[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 86 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-10858]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 5, 1994]


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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

[CPSC Docket No. 94-C0010]

 

Victor Reichenbach d/b/a Reichenbach Fireworks; Provisional 
Acceptance of a Consent Order Agreement

AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION: Provisional acceptance of a consent order agreement under the 
Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA).

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SUMMARY: It is the policy of the Commission to publish settlements 
which it provisionally accepts in the Federal Register in accordance 
with the terms of 16 CFR 1605.13. Published below is a provisionally 
accepted Consent Order Agreement with Victor Reichenbach d/b/a 
Reichenbach Fireworks.

DATES: Any interested person may ask the Commission not to accept this 
agreement or otherwise comment on its contents by filing a written 
request with the Office of the Secretary by May 20, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to comment on this Settlement Agreement 
should send written comments to the Comment 94-C0010, Office of the 
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William J. Moore, Trial Attorney, Office of Compliance and Enforcement, 
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207; telephone 
(301) 504-0626.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (Attached)

    Dated: April 28, 1994.
Sheldon D. Butts,
Deputy Secretary.

Victor Reichenbach, d/b/a Reichenbach Fireworks; Settlement Agreement 
and Order

    1. Victor Reichenbach, owner of Reichenbach Fireworks (hereinafter, 
``Reichenbach''), a sole proprietorship, enters into this Settlement 
Agreement (hereinafter, ``Agreement'') with the staff of the Consumer 
Product Safety Commission, and agrees to the entry of the Order 
described herein. The purpose of the Agreement and Order is to settle 
the staff's allegations that Reichenbach knowingly caused delivery for 
introduction into, and/or the receipt in interstate commerce of, 
certain banned hazardous substances and/or misbranded hazardous 
substances, to wit, fireworks, in violation of sections 4 (a) and (c) 
of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. 1263 (a) and (c).

I. Jurisdiction

    2. The Commission has jurisdiction over Reichenbach and the subject 
matter of this Settlement Agreement pursuant to section 30(a) of the 
Consumer Product Safety Act (hereinafter, ``CPSA''), 15 U.S.C. 2079(a), 
and sections 2(f)(1) (A) and (B), 4 (a) and (c), and 5(c) of the 
Federal Hazardous Substances Act (hereinafter, ``FHSA''), 15 U.S.C. 
1261(f)(1) (A) and (B), 1263 (a) and (c), and 1264(c).

II. The Parties

    3. The ``staff'' is the staff of the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, an independent regulatory commission of the United States 
established pursuant to section 4 of the CPSA 15 U.S.C. 2053.
    4. Victor Reichenbach is the sole proprietor of Reichenbach 
Fireworks, located in the state of Montana, with its principal 
corporate offices located at 815 High Ridge Drive, Billings, Montana 
59105. Reichenbach fireworks is engaged in the business of importing 
and selling fireworks in the United States.

