[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]


Part XLVIII





Consumer Product Safety Commission





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 23780]]



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, 2000.

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 24, 2000.

 Sadye E. Dunn,

Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.

                                Consumer Product Safety Commission--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3987        Amendment of the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles.................     3041-AB68
3988        Petition CP 97-1 Requesting Development of a Safety Standard for Escalators.........     3041-AB70
3989        Petition CP 99-2 Requesting Safety Standard for Bleachers and Grandstands...........     3041-AB84
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Consumer Product Safety Commission--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3990        Flammability Standard for Upholstered Furniture.....................................     3041-AB35
3991        Baby Walkers........................................................................     3041-AB40
3992        Dive Sticks.........................................................................     3041-AB82
3993        Amendment of the Safety Standard for Automatic Residential Garage Door Operators....     3041-AB86
3994        Petition HP 00-2 Requesting a Rule Declaring Natural Rubber Latex a Strong               3041-AB88
            Sensitizer..........................................................................
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[[Page 23781]]


                              Consumer Product Safety Commission--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3995        Petition HP 93-1 Requesting Development of a Rule To Ban Certain Backyard Playsets..     3041-AB47
3996        Requirements for Child-Resistant Packaging of Household Products Containing              3041-AB57
            Petroleum Distillates or Other Hydrocarbons.........................................
3997        Amendment of Safety Regulations for Cribs...........................................     3041-AB67
3998        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...............................................
3999        Petition FP 99-1 Requesting Labeling Rule for Polyurethane Foam in Upholstered           3041-AB81
            Furniture...........................................................................
4000        Petition HP 00-1 Requesting Development of a Child-Resistance Standard for Buckles       3041-AB85
            Used on Child-Restraint Systems.....................................................
4001        Petition HP 00-3 Requesting a Ban of Candle Wicks Containing Lead and Candles With       3041-AB87
            Such Wicks..........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Consumer Product Safety Commission--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4002        Requirements for Child-Resistance of Multi-Purpose Lighters.........................     3041-AB66
4003        Amendment of Laundering Procedures in Flammability Standards for Children's              3041-AB69
            Sleepwear, Carpets and Rugs, and Mattress Pads......................................
4004        Requirements for Bunk Beds..........................................................     3041-AB75
4005        Petition CP 99-1 Requesting a Ban of, or Warnings and Instructions for, Steel            3041-AB83
            Electricians' Fish Tapes............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)                 Prerule Stage


  



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3987. 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

________________________________________________________________________

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

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
_______________________________________________________________________




3988. 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: Not Yet Determined

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 
industry conducted research to support possible improvements to the 
escalator code to address side-wall entrapments. The staff is 
evaluating the results of the industry studies, and

[[Page 23782]]

injury data, and 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
Industry Completes Report and 
Makes Recommendations to Improve 
Code                            09/30/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Patricia Hackett, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Health Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0494

RIN: 3041-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________




3989. PETITION CP 99-2 REQUESTING SAFETY STANDARD FOR BLEACHERS AND 
GRANDSTANDS

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

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

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A petition from Representatives Bill Luther and Jim Ramstad 
requests that the Commission develop a safety standard for bleachers 
and grandstands. The petitioners assert that there have been several 
recent incidents of children falling through gaps in bleacher seats at 
basketball and hockey arenas. They request that the Commission set a 
national standard that would include minimum spacing requirements for 
gaps between bleacher guardrails and between seats and footboards and 
other safety features for new bleachers. They also request guidelines 
for retrofitting older facilities. On August 26, 1999, the Commission 
published a notice in the Federal Register to solicit comments on the 
petition from all interested persons. The staff will prepare a briefing 
package for the Commission to consider.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Petition Docketed               08/10/99
Notice                          08/26/99                    64 FR 46657
Comment Period End              10/25/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

RIN: 3041-AB84
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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)           Proposed Rule Stage


  



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3990. 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.
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 CPSC's 1999 appropriations legislation Congress 
directed the Commission to contract with the National Academy of 
Sciences (NAS) for a 12-month independent study of potential health 
hazards associated with the use of flame retardant chemicals that might 
be used in upholstered furniture fabrics to meet a CPSC standard. This 
contract was awarded in January 1999. NAS has requested an extension of 
the study to June 30, 2000. Upon completion of this study, the staff 
will present alternatives for future action by the Commission.
CPSC is also considering possible impacts of flame retardant chemical 
use on worker safety and the environment. At the CPSC staff's request, 
the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health will assess 
potential worker exposure to and risks from certain flame retardant 
chemicals that may be used by textile and furniture producers to comply 
with an upholstered furniture flammability standard. The CPSC staff is 
also working with the Environmental Protection Agency to consider 
possible controls on flame retardant compounds used in residential 
upholstered furniture fabrics, under that agency's

