actual death or grievous
bodily injury, other information may indicate a reportable defect or
noncompliance. In evaluating whether or when a subject firm should have
reported, the Commission will deem a subject firm to know what a
reasonable and prudent manufacturer (including an importer),
distributor, or retailer would know. (See Sec. 1115.11.)
(f) Information which should be studied and evaluated. Paragraphs
(f)(1) through (7) of this section are examples of information which a
subject firm should study and evaluate in order to determine whether it
is obligated to report under section 15(b) of the CPSA. This information
should be evaluated to determine whether it suggests the existence of a
noncompliance, a defect, or an unreasonable risk of serious injury or
death:
(1) Information about engineering, quality control, or production
data.
(2) Information about safety-related production or design change(s).
(3) Product liability suits and/or claims for personal injury or
damage.
(4) Information from an independent testing laboratory.
(5) Complaints from a consumer or consumer group.
(6) Information received from the Commission or other governmental
agency.
(7) Information received from other firms, including requests to
return a product or for replacement or credit. This includes both
requests made by distributors and retailers to the manufacturer and
requests from the manufacturer that products be returned.
(g) Evaluating substantial risk of injury. Information which should
be or has been reported under section 15(b) of the CPSA does not
automatically indicate the presence of a substantial product hazard. On
a case-by-case basis the Commission and the staff will determine whether
a defect or noncompliance exists and whether it results in a substantial
risk of injury to the public. In deciding whether to report, subject
firms may be guided by the following criteria the staff and the
Commission use in determining whether a substantial product hazard
exists:
(1) Hazard created by defect. Section 15(a)(2) of the CPSA lists
factors to be considered in determining whether a defect creates a
substantial risk of injury. These factors are set forth in the
disjunctive. Therefore, the exist- ence of any one of the factors could
create a substantial product hazard. The Commission and the staff will
consider some or all of the following factors, as appropriate, in
determining the substantiality of a hazard created by a product defect:
(i) Pattern of defect. The Commission and the staff will consider
whether the defect arises from the design, composition, contents,
construction, finish, packaging, warnings, or instructions of the
product or from some other cause and will consider the conditions under
which the defect manifests itself.
(ii) Number of defective products distributed in commerce. Even one
defective product can present a substantial risk of injury and provide a
basis for a substantial product hazard determination under section 15 of
the CPSA if the injury which might occur is serious and/or if the injury
is likely to occur. However, a few defective products with no potential
for causing serious injury and little likelihood of injuring even in a
[[Page 165]]
minor way will not ordinarily provide a proper basis for a substantial
product hazard determination.
(iii) Severity of the risk. A risk is severe if the injury which
might occur is serious and/or if the injury is likely to occur. In
considering the likelihood of any injury the Commission and the staff
will consider the number of injuries reported to have occurred, the
intended or reasonably foreseeable use or misuse of the product, and the
population group exposed to the product (e.g., children, elderly,
handicapped).
(iv) Other considerations. The Commission and the staff will
consider all other relevant factors.
(2) Hazard presented by noncompliance. Section 15(a)(1) of the CPSA
states that a substantial product hazard exists when a failure to comply
with an applicable consumer product safety rule creates a substantial
risk of injury to the public. Therefore, the Commission and staff will
consider whether the noncompliance is likely to result in injury when
determining whether the noncompliance creates a substantial product
hazard. As appropriate, the Commission and staff may consider some or
all of the factors set forth in paragraph (f)(1) of this section in
reaching the substantial product hazard determination.
[43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978, as amended at 57 FR 34229, Aug. 4, 1992]
Sec. 1115.13 Content and form of reports; delegations of authority.
(a) Written reports. The chief executive officer of the subject firm
should sign any written reports to the Commission under section 15(b) of
the CPSA unless this responsibility has been delegated by filing a
written delegation of authority with the Commission's Office of
Compliance and Enforcement, Division of Corrective Actions. Delegations
of authority filed with the Commission under Sec. 1115.9 of the previous
regulations interpreting section 15 of the CPSA will remain in effect
until revoked by the chief executive officer of the subject firm. The
delegation may be in the following form:
Delegation of Authority
(Name of company) __________________.
I ________________ hereby certify that I am Chief Executive Officer
of the above-named company and that as such I am authorized to sign
documents and to certify on behalf of said company the accuracy and
completeness of information in such documents.
Pursuant to the power vested in me, I hereby delegate all or, to the
extent indicated below, a portion of that authority to the person listed
below.
