HOVERBOARD CONCERNS SPREAD AROUND THE COUNTRY, WORLD
>Walmart ceases selling hoverboards amid safety concerns
February 25, 2016, ign.com
The largest retailer in the United States has deemed hoverboards too dangerous to sell. In so doing, it joins online retailer giant Amazon, which pulled the fire-prone devices earlier over concerns about its lithium-ion battery safety. Separately Toys-“R”-Us and Target also announced in New Jersey that they will stop selling the scooters. Target said it had “paused the sale of hoverboards” online to ensure that its products met new safety guidelines. Toys “R” Us said it stopped selling the product “out of an abundance of caution.” The CPSC announced an investigation into hoverboard safety earlier this year.
>The MBTA in Boston is banning hoverboards from buses, trains, and stations
February 25, 2016, bostonglobe.com
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has confirmed that passengers will be banned from bringing the motorized rolling devices on MBTA public property “for obvious safety reasons” according to a spokesman. The Authority also announced it will build a pubic information campaign around the safety issue.
>With hoverboards in the spotlight, safety testing a top challenge in China
February 22, 2016, plasticsnews.com
Health and safety were front and center as a key selling point at this year’s Hong Kong Toys and Game Fair. Firms at the toy fair aggressively posted test results and safety certificates, with hoverboards as a big topic during the event. CPSC’s regional public safety attache´ said he plans to visit Chinese manufacturers with a technical presentation on CPSC’s concerns.
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Man says e-cigarette battery exploded in his pocket
February 25, 2016, cnn.news
A Kentucky man was paying for snacks at a local gas station when flames shot out through his clothes. A surveillance camera caught the entire episode on video. This is the 22 such incident reported since the 2008 introduction of the smoking device. A lithium battery inside the vaping device is the cause of the explosion according to an investigation.
Infinity cables, indigenous consumer protection, cartel conduct in ACCC chairman Rod Sims’ sights
February 23, 2016, southcoastregisters.com
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman announced compliance and enforcement priorities for 2016 in a recent address. He said that “no timeline is as important as the deadline for Infinity cables, which can cause electric shock or fires” if homeowners don’t replace the recalled product. He said the ACCC will have about 20 cartel investigations underway at any one time and one or two criminal prosecutions in process.
Fairfax City Council adopts bike-helmet ordinance
February 26, 2016, connectionnewspapers.com
Under the new law, all bicycle riders age 14 and under “must wear helmets meeting the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard when riding or being carried on a bicycle or an electric power-assisted bicycle.” Violations are punishable by a ticket carrying a $25 fine.
Latest Consumer Product Safety Commission report shows continuing decline in ATV incidents
February 23, 2016, Reuters.com
According to the ATV Safety Institute, an industry commitment to national safety and training programs contributed to the reduced number of incidents. The newly published CPSC 2014 annual report of ATV deaths and injuries shows a continuing trend in decreased fatalities and injuries every year since 2007. From 2007-2011, ATV related fatalities declined by 23% and ATV related fatalities involving children declined by 40%. The annual report also states that ATV-related injuries to children of all ages decreased 38% from 2007-2014, a “statistically significant downward trend.”
Industry defends product safety after French consumer group warns of potential risk
February 24, 2016, cosmeticsdesign-europe.com
A French consumer organization has published a list of 185 products including skin creams, shampoos, deodorants and baby wipes that “may contain potentially harmful substances.” The groups notes the products were legal, but could cause allergies, irritations, or endocrinal disorders. The Federation of Cosmetic Makers says that beauty and hygiene products sold in France are safe and meet European regulation, which it describes as “the most demanding in the world.”
Baltimore County school officials answer questions about Lansdowne
February 26, 2016, baltimoresun.com
The officials are facing teachers and parents concerned about construction at the school where asbestos disturbance, leaking roofs, and flooded floors have shaken the confidence of many in the community over the county’s handling of the project. The county says it follows federal protocols so that no children are in the building when construction is disturbing asbestos, a now-condemned carcinogenic construction material used in older buildings.
Recommended Reading: 3 keys to a more successful supply chain
February 23, 2016, mdm.com
A blogger cites “adaptability” as the critical trait to keep up with trends and advancements in managing a supply chain. That includes investments in technology, focus on efficiency and sustainability, and predicting and preventing disruptions.