III. Allegations of the Staff

    5. Between April 2, 1991, and June 18, 1991, Reichenbach Fireworks 
caused the delivery for introduction into interstate commerce, and/or 
received in interstate commerce, banned hazardous substances and 
misbranded hazardous substances, to wit, fireworks, which are 
identified and described below:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CPSC collection     CPSC sample No./                                   
 date location      fireworks device               Violation(s)         
------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 16, 1991,   M-870-6319/Color       Excessive pyrotechnic leakage, 
 Billings, MN.     Pearl flowers (mines/  16 CFR 1507.5.                
                   shells).                                             
                                         Side ignition occurred, 16 CFR 
                                          1507.3(a)(1).                 
                                         Misbranded, 16 CFR             
                                          1500.14(b)(7).                
April 16, 1991,   M-870-6320/Kaleidosco  Excessive pyrotechnic leakage, 
 Billings MN.      pe (flaming balls/     16 CFR 1507.5.                
                   report).                                             
                                         Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                                          CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
                                         Failed blowout requirement, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.6.                   
                  M-870-6713/Small       Excess pyrotechnic leakage, 16 
                   festival balls (100    CFR 1507.5.                   
                   foot shells).                                        
                                         Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                                          CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
                                         Failed fuse weight support     
                                          test, 16 CFR 1507.3(b).       
                  M-870-6316/White       Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                   Orchid (flaming        CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
                   balls, 50 feet).                                     
                                         Misbranded, 16 CFR             
                                          1500.14(b)(7).                
                  M-870-6315/Celebratin  Excess pyrotechnic leakage, 16 
                   g Fireworks w/         CFR 1507.5.                   
                   Firecracker.                                         
                                         Fuse burn time too long, 16 CFR
                                          1507.3(a)(2).                 
                                         Exceeded grain (2) grains=130  
                                          mg) report weight, 16 CFR     
                                          1500.17(a)(3).                
                                         Misbranded, 16 CFR             
                                          1500.14(b)(7).                
April 16, 1991,   M-870-6314/Blossom     Fuse burn time too short, 16   
 Billings, MN.     After Thunder          CFR 1507.3(b).                
                   (flaming balls, 30-                                  
                   70 feet).                                            
                                         Failed fuse weight support     
                                          test, 16 CFR 1507.3(b).       
                                         Excess report weight, 16 CFR   
                                          1500.17(a)(3).                
                                         Misbranded, 16 CFR             
                                          1500.14(b)(7).                
                  M-870-6310/Flashing    Fuse burn time too long, 16 CFR
                   Thunder (Flaming       1507.3(a)(2).                 
                   balls, 25 feet with                                  
                   report).                                             
                                         Excess report weight, 16 CFR   
                                          1500.17(a)(3).                
                  M-870-1281/96 Shot     Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                   Color Peak Flames.     CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
                                         Excess pyrotechnic leakage, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.5.                   
                  M-870-1282/News        Exhibited blowout, 16 CFR      
                   Transmitter (flaming   1507.6.                       
                   balls 5-50 Feet).                                    
                                         Excess pyrotechnic leakage, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.5.                   
                                         Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                                          CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
April 30, 1991,   M-870-2722(A)/Sky      Fuse burn time too short, 16   
 Port of           Boom Rockets.          CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
 Portland, OR.                                                          
                                         Failed stick rigidity test, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.10.                  
April 30, 1991,   M-870-2722(B)/Color    Fuse burn time too short, 16   
 Port of           Silk Rocket.           CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
 Portland, OR.                                                          
                                         Failed stick rigidity test, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.10.                  
                  M-870-2772(c)/Aerial   Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                   Flash Rocket.          CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
                                         Failed stick rigidity test, 16 
                                          CFR 1501.10.                  
                  M-870-2722(D)/Willow   Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                   Rocket.                CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
                                         Failed stick rigidity test, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.10.                  
                  M-870-2723/B-3         Exhibited blowout, 16 CFR      
                   Bomber.                1507.6.                       
May 22, 1991,     M-872-2809/Twitter     Fuse burn time too long, 16 CFR
 Port of           Glitter.               1507.3(a)(2).                 
 Seattle, WA.                                                           
                                         Excess pyrotechnic leakage, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.5.                   
                                         Failed blowout requirement, 16 
                                          CFR 1507.6.                   
                                         Excess report weight, 16 CFR   
                                          1500.17(a)(3).                
                                         Failed fuse weight support     
                                          test, 16 CFR 1507.3(b).       
                  M-872-2810/Lawman-     Fuse burn time too long, 16 CFR
                   Lawman-25 Shots        1507.3(a)(2).                 
                   (flaming balls with                                  
                   whistles and                                         
                   reports).                                            
                                         Fuse missing.                  
June 9, 1992,     P-863-8074/Color       Excessive pyrotechnic leakage, 
 Port of Denver,   Pearl Flowers          16 CFR 1507.5.                
 CO.               (flaming balls 10-40                                 
                   feet high with                                       
                   report).                                             
                                         Burning debris fell to ground  
                                          in 8 of 8 tested.             
                                         Report discharged on ground.   
                  P-863-8075/Saturn      Exhibited side ignition in less
                   Missile Battery.       than 5 seconds,16 CFR         
                                          1507.3(a)(1).                 
                  P-863-8080/Artillery   Excess pyrotechnic leakage, 16 
                   Shell.                 CFR 1507.5.                   
June 10, 1991,    M-870-2731/Fireworks   Fuse burn time too short, 16   
 Port of           for Celebration.       CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
 Portland, OR.                                                          
                                         Excess pyrotechnic composition 
                                          for report weight, 16 CFR     
                                          1500.17(a)(3).                
                                         Misbranded, 16 CFR 1500.121.   
                  M-870-2733/Spring      Fuse burn time too short, 16   
                   Prevails over Garden   CFR 1507.3(a)(2).             
                   (shoots flaming                                      
                   balls 40-50 feet                                     
                   into air).                                           
                                         Misbranded, 16 CFR 1500.121.   
                                         Burning debris fell to earth on
                                          test analyst and ignited grass
                                          fires.                        
                  M-870-2735/Celebratio  All three sets exhibited excess
                   n Crackers (Three      report weight, 16 CFR         
                   different sizes of     1500.17(a)(3).                
                   fire cracker sets).                                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With regard to samples M-870-6315 (Celebrating Fireworks with 
Firecrackers), M-870-6314 (Blossom after Thunder), and M-870-6310 
(Flashing Thunder) noted above, these are ``Class B'' fireworks. 
Reichenbach Fireworks imported them in consumer packaging and sold them 
to retailers licensed to sell only ``Class C'' fireworks to consumers. 
``Class B'' devices are defined by the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 44 CFR 173.88(a) and (d) and 173.100 (a) and (r) and 
have significantly greater pyrotechnic composition than ``Class C'' 
fireworks. For this reason, they pose a greater risk of injury to 
consumers.
    6. For the specific reasons set out in paragraph 5 above, the 
fireworks described therein failed to comply with the Commission's 
fireworks regulations.
    7. Each of the fireworks devices named in paragraph 5 above, 
therefore, is a banned hazardous substance. 15 U.S.C. 1261(q)(1)(B), 16 
CFR 1500.17(a)(3) and 16 CFR part 1507.
    8. Certain fireworks identified in paragraph 5 above also fail to 
comply with the Commission's labeling requirements for fireworks and, 
therefore, are misbranded hazardous substances. 15 USC 1261(p) (1) and 
(2), 15 U.S.C. 1262(b); 16 CFR 1500.14(b)(7) and 16 CFR 1500.121.
    9. Reichenback Fireworks knowingly received and caused the 
introduction into interstate commerce of the aforesaid banned and 
misbranded hazardous substances, in violation of section 4 (a) and (c) 
of the FHSA, 15 U.S.C. 1263 (a) and (c). The Commission may impose a 
civil penalty for these violations pursuant to section 5 (c) of the 
FHSA, 15 U.S.C. 1264(c).