This delegation is effective until revoked in writing. Authority
delegated to:
(Name)_________________________________________________________________
(Address)______________________________________________________________
(Title)________________________________________________________________
Extent of authority: ______________________
Signed:
(Name)_________________________________________________________________
(Address)______________________________________________________________
(Title)________________________________________________________________
(b) Distributors and retailers. A distributor or retailer of a
product (who is neither a manufacturer nor an importer of that product)
satisfies the initial reporting requirements either by telephoning or
writing the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, Division of Corrective
Actions, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207, phone
301-504-0608; by sending a letter describing the noncompliance, defect
or risk of injury to the manufacturer (or importer) of the product and
sending a copy of the letter to the Commission's Division of Corrective
Actions; or by forwarding to the Commission's Division of Corrective
Actions reportable information received from another firm. A distributor
or retailer who receives reportable information from a manufacturer (or
importer) shall report to the Commission unless the manufacturer (or
importer) informs the distributor or retailer that a report has been
made to the Commission. A report under this paragraph should contain the
information detailed in paragraph (c) of this section insofar as it is
known to the distributor or retailer. Unless further information is
requested by the staff, this action will constitute a sufficient report
insofar as the distributor or retailer is concerned.
(c) Initial report. Immediately after a subject firm has obtained
information which reasonably supports the conclusion that a product
fails to comply with an applicable consumer product safety rule or a
voluntary standard, contains a defecat which could create a substantial
risk of serious injury or
[[Page 166]]
death, the subject firm should provide the Division of Corrective
Actions, Office of Compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission,
Washington, DC 20207 (telephone: 301-504-0608), with an initial report
containing the information listed in paragraphs (c) (1) through (6) of
this section. This initial report may be made by any means, but if it is
not in writing, it should be confirmed in writing within 48 hours of the
initial report. (See Sec. 1115.14 for time computations.) The initial
report should contain, insofar as is reasonably available and/or
applicable:
(1) An identification and description of the product.
(2) The name and address of the manufacturer (or importer) or, if
the manufacturer or importer is not known, the names and addresses of
all known distributors and retailers of the product.
(3) The nature and extent of the possible defect, the failure to
comply, or the risk.
(4) The nature and extent of the injury or risk of injury associated
with the product.
(5) The name and address of the person informing the Commission.
(6) To the extent such information is then reasonably available, the
data specified in Sec. 1115.13(d).
(d) Full report. Subject firms which file initial reports are
required to file full reports in accordance with this paragraph.
Retailers and distributors may satisfy their reporting obligations in
accordance with Sec. 1115.13(b). At any time after an initial report,
the staff may modify the requirements detailed in this section with
respect to any subject firm. If the staff preliminarily determines that
there is no substantial product hazard, it may inform the firm that its
reporting obligation has been fulfilled. However, a subject firm would
be required to report if it later became aware of new information
indicating a reportable defect, noncompliance, or risk, whether the new
information related to the same or another consumer product. Unless
modified by staff action, the following information, to the extent that
it is reasonably available and/or applicable, constitutes a ``full
report,'' must be submitted to the staff, and must be supplemented or
corrected as new or different information becomes known:
(1) The name, address, and title of the person submitting the ``full
report'' to the Commission.
(2) The name and address of the manufacturer (or importer) of the
product and the addresses of the manufacturing plants for that product.
(3) An identification and description of the product(s). Give retail
prices, model numbers, serial numbers, and date codes. Describe any
identifying marks and their location on the product. Provide a picture
or a sample of the product.
(4) A description of the nature of the defect, failure to comply, or
risk. If technical drawings, test results, schematics, diagrams,
blueprints, or other graphic depictions are available, attach copies.
(5) The nature of the injury or the possible injury associated with
the product defect, failure to comply, or risk.
(6) The manner in which and the date when the information about the
defect, noncompliance, or risk (e.g., complaints, reported injuries,
quality control testing) was obtained. If any complaints related to the
safety of the product or any allegations or reports of injuries
associated with the product have been received, copies of such
complaints or reports (or a summary thereof) shall be attached. Give a
chronological account of facts or events leading to the report under
section 15(b) of the CPSA, beginning with receipt of the first
information which ultimately led to the report. Also included may be an
analysis of these facts or events.
(7) The total number of products and units involved.
(8) The dates when products and units were manufactured, imported,
distributed, and sold at retail.
(9) The number of products and units in each of the following: in
the possession of the manufacturer or importer, in the possession of
private labelers, in the possession of distributors, in the possession
of retailers, and in the possession of consumers.
