This week, the nation’s top product safety organization – ICPHSO – is meeting for the 21st time, at its 2014 Annual Meeting and Training Symposium in Orlando, FL. MET Labs is participating as an exhibitor and sponsor.
There were a number of interesting sessions on product safety regulations, compliance, and legal issues. George Borlase, Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Assistant Executive Director for Hazard Identification and Reduction, led a session on “CPSC Activities in 2014.” Here are the highlights of his presentation:
Sequestration is officially over. During the mandatory 5% cut, CPSC experienced a decrease in funding of $6M. CPSC’s FY 2014 appropriation is $117M, equaling the agency’s full request, a rare feat in Washington, D.C.
So, CPSC is planning these changes in 2014:
- Workforce growth
- Full funding in Consumer Product Safety Risk Management System and IT infrastructure
- Full investment in nanotechnology research agreements
- Full investment in lab equipment recapitalization
- Continue import surveillance Risk Assessment Methodology pilot
Ongoing CPSC rulemakings include fuel gels, rare earth magnets, and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs).
A priority for CPSC is deeper engagement in voluntary standards in these areas:
- CPSIA Section 104 durable products
- Electrical equipment
- Gas-powered appliances, to reduce carbon monoxide emissions and deaths from portable generators
The voluntary electrical equipment standards are concentrated on products that cause fires, including kitchen ranges, clothes dryers, space heaters, and power cords (the mechanical properties of insulation).
MET is expert in electrical/electronic product compliance and performance testing and certification. Contact us for a quick quote for an upcoming testing requirement, or attend one of our Compliance College seminars or webinars.