[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions]
[Consumer Product Safety Commission Semiannual Regulatory Agenda]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


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Part XLIX





Consumer Product Safety Commission





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 22924]]



CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)                              


  



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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

16 CFR Ch. II

Regulatory Flexibility Act; Semiannual Regulatory Flexibility and 
Unified Agendas

AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission publishes its semiannual 
regulatory flexibility agenda. In addition, this document includes an 
agenda of regulatory actions the Commission expects to be under 
development or review by the agency during the next year. This document 
meets the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive 
Order 12866.

DATES: The Commission welcomes comments on each subject area of the 
agenda, particularly from small entities. Written comments concerning 
the agenda should be received in the Office of the Secretary by June 
30, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the regulatory flexibility agenda should be 
mailed to the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Washington, DC 20207, telephone (301) 504-0800, or 
delivered to the Office of the Secretary, Room 502, 4330 East-West 
Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Comments should be captioned 
``Regulatory Flexibility Agenda.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on the agenda 
in general, contact Stephen Lemberg, Office of the General Counsel, 
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207; telephone 
(301) 504-0980, ext. 2218. For further information regarding a 
particular item on the agenda, consult the individual listed in the 
column headed ``Contact'' for that particular item.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 
U.S.C. 601-612) contains several provisions intended to reduce 
unnecessary and disproportionate regulatory requirements on small 
businesses, small governmental organizations, and other small entities. 
Section 602 of the RFA (5 U.S.C. 602) requires each agency to publish, 
twice each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda containing a brief 
description of the subject area of any rule expected to be proposed or 
promulgated that is likely to have a ``significant economic impact'' on 
a ``substantial number'' of small entities. The agency must also 
provide a summary of the nature of the rule and a schedule for acting 
on each rule for which the agency has issued a notice of proposed 
rulemaking.

    The regulatory flexibility agenda is also required to contain 
the name and address of the agency official knowledgeable about the 
items listed. Further, agencies are required to provide notice of 
their agendas to small entities and to solicit their comments by 
direct notification or by inclusion in publications likely to be 
obtained by such entities.

    Additionally, Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to 
publish, twice each year, a regulatory agenda of regulations under 
development or review during the next year and states that such an 
agenda may be combined with the agenda published in accordance with 
the RFA. The regulatory flexibility agenda published below lists 
the regulatory activities expected to be under development or 
review during the next 12 months. It includes all such activities, 
whether or not they may have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

    The agenda contains a brief description and summary of each 
regulatory activity, including the objectives and legal basis for 
each; an approximate schedule of target dates, subject to revision, 
for the development or completion of each activity; and the name 
and telephone number of a knowledgeable agency official concerning 
particular items on the agenda. All agency contacts have the same 
address: Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207.

Dated: February 19, 1998.

Sadye E. Dunn,

Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.

                                                  Prerule Stage                                                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4062         Petition HP 93-1 Requesting Development of a Rule To Ban Certain Backyard Playsets...    3041-AB47 
4063         Amendment of Safety Regulations for Cribs............................................    3041-AB67 
4064         Amendment of the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles..................    3041-AB68 
4065         Petition CP 97-1 Requesting Development of a Safety Standard for Escalators..........    3041-AB70 
4066         Amendments to Clarify Portions of the Standards for the Flammability of Children's                 
            Sleepwear.............................................................................    3041-AB74 
4067         Requirements for Bunk Beds...........................................................    3041-AB75 
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                                               Proposed Rule Stage                                              
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4068         Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture......................................    3041-AB35 
4069         Requirements for Child-Resistant Packaging of Household Products Containing Petroleum              
            Distillates...........................................................................    3041-AB57 
4070         Requirements for Child-Resistance of Multi-Purpose Lighters..........................    3041-AB66 
4071         Requirements for Child-Resistant Packaging of Minoxidil..............................    3041-AB72 

[[Page 22925]]