(10) An explanation of any changes (e.g., designs, adjustments, and
additional parts, quality control, testing) that have been or will be
effected to
[[Page 167]]
correct the defect, failure to comply, or risk and of the steps that
have been or will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future
together with the timetable for implementing such changes and steps.
(11) Information that has been or will be given to purchasers,
including consumers, about the defect, noncompliance, or risk with a
description of how this information has been or will be communicated.
This shall include copies or drafts of any letters, press releases,
warning labels, or other written information that has been or will be
given to purchasers, including consumers.
(12) The details of and schedule for any contemplated refund,
replacement, or repair actions, including plans for disposing of
returned products (e.g., repair, destroy, return to foreign
manufacturer).
(13) A detailed explanation and description of the marketing and
distribution of the product from the manufacturer (including importer)
to the consumer (e.g., use of sales representatives, independent
contractors, and/or jobbers; installation of the product, if any, and by
whom).
(14) Upon request, the names and addresses of all distributors,
retailers, and purchasers, including consumers.
(15) Such further information necessary or appropriate to the
functions of the Commission as is requested by the staff.
[43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978, as amended at 57 FR 34229, Aug. 4, 1992]
Sec. 1115.14 Time computations.
(a) General. Weekends and holidays are excluded from the computation
of the time periods in this part.
(b) Imputing knowledge. In evaluating whether or when a firm should
have reported, the Commission shall impute to the subject firm knowledge
of product safety related information received by an official or
employee of a subject firm capable of appreciating the significance of
the information. Under ordinary circumstances, 5 days should be the
maximum reasonable time for information to reach the Chief Executive
Officer or the official or employee responsible for complying with the
reporting requirements of section 15(b) of the CPSA. The Commission will
impute knowledge possessed by the Chief Executive Officer or by the
official or employee responsible for complying with the reporting
requirements of section 15(b) of the CPSA simultaneously to the subject
firm.
(c) Time when obligation to report arises. The obligation to report
under section 15(b) of the CPSA may arise upon receipt by a subject firm
of the first information regarding a noncompliance, or a potential
hazard presented by a product defect, or an unreasonable risk.
Information giving rise to a reporting obligation may include, but is
not limited to, complaints, injury reports, quality control and
engineering data. A subject firm should not await complete or accurate
risk estimates before reporting under section 15(b) of CPSA. However, if
information is not clearly reportable, a subject firm may spend a
reasonable time for investigation and evaluation. (See Sec. 1115.14(d).)
(d) Time for investigation and evaluation. A subject firm may
conduct a reasonably expeditious investigation in order to evaluate the
reportability of a death or grievous bodily injury or other information.
This investigation and evaluation should not exceed 10 days unless a
firm can demonstrate that a longer period is reasonable. The Commission
will deem that, at the end of 10 days, a subject firm has received and
considered all information which would have been available to it had a
reasonable, expeditious, and diligent investigation been undertaken.
(e) Time to report. Immediately, that is, within 24 hours, after a
subject firm has obtained information which reasonably supports the
conclusion that its consumer product fails to comply with an applicable
consumer product safety rule or voluntary consumer product safety
standard, contains a defect which could create a substantial risk of
injury to the public, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury
or death, the firm should report. (See Sec. 1115.13.) If a firm elects
to conduct an investigation in order to evaluate the existence of
reportable information, the 24-hour period begins when the firm has
information which reasonably supports the conclusion that its consumer
[[Page 168]]
product fails to comply with an applicable consumer product safety rule
or voluntary consumer product safety standard upon which the Commission
has relied under section 9, contains a defect which could create a
substantial product hazard, or creates an unreasonable risk of serious
injury or death. Thus, a firm could report to the Commission before the
conclusion of a reasonably expeditious investigation and evaluation if
the reportable information becomes known during the course of the
investigation. In lieu of the investigation, the firm may report the
information immediately.
[43 FR 34998, Aug. 7, 1978, as amended at 57 FR 34230, Aug. 4, 1992]
Sec. 1115.15 Confidentiality and disclosure of data.
(a) General. The Commission does not routinely make reports
available to the public until the staff has made a preliminary hazard
determination. Copies of reports will not be available to the public in
the Commission's public reading room, and information contained in
reports will not ordinarily be disclosed to the public in the absence of
a formal request.