[[Page 23783]]

Toxic Substances Control Act Authority.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/15/94                    59 FR 30735
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/15/94
Staff Briefing of Commission on 
NPRM                            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
NAS Study Completed (Required by 
Congress)                       06/00/00
Commission Decision on NPRM      To Be                       Determined

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-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________




3991. 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. The 
majority of these injuries resulted from falls down stairs. 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.
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 American Society for 
Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard contains performance requirements 
to address risks of injury to children from falls down stairs 
associated with baby walkers. In 1998, baby walker injuries had dropped 
to 11,000. The staff is currently assessing the extent of industry 
conformance with that voluntary standard, designated ``Standard 
Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Walkers,'' SF 977-97, 
published by ASTM. 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 Provided Technical 
Recommendations to Revise 
Voluntary Standard              12/16/94
Revised Voluntary Standard 
Approved                        10/01/96
Voluntary Certification Program 
Began                           06/30/97
Staff Completes Monitoring 
Conformance to Revised Voluntary 
Standard                        05/00/00
Staff sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Barbara J. Jacobson, Directorate for Health Sciences, 
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0477
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________




3992. DIVE STICKS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 1261 Federal Hazardous Substances Act

CFR Citation: 16 CFR 1500

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On July 16, 1999 the Commission published an advance notice 
of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to begin a proceeding that may result in 
a ban of dive sticks with certain characteristics that cause them to be 
hazardous. Dive sticks are one of several types of devices used for 
underwater retrieval activities in swimming pools. They are typically 
made of rigid plastic, and are or can be weighted so that when dropped 
into water they sink and stand upright on the bottom. Many dive sticks 
have a cylindrically-shaped profile, while some have novel shapes like 
sharks or other sea creatures. Such dive sticks are constructed in such 
a manner that children can become impaled on them when they jump into 
shallow water where the dive sticks are oriented in an upright 
position. This impalement has resulted in serious injuries.
The Commission will consider written comments received in response to 
the ANPRM before deciding whether to continue the proceeding by 
publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/16/99                    64 FR 38387
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/14/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Scott Heh, Project Manager, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 20207

[[Page 23784]]

Phone: 301 504-0494

RIN: 3041-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________




3993.  AMENDMENT OF THE SAFETY STANDARD FOR AUTOMATIC 
RESIDENTIAL GARAGE DOOR OPERATORS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 101-608 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 
1990

CFR Citation: 16 CFR 1211

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The CPSC's safety standard for automatic residential garage 
door operators protects against entrapment. Death or serious injury can 
result from entrapment. The entrapment protection requirements come 
from the UL 325 safety standard for garage door operators. Under the 
Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act, when UL makes subsequent 
changes to the entrapment protection provsions of UL 325, UL must 
notify the Consumer Product Safety Commission of proposed revisions and 
CPSC must incorporate them into the CPSC rule unless the CPSC notifies 
UL within 30 days that the CPSC has determined that the revision does 
not carry out the purposes of the Improvement Act. UL has made changes 
to its standard to reflect advances in garage door operator technology. 
The purpose of this regulatory action is to update the product safety 
rule to include these new requirements made by UL.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Staff sends NPRM briefing 
package to Commission           04/00/00
Commission decision             04/00/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: John Murphy, Project Manager, Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0494
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________




3994.  PETITION HP 00-2 REQUESTING A RULE DECLARING NATURAL 
RUBBER LATEX A STRONG SENSITIZER

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 Debi Adkins, editor, Latex Allergy News, 
requests that the Commission issue a rule declaring that natural rubber 
latex (NRL) and products containing NRL are strong sensitizers under 
the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) and requiring labeling. NRL 
is in such consumer products as gloves, adhesives, shoes, balloons, 
pacifiers, and carpet backing, as well as many medical products. The 
petitioner states that a portion of the population has developed an 
allergy to latex that can be debilitating, even causing death. On March 
21, 2000, 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

________________________________________________________________________

Petition Docketed               03/02/00
Notice                          03/21/00                    65 FR 15133
Comment Period End              05/22/00
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Suzanne Barone, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Health Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0477
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB88
_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)             Long-Term Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




3995. 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. The staff 
will transmit additional information to the Commission concerning 
revisions of the voluntary

[[Page 23785]]

