[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]



[[Page 22249]]



_______________________________________________________________________


Part LI



Consumer Product Safety Commission



_______________________________________________________________________

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 22250]]



CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)                              




_______________________________________________________________________

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, 1999.

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.'' Comments may also be filed by 
telefacsimile to (301) 504-0127 or by e-mail to [email protected].

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 17, 1999.

Sadye E. Dunn,

Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.

                                                  Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4065         Petition HP 93-1 Requesting Development of a Rule To Ban Certain Backyard Playsets...    3041-AB47
4066         Amendment of the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles..................    3041-AB68
4067         Petition CP 97-1 Requesting Development of a Safety Standard for Escalators..........    3041-AB70
4068         Petition FP 99-1 Requesting Labeling Rule for Polyurethane Foam in Upholstered           3041-AB81
            Furniture.............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                               Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4069         Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture......................................    3041-AB35
4070         Requirements for Child-Resistant Packaging of Household Products Containing Petroleum    3041-AB57
            Distillates...........................................................................
4071         Amendment of Laundering Procedures in Flammability Standards for Children's              3041-AB69
            Sleepwear, Carpets and Rugs, and Mattress Pads........................................
4072         Requirements for Bunk Beds...........................................................    3041-AB75
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 22251]]


                                                Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4073         Requirements for Child-Resistance of Multi-Purpose Lighters..........................    3041-AB66
4074         Child Resistant Packaging of Consumer Products Containing Methacrylic Acid...........    3041-AB78
4075         Proposed Revocation of Amendments to the Standards for the Flammability of Children's    3041-AB80
            Sleepwear.............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4076         Baby Walkers.........................................................................    3041-AB40
4077         Amendment of Safety Regulations for Cribs............................................    3041-AB67
4078         Petition HP 99-1 for a Ban of Polyvinyl Chloride in Toys and Other Products Intended     3041-AB79
            for Children 5 Years of Age and Under.................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4079         Requirements for Child-Resistant Packaging of Minoxidil..............................    3041-AB72
4080         Petition To Exempt Sucraid TM From Special Packaging Requirements Under the Poison       3041-AB73
            Prevention Packaging Act..............................................................
4081         Amendments To Clarify Portions of the Standards for the Flammability of Children's       3041-AB74
            Sleepwear.............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)                 Prerule Stage




_______________________________________________________________________




4065. 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:  Not yet determined

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 the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM); 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 1999, 
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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Partial Denial of Petition      05/21/96
Additional Information Is Sent 
by Staff to the Commission      12/00/99
Commission Decision             12/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 22252]]

4066. 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 
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

________________________________________________________________________

Briefing Package From Staff to 
Commission                      04/00/99
Commission Decision             04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Margaret Neily, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0508

RIN: 3041-AB68
_______________________________________________________________________




4067. 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:  None

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                      10/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

RIN: 3041-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




4068.  PETITION FP 99-1 REQUESTING LABELING RULE FOR 
POLYURETHANE FOAM IN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE

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

Legal Authority:  5 USC 553(e) Administrative Procedure Act; 15 USC 
1191 Flammable Fabrics Act

CFR Citation:  Not yet determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A petition from the National Association of State Fire 
Marshals (NASFM) requests the Commission to require labels warning that 
polyurethane foam in upholstered furniture poses a fire hazard under 
the Flammable Fabrics Act. NASFM asserts that polyurethane foam in 
upholstered furniture poses an unreasonable risk of fire because once 
ignited it burns rapidly and emits toxic gases. NASFM asks the 
Commission to require that upholstered furniture manufacturers and 
retailers provide flammability warnings to the public. The Commission 
has authorized the issuance of a Federal Register notice to solicit 
public comments on the petition.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Issuance of Federal Register 
Notice To Solicit Comments      04/00/99
Comment Period End              06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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-AB81

[[Page 22253]]

_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)           Proposed Rule Stage




_______________________________________________________________________




4069. 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 developed a draft standard to address ignition of 
upholstered furniture by small open-flame sources. The staff also 
reported its findings on the efficacy of the voluntary program 
developed by the furniture industry to reduce the risk of cigarette 
ignition. On March 2, 1998, the Commission voted to defer action on 
small open-flame sources and gather additional information on the 
potential toxicity of flame-retardant chemicals that might be used to 
meet a standard. A public hearing on this subject was held on May 5-6, 
1998. The staff is analyzing data from the hearing and completing other 
technical studies. In the 1999 appropriations legislation Congress 
directed the Commission to contract with the National Academy of 
Sciences for a 12-month independent study of potential health hazards 
associated with the use of flame retardant chemicals in upholstered 
furniture. This contract was awarded in January 1999. Upon completion 
of this study the staff will present alternatives for future action by 
the Commission.

