[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 171 (Friday, September 1, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 53167]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-22404]


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Consumer Product Safety Commission

16 CFR Part 1000


Statement of Organization and Functions

AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Consumer Product Safety Commission is amending its 
statement of organization and functions to reflect the reorganization 
of the Directorate for Laboratory Sciences into three divisions: 
Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Chemical. We are 
also making editorial changes.

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph F. Rosenthal, Office of the 
General Counsel, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 
20207, telephone 301-504-0980.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    The Commission has reorganized the Directorate for Laboratory 
Sciences into three divisions, the Mechanical Engineering Division, the 
Electrical Engineering Division, and the Chemical Division. Section 
1000.31 is being revised to reflect this and to make various editorial 
revisions.
    Since this rule relates solely to internal agency management, 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b) notice and other public procedures are not 
required and it is effective immediately upon publication in the 
Federal Register. Further, this action is not a rule as defined in the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, and, thus, is exempt from 
the provisions of the Act.

List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 1000

    Organization and functions (government agencies).

    Accordingly, Part 1000 is amended as follows:

PART 1000--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 1000 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

    2. Section 1000.31 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1000.31  Directorate for Laboratory Sciences.

    The Directorate for Laboratory Sciences, which is managed by the 
Associate Executive Director for Laboratory Sciences, is responsible 
for conducting engineering analyses and testing of consumer products, 
supporting the development of voluntary and mandatory standards, and 
supporting the Agency's compliance activities through product safety 
assessments. A wide variety of products are tested and evaluated to 
determine the causes of failure and the hazards presented. Product 
safety tests involve mechanical, electrical, and combustion 
engineering, as well as thermal and chemical analyses. Test protocols 
are developed, test fixtures and setups are designed and fabricated, 
and tests are conducted following the requirements and guidance of 
voluntary and mandatory standards and/or using sound engineering and 
scientific judgment. The Laboratory participates with and supports 
other agency directorates on multi-disciplinary teams in the 
development of voluntary and mandatory standards. The Laboratory 
coordinates and cooperates with other Federal agencies, private 
industry, and consumer interest groups by sharing engineering and 
scientific research, test, and evaluation expertise. Additionally, 
Corrective Action Plans, proposed by manufacturers to correct a product 
defect, are tested and evaluated to assure that the proposed changes 
adequately resolve the problem. Regulated products, such as children's 
products, sleepwear, and bicycle helmets, are routinely tested and 
evaluated for compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act, the 
Federal Hazardous Substances Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, and the 
Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The Directorate is composed of the 
Mechanical Engineering Division, the Electrical Engineering Division 
(which includes flammable fabrics), and the Chemical Division. Overall, 
the directorate provides engineering, scientific, and other technical 
expertise to all entities within the Consumer Product Safety 
Commission.

    Dated: August 28, 2000.
Sadye E. Dunn,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
[FR Doc. 00-22404 Filed 8-31-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6335-01-P