(b) Freedom of Information Act. Any person who submits information
to the Commission who believes that any portion of the information is
entitled to exemption from public disclosure under the provisions of the
Freedom of Information Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. 552(b)), of the CPSA,
as amended, or of another Federal statute must accompany the submission
with a written request that the information be considered exempt from
disclosure or indicate that a written request will be submitted within
10 working days of the submission. The request shall (1) identify the
portions of the information for which exemption is claimed, which may
include the identity of the reporting firm and the fact that it is
making a report, and (2) state the facts and reasons which support the
claimed exemption. After the staff has made its preliminary hazard
determination, and regardless of whether or not the staff preliminarily
determines that a product presents a substantial product hazard, the
Commission will no longer honor requests for exempt status for the
identity of the reporting firm, the identity of the consumer product,
and the nature of the reported alleged defect or noncompliance. This
information, together with the staff's preliminary hazard determination,
will be made available to the public in the Commission's public reading
room. Information for which exempt status is claimed (such as alleged
trade secrets, confidential commercial or financial information, or
information the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy) shall not be released to the public except
in accordance with the applicable statute or the Commission's Freedom of
Information Act regulations (16 CFR part 1015).
Sec. 1115.20 Voluntary remedial actions.
As appropriate, the Commission will attempt to protect the public
from substantial product hazards by seeking one or more of the following
voluntary remedies:
(a) Corrective action plans. A corrective action plan is a document,
signed by a subject firm, which sets forth the remedial action which the
firm will voluntarily undertake to protect the public, but which has no
legally binding effect. The Commission reserves
[[Page 170]]
the right to seek broader corrective action if it becomes aware of new
facts or if the corrective action plan does not sufficiently protect the
public.
(1) Corrective action plans shall include, as appropriate:
(i) A statement of the nature of the alleged hazard associated with
the product, including the nature of the alleged defect or noncompliance
and type(s) of injury or potential injury presented.
(ii) A detailed statement of the means to be employed to notify the
public of the alleged product hazard (e.g., letter, press release,
advertising), including an identification of the classes of persons who
will receive such notice and a copy or copies of the notice or notices
to be used.
(iii) A specification of model number and/or other appropriate
descriptions of the product.
(iv) Any necessary instructions regarding use or handling of the
product pending correction.
(v) An explanation of the specific cause of the alleged substantial
product hazard, if known.
(vi) A statement of the corrective action which will be or has been
taken to eliminate the alleged substantial product hazard. The firm
should indicate whether it is repairing or replacing the product or
refunding its purchase price. If products are to be returned to a
subject firm, the corrective action plan should indicate their
disposition (e.g., reworked, destroyed, returned to foreign
manufacturer). Samples of replacement products and relevant drawings and
test data for repairs or replacements should be available.
(vii) A statement of the steps that will be, or have been, taken to
reasonably prevent recurrence of the alleged substantial product hazard
in the future.
(viii) A statement of the action which will be undertaken to correct
product units in the distribution chain, including a timetable and
specific information about the number and location of such units.
(ix) The signatures of representatives of the subject firm.
(x) An acknowledgment by the subject firm that the Commission may
monitor the corrective action and that the firm will furnish necessary
information, including customer lists.
(xi) An agreement that the Commission may publicize the terms of the
plan to the extent necessary to inform the public of the nature and
extent of the alleged substantial product hazard and of the actions
being undertaken to correct the alleged hazard presented.
(xii) Additional points of agreement, as appropriate.
(xiii) If desired by the subject firm, the following statement or
its equivalent: ``The submission of this corrective action plan does not
constitute an admission by (the subject firm) that either reportable
information or a substantial product hazard exists.''
(xiv) An acknowledgment that the corrective action plan becomes
effective only upon its final acceptance by the Commission.
(2) In determining whether to recommend to the Commission acceptance
of a corrective action plan, the staff shall consider favorably both the
promptness of the subject firm's reporting and any remedial actions
taken by the subject firm in the interest of public safety. The staff
also shall consider, insofar as possible, prior involvement by the
subject firm in corrective action plans and Commission orders if such
involvement bears on the likelihood that the firm will comply fully with
the terms of the corrective action plan.
(3) Upon receipt of a corrective action plan and staff
recommendation, the Commission may:
(i) Approve the plan;
(ii) Reject the plan and issue a complaint (in which case an
administrative and/or judicial proceeding will be commenced); or
(iii) Take any other action necessary to insure that the plan is
adequate.