                                                                                                                
4072         Requirements for Child-Resistant Packaging; Household Products and Oral Prescription               
            Drugs with Fluoride...................................................................    3041-AB76 
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                                                Final Rule Stage                                                
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                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
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4073         Amendment of Laundering Procedures in Flammability Standards for Children's                        
            Sleepwear, Carpets and Rugs, and Mattress Pads........................................    3041-AB69 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Long-Term Actions                                               
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                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4074         Baby Walkers.........................................................................    3041-AB40 
4075         Petition To Exempt Sucraid TM From Special Packaging Requirements Under the Poison                 
            Prevention Packaging Act..............................................................    3041-AB73 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Completed Actions                                               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation 
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier 
  Number                                                                                               Number   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4076         Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets..................................................    3041-AB42 
4077         Requirements for Child-Resistant Packaging of Household Products Containing Ammonia..    3041-AB56 
4078         Petition CP 97-2 Requesting Development of a Safety Standard for Shopping Carts......    3041-AB71 
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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)                 Prerule Stage


  



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4062. PETITION HP 93-1 REQUESTING DEVELOPMENT OF A RULE TO BAN CERTAIN 
BACKYARD PLAYSETS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 553(e) Administrative Procedure Act; 15 USC 
1261 Federal Hazardous Substances Act

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A petition from the New York City Department of Consumer 
Affairs requests the Commission to develop a rule to ban certain 
backyard playsets. The petition asserts that backyard playsets present 
unreasonable risks of injury to children if they do not meet the 
requirements of a voluntary standard for home playground equipment 
published by ASTM (formerly the American Society for Testing and 
Materials); are not accompanied with adequate information about ground 
surfacing; or lack specific features described in the petition. On May 
21, 1996, the Commission denied those parts of the petition requesting 
issuance of a rule to ban any backyard playset that does not conform to 
all requirements of the ASTM voluntary standard; that has an accessible 
height that exceeds six feet above protective surfacing; that does not 
have adequate fall zones under climbing structures; or that does not 
provide adequate space between any item of swinging equipment and any 
other item of swinging or stationary equipment. The Commission deferred 
a decision on those parts of the petition requesting a rule to ban 
backyard playsets that are not accompanied with instructions to use and 
maintain specified ground surfacing; that do not have handrails on all 
platforms that are 30 inches or higher above protective surfacing; that 
have swing seats made of wood, metal, plastic, or other hard material 
capable of inflicting serious injury to the head; that have free-
swinging ropes; and that are unanchored playsets with swings. In April 
1998, the staff is scheduled to transmit additional information to the 
Commission concerning revisions of the voluntary standard. The 
Commission will then decide whether to grant, deny, or continue to 
defer the remaining requests in the petition.

[[Page 22926]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Partial Denial of Petition      05/21/96
Additional Information Is Sent 
by Staff to the Commission      04/00/98
Commission Decision             04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: John Preston, Project Manager, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0494

RIN: 3041-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




4063. AMENDMENT OF SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR CRIBS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 553 Administrative Procedure Act; 15 USC 1261 
Federal Hazardous Substances Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1508; 16 CFR 1509

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On December 16, 1996, the Commission published an advance 
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to begin a proceeding that may 
result in amendment of the safety regulations for full-size and non-
full-size cribs, 16 CFR parts 1508 and 1509. Among the regulatory 
alternatives under consideration is amendment of the regulations to add 
tests to assure that slats will not disengage from the side panels of 
cribs. The Commission began this proceeding after considering 
information about incidents in which crib slats disengaged from the 
side panels of cribs, creating a risk that children may become 
entrapped between the remaining slats or fall out of the crib. The 
Commission will consider written comments received in response to the 
ANPRM and assess progress toward amending the voluntary standard before 
deciding whether to continue the proceeding by publication of a notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) or terminate further proceedings in 
reliance on the voluntary standard.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           12/16/96                    61 FR 65996
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/14/97
Staff Briefing Package on NPRM  04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Deborah Tinsworth, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Epidemiology & Health Sciences, Washington, 
DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0470