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
Revisions to Voluntary Standard 
Completed                       07/10/98
Staff Began Monitoring 
Conformance to Voluntary 
Standard                        08/10/99
Staff Completes Monitoring 
Conformance                      To Be                       Determined
Staff Sends Additional 
Information to Commission        To Be                       Determined
Commission Decision              To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

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

RIN: 3041-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________




3996. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANT PACKAGING OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS 
CONTAINING PETROLEUM DISTILLATES OR OTHER HYDROCARBONS

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. Following consideration of the 
comments,the Commission decided to propose requirements for child-
resistant packaging of additional household products containing 
petroleum distillates or other hydrocarbons. The notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) was published on January 3, 2000 and the comment 
period ended March 20, 2000.

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
NPRM                            01/03/00                       65 FR 93
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/00
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Suzanne Barone, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Health Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0477
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________




3997. 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. At the 
urging of CPSC staff, in April 1999, the voluntary standard for cribs 
designated ``Specification for Full Size Baby Cribs (ASTM F1169-99)'' 
and published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 
was revised to include performance requirements for crib slats. The 
Commission will consider written comments received in response to the 
ANPRM and assess conformance with 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

________________________________________________________________________

Staff Recommended Revisions to 
Voluntary Standard              09/30/96
ANPRM                           12/16/96                    61 FR 65996
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/14/97
Revisions to Voluntary Standard 
Approved                        04/10/99
Voluntary Certification Program 
Begins                          03/01/00

[[Page 23786]]

Staff Begins Monitoring 
Conformance to Revised Voluntary 
Standard                         To Be                       Determined
Staff Completes Monitoring 
Conformance                      To Be                       Determined
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, Directorate for Epidemiology, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0470
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________




3998. 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.
The Commission has established a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) 
of independent scientists to study issues related to the chronic 
toxicity and risk, including the risk of cancer, associated with 
exposure to (DINP) in children's PVC products. The Commission has begun 
an extensive exposure study to obtain a broader range of data from 
which to better define the amount of time children mouth products that 
could contain phthalates. Following completion of this work, the staff 
will send a briefing package to the Commission recommending that the 
Commission grant, deny, or defer the petition.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice Advising of Receipt of 
Petition                        12/22/98                    63 FR 70756
Initiated Formation of CHAP     02/16/99
Comment Period End              02/22/99
Awarded Contract for Child 
Observation Study               09/30/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Marilyn L. Wind Ph.D., Project Manager, Consumer 
Product Safety Commission, Directorate for Health Sciences, Washington, 
DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0477

RIN: 3041-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________




3999. 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 that the Commission require labels under the 
Flammable Fabrics Act warning that polyurethane foam in upholstered 
furniture poses a fire hazard. 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. On April 6, 
1999, the Commission published a Federal Register notice to solicit 
public comments on the petition.
The Commission has another ongoing rulemaking proceeding related to the 
risk of fire associated with upholstered furniture (RIN 3041-AB40) that 
may bear on the disposition of this petition. In 1994, CPSC published 
an ANPRM announcing the agency's intent to consider a possible rule or 
other alternatives to address the risk of upholstered furniture fires 
ignited by small open-flame sources, e.g., lighters, matches and 
candles. Such a rule could affect fabrics or other furniture 
components, including filling materials such as polyurethane foam. The 
Commission staff is evaluating the technical issues raised in the 
polyurethane foam petition as part of the larger regulatory development 
effort. The Commission's consideration of the petition will, therefore, 
be incorporated into the decision on how to proceed on the small open-
flame matter.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Issuance of Federal Register 
Notice To Solicit Comments      04/06/99                    64 FR 16711
Comment Period End              06/07/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

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
_______________________________________________________________________




4000.  PETITION HP 00-1 REQUESTING DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD-
RESISTANCE STANDARD FOR BUCKLES USED ON CHILD-RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

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

[[Page 23787]]

Abstract: A petition from John A. Galbreath requests that the 
Commission develop a child-resistance standard for buckles used on 
child-restraint systems on such products as strollers, high chairs, 
changing stations, and shopping carts. The petitioner states that 
existing buckles used on child-restraint systems are ineffective 
because children can open them and that they present unreasonable risks 
of serious injuries to children resulting from children falling from 
strollers, high chairs, changing stations and shopping carts. On 
January 5, 2000, 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                          01/05/00                      65 FR 439
Comment Period End              03/06/00
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Deborah Tinsworth, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Epidemiology, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0470
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________