(4) When time permits and where practicable in the interest of
protecting the public, a summary of the plan shall be published in the
Commission's Public Calendar. Those portions of the plan that are not
restricted will be made available to the public in the Commission's
public reading room as much in advance of the Commission meeting as
practicable. Any interested person wishing to comment on the plan
[[Page 171]]
must file a Notice of Intent to Comment at least forty-eight (48) hours
prior to the commencement of the Commission meeting during which the
plan will be discussed. If no notices of intent are received, the
Commission may take final action on the plan. If such notice is received
within the time limits detailed above, the plan will, if practicable, be
docketed for the following week's agenda. All comments must be in
writing, and final written comments must be submitted at least forty-
eight (48) hours before that session.
(b) Consent order agreements under section 15 of CPSA. The consent
order agreement (agreement) is a document executed by a subject firm
(Consenting Party) and a Commission staff representative which
incorporates both a proposed complaint setting forth the staff's charges
and a proposed order by which such charges are resolved.
(1) Consent order agreements shall include, as appropriate:
(i) An admission of all jurisdictional facts by the Consenting
Party.
(ii) A waiver of any rights to an administrative or judicial hearing
and of any other procedural steps, including any rights to seek judicial
review or otherwise challenge or contest the validity of the
Commission's Order.
(iii) A statement that the agreement is in settlement of the staff's
charges.
(iv) A statement that the Commission's Order is issued under section
15 of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2064) and that a violation is a prohibited act
within the meaning of section 19(a)(5) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C.
2068(a)(5)) and may subject a violator to civil and/or criminal
penalties under sections 20 and 21 of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2069 and
2070).
(v) An acknowledgment that the Commission reserves its right to seek
sanctions for any violations of the reporting obligations of section
15(b) of CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2064(b)) and its right to take other
appropriate legal action.
(vi) An acknowledgment that the agreement becomes effective only
upon its final acceptance by the Commission and its service upon the
Consenting Party.
(vii) An acknowledgment that the Commission may disclose terms of
the consent order agreement to the public.
(viii) A listing of the acts or practices from which the Consenting
Party will refrain.
(ix) A statement that the Consenting Party shall perform certain
acts and practices pursuant to the agreement.
(x) An acknowledgment that any interested person may bring an action
pursuant to section 24 of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2073) in any U.S. district
court for the district in which the Consenting Party is found or
transacts business to enforce the order and to obtain appropriate
injunctive relief.
(xi) A description of the alleged substantial product hazard.
(xii) If desired by the Consenting Party, the following statement or
its equivalent: ``The signing of this consent order agreement does not
constitute an admission by (the Consenting Party) that either reportable
information or a substantial product hazard exists.''
(xiii) The elements of a corrective action plan as set forth in
Sec. 1115.20(a).
(2) At any time in the course of an investigation, the staff may
propose to a subject firm which is being investigated that some or all
of the allegations be resolved by a consent order agreement.
Additionally, such a proposal may be made to the staff by a subject
firm.
(3) Upon receiving an executed agreement, the Commission may:
(i) Provisionally accept it;
(ii) Reject it and issue a complaint (in which case an
administrative and/or judicial proceeding will be commenced); or
(iii) Take such other action as it may deem appropriate.
(4) If the consent order agreement is provisionally accepted, the
Commission shall place the agreement on the public record and shall
announce provisional acceptance of the agreement in the Commission's
public calendar and in the Federal Register. Any interested person may
request the Commission not to accept the agreement by filing a written
request in the Office of the Secretary. Such written request must be
received in the Office of the Secretary no later than the close of
business of the fifteenth (15th) calendar day following the date of
announcement in the Federal Register.
[[Page 172]]
(5) If the Commission does not receive any requests not to accept
the agreement within the time period specified above, the consent order
agreement shall be deemed finally accepted by the Commission on the
twentieth (20th) calendar day after the date of announcement in the
Federal Register, unless the Commission determines otherwise. However,
if the Commission does receive a request not to accept the consent order
agreement, then it will consider such request and vote on the
acceptability of such agreement or the desirability of further action.
After the consent order agreement is finally accepted, the Commission
may then issue its complaint and order in such form as the circumstances
may require. The order is a final order in disposition of the proceeding
and is effective immediately upon its service upon the Consenting Party
pursuant to the Commission's Rules of Practice for Adjudicative
Proceedings (16 CFR part 1025). The Consenting Party shall thereafter be
bound by and take immediate action in accordance with such final order.