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 Voted To Defer Action 
Pending Results of Toxicity 
Hearing                         03/02/98
Commission Hearing May 5 & 6, 
1998 on Possible Toxicity of 
Flame Retardant Chemicals       03/17/98                    63 FR 13017
Commission Decision on NPRM      To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

RIN: 3041-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




4070. 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              07/11/97                    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                      04/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

RIN: 3041-AB57


_______________________________________________________________________



[[Page 22254]]

4071. 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 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. In November 1998 the staff provided the 
Commission with a briefing package concerning the laundering procedures 
in these standards. It included 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. Supplemental information on a 
suggested laundering procedure was submitted by the staff in February 
1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Briefing Package to Commission  11/18/98
NPRM for Carpets and Rugs       03/17/99                    64 FR 13132
NPRM for Mattresses and Mattress 
Pads                            03/17/99                    64 FR 13137
NPRM for Sleepwear              03/17/99                    64 FR 13126
NPRM for Carpets and Rugs 
Comment Period End              06/01/99                    64 FR 13132
NPRM for Mattresses and Mattress 
Pads Comment Period End         06/01/99                    64 FR 13137
NPRM for Sleepwear Comment 
Period End                      06/01/99                    64 FR 13126

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Margaret Neily, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0508

RIN: 3041-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________




4072. 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 response to the ANPRM, 420 comments were 
received, a majority of which were in favor of a mandatory rule. The 
staff briefed the Commission on January 7, 1999, and recommended the 
publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). The Commission 
voted on February 3, 1999 to issue the NPRM.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/22/98                     63 FR 3280
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/07/98
Briefing Package To Commission  12/16/98
Commission Decision             02/03/99
NPRM                            03/03/99                    64 FR 10245
NPRM Comment Period End         05/17/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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)              Final Rule Stage




_______________________________________________________________________




4073. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANCE OF MULTI-PURPOSE LIGHTERS

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

Legal Authority:  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 consumer product safety rule requiring multi-
purpose lighters to resist operation by children. The Commission began 
this proceeding after granting a petition.
A mandatory product safety rule for multi-purpose lighters would 
require these lighters to have a child-resistant mechanism to prevent 
operation by most children younger than five years of age. The standard 
would include lighters marketed for a wide range of general household 
uses, such as igniting fuel for fireplaces, charcoal or gas-fueled 
grills, and camping equipment.
The staff forwarded a briefing package to the Commission in July 1998. 
The briefing package recommended publication of a notice of proposed

[[Page 22255]]

rulemaking (NPRM) for a rule that would require multi-purpose lighters, 
also called utility lighters, to be child-resistant. On September 30, 
1998, a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) was published in the 
Federal Register.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/16/97                     62 FR 2327
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/17/97
NPRM                            09/30/98                    63 FR 52397
NPRM Comment Period End         12/14/98
Staff Briefing Package          06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4074. CHILD RESISTANT PACKAGING OF CONSUMER PRODUCTS CONTAINING 
METHACRYLIC ACID

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1471 Poison Prevention Packaging Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under section 2(b) of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, 
the Commission can require a special packaging standard for cosmetics 
for home use. Methacrylic acid is a chemical used as a primer for 
cleaning and etching fingernails prior to applying artificial nails. 
Methacrylic acid is associated with severe corrosive injury on contact 
with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. The staff transmitted a briefing 
package for the Commission's consideration in November 1998. The 
Commission voted to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in December 
1998. The Federal Register notice was published December 30, 1998. The 
staff sent the Federal Register notice and a letter requesting comment 
to a list of approximately 150 concerned parties on January 11, 1999. 
The staff will respond to comments, update injury data as needed, and 
transmit a final briefing package to the Commission by the end of June 
1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/30/98                    63 FR 71800
NPRM Comment Period End         03/15/99
Staff Sends Option Package to 
Commission                      06/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Susan Aitken, Project Manager, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Directorate for Epidemiology and Health Sciences
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB78
_______________________________________________________________________