RIN: 3041-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




4064. AMENDMENT OF THE STANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY OF CLOTHING 
TEXTILES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1191 Flammable Fabrics Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1610

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles 
prohibits the manufacture, importation, or sale of clothing, and 
fabrics and related materials intended for use in clothing, which are 
dangerously flammable because of rapid and intense burning. The 
standard prescribes the apparatus, procedure, and criteria to be used 
for testing to determine compliance with that standard. The standard 
was made mandatory by the Flammable Fabrics Act of 1953 (Pub. L. 83-88, 
67 Stat. 111; June 30, 1953). Some of the equipment and procedures 
specified by the standard, particularly those for laundering and dry 
cleaning of test specimens, have become obsolete, unavailable, or 
unrepresentative of current practices. The staff is preparing a 
briefing package describing modifications of the standard that may be 
needed to assure that the test in the standard is conducted with 
equipment and procedures representative of conditions to which garments 
currently are exposed. After consideration of the briefing package, the 
Commission will decide whether to begin a proceeding for amendment of 
the standard.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Staff Sends Briefing Package To 
Commission                      07/00/98
Commission Decision             08/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Margaret Neily, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0550

RIN: 3041-AB68
_______________________________________________________________________




4065. PETITION CP 97-1 REQUESTING DEVELOPMENT OF A SAFETY STANDARD FOR 
ESCALATORS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 553(e) Administrative Procedure Act; 15 USC 
2051 Consumer Product Safety Act

CFR Citation:  00 CFR 0000

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A petition from Scott and Diana Anderson requests development 
of a safety standard for escalators. The petition asserts that 
escalators are associated with unreasonable risks of serious injuries 
resulting from entrapment of feet, toes, and other body parts in 
openings between the moving stairs and the sides of the escalators. On 
May 22, 1997, the Commission published a notice in the Federal Register 
to solicit comments on the petition from all interested persons. The 
staff is preparing a briefing package for consideration by the 
Commission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice to Solicit Comments on 
Petition                        05/22/97                    62 FR 28005
Comment Period End              07/21/97
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Deborah Tinsworth, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Epidemiology & Health Sciences

[[Page 22927]]

Phone: 301 504-0470

RIN: 3041-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




4066.  AMENDMENTS TO CLARIFY PORTIONS OF THE STANDARDS FOR THE 
FLAMMABILITY OF CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1191 Flammable Fabrics Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1615; 16 CFR 1616

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Standards for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear 
were amended September 9, 1996, to allow the marketing of certain 
sleepwear garments that do not meet the flammability test requirements. 
These garments, termed ``tight-`` or ``snug-fitting'' must not exceed 
maximum dimensions specified for each garment size. Several technical 
amendments are needed to clarify provisions of the standards, 
especially how the specified dimensions are to measured on these 
garments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Briefing Package Is Sent by 
Staff to the Commission With a 
Draft NPRM                      04/00/98
Commission Decision             04/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Margaret Neily, Project Manager, Directorate For 
Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission
Phone: 301 504-0550

RIN: 3041-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________




4067.  REQUIREMENTS FOR BUNK BEDS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 2051 Consumer Product Safety Act; 15 USC 1261 
Federal Hazardous Substances Act

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 22, 1998, the Commission published an advance 
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to begin a proceeding for 
development of a standard to address risks of injury and death that may 
be associated with bunk beds constructed so that children can become 
entrapped in the beds' structure or become wedged between the bed and a 
wall. This ANPRM was issued after the staff briefed the Commission on 
the incident data, the adequacy of an existing ASTM voluntary standard, 
whether there is substantial compliance with that voluntary standard, 
and other matters. In 1998 the Commission's staff is scheduled to 
review comments received in response to the ANPRM, prepare additional 
information, and report to the Commission with its recommendation on 
whether to proceed with the rulemaking by publishing a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/22/98                     63 FR 3280
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/07/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: John D. Preston, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences
Phone: 301 504-0494