4001.  PETITION HP 00-3 REQUESTING A BAN OF CANDLE WICKS 
CONTAINING LEAD AND CANDLES WITH SUCH WICKS

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: Separate requests from Public Citizen and jointly from the 
National Apartment Association and the National Multi Housing Council 
are being considered as a petition to ban candle wicks that contain 
lead and to ban candles with such wicks. The petitioners claim that 
burning candles with such wicks produces hazardous combustion products 
containing lead. The staff is preparing a briefing package for 
consideration by the Commission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Petition Docketed               03/17/00
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                       To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kristine Hatelid, Project Manager, Consumer Product 
Safety Commission, Directorate for Health Sciences, Washington, DC 
20207
Phone: 301 504-0994
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB87
_______________________________________________________________________


CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC)             Completed Actions


  



_______________________________________________________________________




4002. REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD-RESISTANCE OF MULTI-PURPOSE LIGHTERS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 2051 Consumer Product Safety Act

CFR Citation: 16 CFR 1212; 16 CFR 1145

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On December 22, 1999, the Commission published a final rule 
requiring multi-purpose lighters to be child resistant. The standard 
will become effective December 22, 2000 and will apply to multi-purpose 
lighters manufactured in the United States or imported on or after that 
date.
The mandatory product safety rule for multi-purpose lighters, also 
known as grill lighters, utility lighters, and micro-torches, requires 
these lighters to have a child-resistant mechanism to prevent operation 
by most children younger than 5 years of age.The standard includes 
lighters marketed for a wide range of general household uses, such as 
igniting fuel for fireplaces, charcoal or gas-fueled grills, and 
camping equipment.

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
Supplemental NPRM               08/04/99                    64 FR 42302
Second NPRM Comment Period End  10/18/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      11/19/99
Final Rule                      12/22/99                    64 FR 71854
Final Rule Effective            12/22/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael Bogumill, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 
Office of Compliance, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0400
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________




4003. 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

[[Page 23788]]

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. The Commission 
published proposed amendments to the standards, to represent more 
realistic laundering conditions. In February 2000, after a review of 
comments, the Commission voted to issue the proposed amendments in a 
final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Briefing Package to Commission  11/18/98
NPRM for Sleepwear              03/17/99                    64 FR 13126
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 Comment 
Period End                      06/01/99                    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
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      01/20/00
Final Action  Commission Decision 02/02/00  Final Rule for Sleepwear 
03/10/00 (65 FR 12924)  Final Rule for Carpets and Rugs 03/10/00 (65 FR 
12929)  Final Rule for Mattresses 03/10/00 (65 FR 12935)

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-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________




4004. REQUIREMENTS FOR BUNK BEDS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 16 CFR 1213; 16 CFR 1500; 16 CFR 1513

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On December 22, 1999, the Commission published a safety 
standard that contains performance requirements for bunk beds to reduce 
the hazard that children can be suffocated or strangled when they 
become entrapped in the beds' structure or become wedged between the 
upper bunk and a wall. The final rule contains requirements for the 
presence of guardrails, the height and extent of guardrails, and the 
height of, and the openings in, the beds' end structures to address 
entrapment hazards.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/22/98                     63 FR 3280
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/07/98
Staff Sends 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
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      06/16/99
Request for Additional Comment  07/09/99                    64 FR 37051
NPRM Comment Period End         09/22/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      11/03/99
Commission Decision             12/02/99
Final Rule                      12/22/99                    64 FR 71888
Final Rule Effective            06/19/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Pamela Major, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 
Office of Compliance, Washington, DC 20207
Phone: 301 504-0400
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3041-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________




4005. PETITION CP 99-1 REQUESTING A BAN OF, OR WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS 
FOR, STEEL ELECTRICIANS' FISH TAPES

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 John C. Stein requesting a ban of, or the 
requirement of warnings and instructions for, steel electricians' fish 
tapes. The petition asserts that steel electricians' fish tapes are 
associated with electrocution and injury resulting from the use of 
steel, which conducts electricity. On June 7, 1999, the Commission 
published a notice in the Federal Register to solicit comments on the 
petition from all interested persons. The staff sent a briefing package 
to the Commission on February 2, 2000. On February 14, 2000, The 
Commission voted to deny the petition and approved a letter of denial 
to the petitioner.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Petition Docketed               05/19/99
Notice                          06/07/99                    64 FR 30323
Comment Period End              08/07/99
Staff Sends Briefing Package to 
Commission                      02/02/00
Commission Denied Petition      02/14/00

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 3041-AB83
[FR Doc. 00-5317 Filed 04-21-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355-01-F
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