(6) If the Commission does not accept the consent order agreement on
a final basis, it shall so notify the Consenting Party. Such
notification constitutes withdrawal of the Commission's provisional
acceptance unless the Commission orders otherwise. The Commission then
may:
(i) Issue a complaint, in which case an administrative and/or
judicial proceeding will be commenced;
(ii) Order further investigation; or
(iii) Take such other action as it may deem appropriate.
Sec. 1115.21 Compulsory remedial actions.
As appropriate, the Commission will attempt to protect the public
from hazards presented by consumer products by seeking one or more of
the following:
(a) Adjudicated Commission Order. An adjudicated Commission Order
under section 15 (c) or (d) of the CPSA may be issued after parties and
interested persons have had an opportunity for a hearing in accordance
with section 554 of title 5, United States Code, and with section 15(f)
of the CPSA. This hearing is governed by the Commission's Rules of
Practice for Adjudicative Proceedings (16 CFR part 1025).
(b) Injunctive relief. The Commission may apply to a U.S. district
court in accordance with the provisions of section 15(g) of the CPSA for
a preliminary injunction to restrain the distribution in commerce of a
product it has reason to believe presents a substantial product hazard.
The Commission may seek enforcement of its orders issued under sections
15 (c) and (d) of the CPSA in accordance with provisions of sections 22
and 27(b)(7) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2071 and 2076(b)(7)).
(c) Judicial determination of imminent hazard. The Commission may
file a complaint in a U.S. district court in accordance with the
provisions of section 12 of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2061).
(d) Orders of the Secretary of the Treasury. The Commission staff
may inform the Secretary of the Treasury that a consumer product offered
for importation into the customs territory of the United States fails to
comply with an applicable consumer product safety rule and/or has a
product defect which constitutes a substantial product hazard. The
Commission may request the Secretary of the Treasury under section 17 of
the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2066) to refuse admission to any such consumer
product.
Sec. 1115.22 Prohibited acts and sanctions.
(a) Statements generally. Whoever knowingly and willfully falsifies,
or conceals a material fact in a report under the CPSA and rules
thereunder, is subject to criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 1001.
(b) Timeliness and adequacy of reporting. A failure to inform the
Commission immediately and adequately, as required by section 15(b) of
the CPSA, is a prohibited act within section 19(a)(4) of the CPSA (15
U.S.C. 2068(a)(4)).
(c) Failure to make reports. The failure or refusal to make reports
or provide information as required under the CPSA is a prohibited act
within the meaning of section 19(a)(3) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C.
2068(a)(3)).
[[Page 173]]
(d) Noncomplying products. The manufacture for sale, offering for
sale, distribution in commerce, and/or importation into the United
States of a consumer product which is not in conformity with an
applicable consumer product safety rule under CPSA is a prohibited act
within the meaning of sections 19 (a)(1) and (a)(2) of the CPSA (15
U.S.C. 2068 (a)(1) and (a)(2)).
(e) Orders issued under section 15 (c) and/or (d). The failure to
comply with an order issued under section 15 (c) and/or (d) of the CPSA
is a prohibited act within the meaning of section 19(a)(5) of the CPSA
(15 U.S.C. 2068(a)(5)).
(f) Consequences of engaging in prohibited acts. A knowing violation
of section 19(a) of the CPSA subjects the violator to a civil penalty in
accordance with section 20 of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2069). ``Knowing,'' as
defined in section 20(c) of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2069(c)), means the
having of actual knowledge or the presumed having of knowledge deemed to
be possessed by a reasonable person who acts in the circumstances,
including knowledge obtainable upon the exercise of due care to
ascertain the truth of representations. A knowing and willful violation
of section 19(a), after the violator has received notice of
noncompliance, subjects the violator to criminal penalties in accordance
with section 21 of the CPSA (15 U.S.C. 2070).
Appendix to Part 1115--Voluntary Standards on Which the Commission Has
Relied Under Section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act
The following are the voluntary standards on which the Commission
has relied under section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act:
1. American National Standard for Power Tools--Gasoline-Powered
Chain Saws--Safety Regulations, ANSI B175.1-1985 sections 4.9.4, 4.12,
4.15, 7 and 8, or the current version: ANSI B175.1-1991 sections 5.9.4,
5.12, 5.15, 8 and 9.
2. American National Standard for Gas-Fired Room Heaters, Volume II,
Unvented Room Heaters, ANSI Z21.11.2-1989 and addenda ANSI Z21.11.2 a
and b- 1991), sections 1.8, 1.20.9, and 2.9.
[57 FR 34230, Aug. 4, 1992]
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