RIN: 3041-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)           Proposed Rule Stage


  



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4068. FLAMMABILITY STANDARD FOR UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

Priority:  Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1193 Flammable Fabrics Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1640

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On June 15, 1994, the Commission published an advance notice 
of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to begin a proceeding for development of 
a flammability standard to address risks of death, injury, and property 
damage from fires associated with ignition of upholstered furniture by 
small open-flame sources, such as matches, lighters, or candles. This 
ANPRM was issued after the Commission granted part of a petition 
requesting development of a mandatory flammability standard to address 
risks of injury from ignition of upholstered furniture by (1) small 
open-flame sources; (2) large open-flame sources; and (3) cigarettes. 
The Commission voted to deny that part of the petition requesting 
development of a mandatory standard to address hazards associated with 
ignition of upholstered furniture by large open-flame sources. The 
Commission also voted to defer a decision on that part of the petition 
requesting development of a standard to address cigarette ignition, and 
directed the staff to report to the Commission on the effectiveness of, 
and the extent of industry compliance with, a voluntary program to 
reduce risks of ignition of upholstered furniture by cigarettes. The 
Commission staff completed technical research, developed a draft 
standard to address ignition of upholstered furniture by small open-
flame sources, and briefed the Commission on regulatory alternatives. 
On March 2, 1998, the Commission voted to defer a decision on an NPRM 
for small open flame ignition and to study the toxicity of flame 
retardant chemicals.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/15/94                    59 FR 30735
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/15/94
Staff Briefing of Commission on 
ANPRM                           12/18/97
Commission Hearing May 5 & 6, 
1998 on Possible Toxicity of 
Flame Retardant Chemicals       03/17/98                    63 FR 13017

[[Page 22928]]

Staff Briefing Package to 
Commission on Alternatives      09/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dale R. Ray, Project Manager, Directorate for Economic 
Analysis, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0962

RIN: 3041-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




4069. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS 
CONTAINING PETROLEUM DISTILLATES

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1471 Poison Prevention Packaging Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Some household products containing ten percent or more by 
weight of petroleum distillates are subject to requirements for child-
resistant packaging by regulations issued under the Poison Prevention 
Packaging Act and codified at 16 CFR 1700.14(a). These products include 
liquid furniture polish (section 1700.14(a)(2)), lighter fluid (section 
1700.14(a)(7)), and prepackaged solvents for paint (section 
1700.14(a)(15)). However, many other household products containing 
petroleum distillates are not required to be in child-resistant 
packaging. On February 26, 1997, the Commission published an advance 
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to initiate a proceeding which 
may result in mandatory requirements for child-resistant packaging of 
other household products containing petroleum distillates or other 
hydrocarbons. On April 28, 1997, the Commission extended the period for 
receipt of written comments on the ANPRM until July 11, 1997. In the 
Federal Register of July 21, 1997, the Commission reopened the comment 
period through September 1, 1997. The Commission will consider comments 
received in response to the ANPRM before deciding whether to propose 
requirements for child-resistant packaging of additional household 
products containing petroleum distillates or other hydrocarbons.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/26/97                     62 FR 8659
Extension of ANPRM Comment 
Period                          04/28/97                    62 FR 22897
ANPRM Comment Period End        05/12/97                     62 FR 8659
Comment Period End              06/27/97                    62 FR 22897
Reopening of ANPRM Comment 
Period                          07/21/97                    62 FR 38948
Comment Period End              09/01/97
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Suzanne Barone, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Epidemiology & Health Sciences, Washington, 
DC
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




4070. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANCE OF MULTI-PURPOSE LIGHTERS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 553 Administrative Procedure Act; 15 USC 2051 
Consumer Product Safety Act