IV. Response of Reichenbach Fireworks

    10. Reichenbach Fireworks denies the allegations of the staff that 
it knowingly received or caused the introduction into commerce of the 
aforesaid banned or misbranded hazardous substances, or that it 
violated the FHSA as alleged by the staff.

V. Agreement of the Parties

    11. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has jurisdiction over 
Reichenbach and the subject matter of this Settlement Agreement and 
Order under the following acts: Consumer Product Safety Act, 15 U.S.C. 
2051 et seq., and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. 1261 
et seq.,
    12. Reichenbach agrees to pay to the Commission a civil penalty in 
the amount of Fifteen Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($15,000.00) within 
ten (10) days after service of the Final Order of the Commission 
accepting this Settlement Agreement.
    13. The Commission does not make any determination that Reichenbach 
knowingly violated the FHSA. The Commission and Reichenbach agree that 
this Agreement is entered into for the purposes of settlement only.
    14. Upon provisional acceptance of this Settlement Agreement and 
Order by the Commission, this Settlement Agreement and Order shall be 
placed on the public record and shall be published in the Federal 
Register in accordance with the procedures set forth in 16 CFR 
1118.20(e)-(h). If the Commission does not receive any written request 
not to accept the Settlement Agreement and Order within 15 days, the 
Settlement Agreement and Order will be deemed finally accepted on the 
16th day after the date it is published in the Federal Register.
    15. Upon final acceptance of this Settlement Agreement by the 
Commission and issuance of the Final Order, Reichenbach knowingly, 
voluntarily and completely, waives any rights it may have in this 
matter (1) to an administrative or judicial hearing, (2) to judicial 
review or other challenge or contest of the validity of the 
Commission's actions, (3) to a determination by the Commission as to 
whether Reichenbach failed to comply with the FHSA as aforesaid, and 
(4) to a statement of findings of fact and conclusions of law.
    16. For purposes of section 6(b)(5) of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. 
2055(b)(5), this matter shall be treated as if a complaint had been 
issued.
    17. The parties further agree that the Commission shall issue the 
attached Order incorporated herein by reference; and that a violation 
of the Order shall subject Reichenbach to appropriate legal action.
    18. No agreement, understanding, representation, or interpretation 
not contained in this Settlement Agreement and Order may be used to 
vary or to contradict its terms.
    19. The provisions of the Settlement Agreement and Order shall 
apply to Reichenbach and each of his successors and assigns.

    Dated: January 26, 1994.

Reichenbach Fireworks

Victor Reichenbach,
Owner, Reichenbach Fireworks, 815 High Ridge Drive, Billings, Montana 
59105.

Commission Staff
David Schmeltzer,
Assistant Executive Director, Office of Compliance and Enforcement.
Alan H. Schoem,
Director, Division of Administrative Litigation, Office of Compliance 
and Enforcement.
    Dated: February 2, 1994.
By: William J. Moore,
Trial Attorney, division of Administrative Litigation, Office of 
Compliance and Enforcement.

Victor Reichenbach, d/b/a Reichenbach Fireworks; Order

    Upon consideration of the Settlement Agreement entered into between 
respondent Victor Reichenbach, d/b/a Reichenbach Fireworks, a sole 
proprietorship, and the staff of the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission; and the Commission having jurisdiction over the subject 
matter and Reichenbach Fireworks; and it appearing that the Settlement 
Agreement is in the public interest, it is, hereby
    Ordered, That Victor Reichenbach shall pay, within 10 days of final 
acceptance of this Settlement Agreement and service of this Order, a 
civil penalty in the amount of $15,000.00 to the U.S. Consumer Product 
Safety Commission.
    Provisionally accepted on the 28th day of April, 1994.

    By Order of the Commission.
Sadye E. Dunn,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
[FR Doc. 94-10858 Filed 5-4-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355-01-M