4075.  PROPOSED REVOCATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR 
THE FLAMMABILITY OF CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority:  PL 105-276

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1615; 16 CFR 1616

Legal Deadline:  NPRM, Statutory, January 19, 1999. Final, Statutory, 
July 1, 1999.
The Commission's Fiscal Year 1999 appropriations legislation required 
the Commission to propose to revoke the sleepwear amendments and to 
either revoke, maintain, or modify them.

Abstract: The Standards for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear 
(sizes 0 to 6x and sizes 7 to 14) were amended in September 1996 to 
exclude from the definition of ``children's sleepwear'' (1) garments 
sized for infants nine months of age or younger and (2) tight-fitting 
garments for children older than nine months. The garments, termed 
``tight or snug-fitting,'' must not exceed maximum dimensions specified 
for each garment size. Several technical amendments were needed to 
clarify provisions of the standards, especially how the specified 
dimensions are to be measured on these garments. On January 19, 1999 
the Commission issued technical changes to clarify the points where 
garment measurements should be made. However, pursuant to the 1999 
appropriations bill, Public Law 105-276, on January 19, 1999 the 
Commission proposed for comment a revocation of the September 9, 1996 
amendments and all subsequent amendments. Based on all available 
information, the Commission is required to issue a final rule by July 
1, 1999 that either (1) revokes, (2) maintains, or (3) modifies the 
amendments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/19/99                     64 FR 2867
NPRM Comment Period End         03/22/99
Briefing Package to Commission  06/00/99
Final Action                    07/00/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Margaret Neily, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0508

RIN: 3041-AB80

[[Page 22256]]

_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)             Long-Term Actions




_______________________________________________________________________




4076. 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 the American Society for 
Testing and Materials (ASTM). 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                   To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4077. 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 Sends Briefing Package To 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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
_______________________________________________________________________




4078.  PETITION HP 99-1 FOR A BAN OF POLYVINYL CHLORIDE IN TOYS 
AND OTHER PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CHILDREN 5 YEARS OF AGE AND UNDER

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

Legal Authority:  15 USC 1261 to 1278 Federal Hazardous Substances Act

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1500

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The National Environmental Trust and 11 other organizations 
petitioned the Commission to ban polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in toys and 
other articles intended for the use of children 5 years and under, 
based upon concerns they have about the potential for health risks from 
phthalates (especially diisononyl phthalate (DINP)), lead, and cadmium 
that can be in PVC. A Federal Register notice was issued on December 
22, 1998, requesting comment on the petition. Comments were due on 
February 22, 1999.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice Advising of Receipt of 
Petition                        12/22/98                    63 FR 70756
Comments Due                    02/22/99                    63 FR 70756


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marilyn L. Wind, Ph.D., Project Manager, Consumer 
Product Safety Commission, Directorate for Epidemiology and Health 
Sciences, Washington, DC 20207

[[Page 22257]]

Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)             Completed Actions




_______________________________________________________________________




4079. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING OF MINOXIDIL

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/16/98                    63 FR 63603
Final Action Effective          05/17/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Suzanne Barone
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB72
_______________________________________________________________________




4080. PETITION TO EXEMPT SUCRAID TM FROM SPECIAL PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS 
UNDER THE POISON PREVENTION PACKAGING ACT

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1700.14

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/01/98                    63 FR 66001
Final Action Effective          12/01/98

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Jacqueline Ferrante
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________




4081. AMENDMENTS TO CLARIFY PORTIONS OF THE STANDARDS FOR THE 
FLAMMABILITY OF CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR

Priority:  Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation:  16 CFR 1615; 16 CFR 1616

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/19/99                     64 FR 2833
Final Action Effective          02/18/99

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Margaret Neily
Phone: 301 504-0508

RIN: 3041-AB74
[FR Doc. 99-4913 Filed 04-23-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355-01-F