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 16, 1997, the Commission published an advance 
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to begin a proceeding which may 
result in a mandatory rule requiring multi-purpose lighters to resist 
operation by children. The Commission began this proceeding after 
granting a petition from Judy L. Carr. A mandatory product safety rule 
for multi-purpose lighters could take the form of an amendment of the 
Safety Standard for Cigarette Lighters (16 CFR part 1210) to bring 
multi-purpose lighters within its scope, or could be issued as a 
separate safety standard for multi-purpose lighters. The cigarette 
lighter standard requires lighters subject to its provisions to have a 
child-resistant mechanism to prevent operation by most children younger 
than five years of age. At this time, that standard applies to 
disposable and novelty lighters used to ignite cigarettes, cigars, and 
pipes, but not to multi-purpose lighters used to ignite fuel for 
fireplaces or charcoal or gas-fueled grills. The staff is preparing a 
briefing package for consideration by the Commission when deciding 
whether to continue this proceeding by publication of a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM). That briefing package will include a 
discussion of comments received in response to the ANPRM; the staff's 
analysis of issues raised by those comments; and other information 
developed by the staff. The staff is scheduled to transmit a briefing 
package to the Commission in May 1998.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/16/97                     62 FR 2327
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/17/97
Staff Briefing Package on NPRM  05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Barbara Jacobson, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Epidemiology & Health Sciences, Washington, 
DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________




4071. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING OF MINOXIDIL

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1471 Poison Prevention Packaging Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulations implementing the Poison Prevention Packaging Act 
(PPPA) require all prescription drugs in oral dosage form that are 
intended for human use to be in child-resistant packaging. Topical 
minoxidil is a liquid medication that can be applied to the scalp to 
stimulate regrowth of hair. However, if ingested, minoxidil is a potent 
vasodilator capable of producing serious cardiovascular effects. In 
1996,

[[Page 22929]]

the Food and Drug Administration acted to permit the sale of topical 
minoxidil as an over-the-counter drug, thereby expanding its potential 
availability to consumers. On March 17, 1998, the Commission published 
a notice of proposed rulemaking that would, if made final, require 
child-resistant packaging for minoxidil preparations containing more 
than 14 mg of minoxidil in a single package.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/17/98                    63 FR 13019
NPRM Comment Period End         06/01/98
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      10/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Suzanne Barone, Ph.D, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Health Sciences and Epidemiology, 
Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB72
_______________________________________________________________________




4072.  REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING; HOUSEHOLD 
PRODUCTS AND ORAL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS WITH FLUORIDE

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1471 Poison Prevention Packaging Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On November 20, 1997, the Commission published a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing that household products, such as 
rust removers, toilet cleaners, metal cleaners and etching products, 
containing more than the equivalent of 50 mg of elemental fluoride with 
a concentration greater than the equivalent of 0.5 percent elemental 
fluoride, be in child-resistant packaging. For consistency, the 
Commission also proposed to modify its existing oral prescription drug 
exemption for sodium fluoride preparations. Instead of allowing drugs 
with no more than 264 mg of sodium fluoride per package to be in non-CR 
packaging as the current rule does, the Commission proposes to allow 
such drugs with only 50 mg or less of the equivalent of elemental 
fluoride per package with a concentration no greater than the 
equivalent of 0.5 percent elemental fluoride. The Commission will 
consider comments received in response to the NPRM before deciding 
whether to issue a final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/20/97                    62 FR 61928
NPRM Comment Period End         02/03/98
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      07/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jacqueline Ferrante, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Epidemiology & Health Sciences
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)              Final Rule Stage


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4073. AMENDMENT OF LAUNDERING PROCEDURES IN FLAMMABILITY STANDARDS FOR 
CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR, CARPETS AND RUGS, AND MATTRESS PADS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1191 Flammable Fabrics Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1615; 16 CFR 1616; 16 CFR 1630; 16 CFR 1631; 16 
CFR 1632

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Flammability standards for children's sleepwear, carpets and 
rugs, and mattress pads contain procedures for washing and drying 
specimens before testing to assure that flame retardants used in these 
products will not be removed by repeated laundering or dry cleaning. 
The laundering procedures in all of these standards currently require 
use of a detergent and washing methods that are no longer 
representative of those used for home laundering. The staff is 
preparing a briefing package concerning the laundering procedures in 
these standards and modifications that may be needed to assure that the 
effect of laundering on the flammability of the products covered by 
these standards is assessed with equipment and methods currently used 
by consumers. After consideration of the briefing package, the 
Commission will decide whether to begin proceedings for amendment of 
the standards to revise their laundering procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      04/00/98
Commission Decision             05/00/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Margaret Neily, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0550

RIN: 3041-AB69

[[Page 22930]]

_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)             Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4074. BABY WALKERS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1261 Federal Hazardous Substances Act; 15 USC 
1262 Federal Hazardous Substances Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1500

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On August 2, 1994, the Commission published an advance notice 
of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to begin a proceeding that may result in 
the issuance of mandatory design or performance requirements for baby 
walkers. A baby walker is a device that supports a child so that the 
child can use his or her feet to move about before or while learning to 
walk. Typically, a baby walker consists of a fabric seat that has leg 
openings and is mounted to a rigid plastic deck. The deck is attached 
to a base that is mounted on wheels to allow mobility. In 1994, an 
estimated 25,500 children younger than 15 months of age were treated in 
hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with baby walkers. 
Among the options under consideration by the Commission are mandatory 
performance or design requirements to reduce risks of injury associated 
with baby walkers, particularly those resulting to children from falls 
down stairs. The majority of these injuries resulted from falls down 
stairs. In response to the Commission's work in this area, the industry 
approved revisions to the voluntary standard for baby walkers in 1996 
to address the hazard of falling down stairs. The staff is developing 
information concerning the extent of industry conformance with that 
voluntary standard, designated ``Standard Consumer Safety Specification 
for Infant Walkers,'' SF 977-96, published by ASTM (formerly, the 
American Society for Testing and Materials). The ASTM standard contains 
performance requirements to address risks of injury to children from 
falls down stairs associated with baby walkers. The staff will send 
that information to the Commission together with options for Commission 
action, including withdrawal of the ANPRM or further regulatory 
proceedings.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           08/02/94                    59 FR 39309
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/03/94
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
the Commission                  00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Barbara Jacobson, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Epidemiology & Health Sciences, Washington, 
DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________




4075.  PETITION TO EXEMPT SUCRAID TM FROM SPECIAL PACKAGING 
REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE POISON PREVENTION PACKAGING ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1471 Poison Prevention Packaging Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Orphan Medical petitioned the Commission to exempt Sucraid 
TM, an oral solution of the enzyme sacrosidase, from special packaging 
requirements for oral prescription drugs under the Poison Prevention 
Packaging Act. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently 
reviewing a New Drug Application for Sucraid TM. Sucraid TM is an 
orphan drug that will be the only available treatment for congenital 
sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. The staff is reviewing the petition and 
preparing a briefing package for consideration by by the Commission 
once the drug is approved by the FDA.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Briefing Package to Commission  00/00/00
Commission Decision             00/00/00

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jacqueline Ferrante, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Dir. for Epidemiology & Health Sciences
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)             Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4076. SAFETY STANDARD FOR BICYCLE HELMETS

Priority:  Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 553 Administrative Procedure Act; 15 USC 6004 
Children's Bicycle Helmet Safety Act of 1994

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1203

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, August 15, 1994.

Abstract: The Children's Bicycle Helmet Safety Act of 1994 directs the 
Commission to begin a proceeding to issue a safety standard for bicycle 
helmets. That legislation also directs the Commission to designate 
appropriate existing standards for bicycle helmets as interim safety 
standards.
On August 15, 1994, the Commission published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) to begin a proceeding for issuance of safety standard 
for bicycle helmets. The proposed standard included impact-attenuation 
requirements, and other requirements derived from existing voluntary 
standards for bicycle helmets. The proposed standard also contained 
requirements to help prevent helmets from coming off the rider's head 
during an accident, and other provisions specifically applicable to 
helmets intended for children.
In March 1995, the Commission designated the following standards as

[[Page 22931]]

interim safety standards for bicycle helmets: (1) American National 
Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z90.4-1984, Protective Headgear for 
Bicyclists; (2) ASTM (The American Society for Testing and Materials) 
standards F 1447-93 or F 1447-94, Standard Specification for Protective 
Headgear Used in Bicycling, incorporating relevant provisions of ASTM F 
1446-93 or F 1446-94, Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the 
Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear; (3) Canadian 
Standard Association standard for Cycling Helmets, CAN/CSA- D113.2-M89; 
(4) Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell) 1990 Standard for Protective 
Headgear for Use in Bicycling (designated B-90); (5) Snell 1990 
Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling, including March 
9, 1994 Supplement (designated B-90S); (6) Snell 1994 Standard for 
Protective Headgear for Use in Non-Motorized Sports (designated N-94); 
(7) Snell 1995 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use With Bicycles 
(designated B-95). Bicycle helmets manufactured after March 16, 1995, 
must conform with the requirements of one of these interim standards 
until the Commission issues a final standard for bicycle helmets.
After the staff evaluated public comments on the proposed standard and 
conducted additional research, the Commission revised the proposed 
safety standard for bicycle helmets. The Commission published the 
revised proposal for public comment on December 6, 1995. The staff has 
considered comments on the revised proposed standard and has completed 
the work needed to issue a final standard. In December 1997,the staff 
transmitted a briefing package to the Commission concerning issuance of 
a final standard. The staff briefed the Commission on January 21, 1998, 
and on February 5, 1998 the Commission voted to issue a final standard.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/15/94                    59 FR 41719
NPRM Comment Period End         10/31/94
Designation of Interim Standards03/23/95                    60 FR 15231
Revised NPRM                    12/06/95                    60 FR 62662
NPRM Comment Period End         02/20/96                    60 FR 62662
Staff Sends Briefing Package To 
Commission                      12/24/97
Commission Decision             02/05/98
Final Action                    03/10/98                    63 FR 11712

Small Entities Affected: None

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Scott Heh, Project Manager, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0494

RIN: 3041-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________




4077. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS 
CONTAINING AMMONIA

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn - Insufficient Data   11/01/97

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Jacqueline Ferrante
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB56
_______________________________________________________________________




4078. PETITION CP 97-2 REQUESTING DEVELOPMENT OF A SAFETY STANDARD FOR 
SHOPPING CARTS

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority:  5 USC 553(e) Administrative Procedure Act; 15 USC 
2051 Consumer Product Safety Act

CFR Citation:  None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commission has docketed correspondence from John S. 
Morse, Ph.D., PE, requesting development of a safety standard for 
shopping carts as petition CP97-2. The petition asserts that shopping 
carts that tip over present risks of injury to children and requests 
development of a standard with performance tests to prevent shopping 
carts from tipping over to the side or rear. On June 2, 1997, the 
Commission published a notice in the Federal Register to solicit 
comments on the petition from all interested persons. The staff briefed 
the Commission on January 23, 1998, and on February 12, 1998, the 
Commission denied the petition.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice to Solicit Comments on 
Petition                        06/02/97                    62 FR 29717
Comment Period End              08/01/97
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      01/06/98
Staff Briefing of Commission    01/23/98
Final Action - Petition Denied  02/12/98

Small Entities Affected: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Roy W. Deppa, Project Manager, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences
Phone: 301 504-0494

RIN: 3041-AB71
[FR Doc. 98-5166 Filed 04-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355-01-F