Rare Recall: Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors Recalled Without Manufacturer Consent
May 31, 2024, cpsc.gov
In a rare occurrence, a hazardous product has been recalled through the Consumer Product Safety Commission without cooperation from the manufacturer. About 6,800 Chzhvan brand combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were recalled this month because they can fail to activate, which means they could fail to warn people about a fire. At least five complaints were filed about the smoke detectors not detecting the presence of smoke. No injuries were reported in connection with the malfunctioning smoke detectors. The products were imported by Haikouhuidishangmaoyouxiangongsi of China. “The firm has been uncooperative in the implementation of the recall. Consumers are urged to dispose of the product,” the CPSC said. There apparently is no refund or recourse available to consumers.
CPSC Reports Off-Highway Vehicle Deaths Soar 33%
May 30, 2024, cpsc.gov
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and with it an increase in off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has released its annual report on deaths and injuries from off-highway vehicles which showed a staggering 33% increase in OHV-related deaths in 2020 compared to 2019, the most recent years for which data are available. Overturning and collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects, like a tree, were the leading causes of death. OHV occupants were frequently ejected in these types of incidents. CPSC is urgently warning all riders to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to avoid tragedy. Read the Report
Read Commissioner Trumka’s Statement
6 Common Leadership Styles — And How To Decide Which To Use When
April 9, 2024, Harvard Business Review
Research suggests that the most effective leaders adapt their style to different circumstances. But what if you feel like you’re not equipped to take on a new and different leadership style? In this article, the author outlines the six leadership styles Daniel Goleman first introduced in his 2000 HBR article, “Leadership That Gets Results,” and explains when to use each one. The good news is that personality is not destiny. Even if you’re naturally introverted or you tend to be driven by data and analysis rather than emotion, you can still learn how to adapt different leadership styles to organize, motivate and direct your team.
Deadly Lithium Battery Fires Spur House To Pass Safety Rules
May 30, 2024, In Compliance Magazine
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would strengthen safety standards applicable to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. CBS News reports that the legislation passed by the House in mid-May, titled “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act,” will require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a safety standard applicable to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The legislation was originally introduced in 2023 and passed with an overwhelming bi-partisan vote of 378-34.
Commissioner Trumka: “New CPSC Tool Provides Clarity For Business And Consumers”
May 30, 2024, cpsc.gov
Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission created a resource for businesses to identify the hazardous substances they needs to warn consumers about on product labels. This tool provides more clarity for businesses and will help consumers identify toxic products that pose a hazard. The tool helps businesses comply with the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (“FHSA”) by providing a list of hazardous substances that have been identified by other public health agencies. CPSC’s resource also gives consumers insight into what qualifies as a hazardous substance. “Hazardous substances” is an expansive term that includes many categories of hazards
Consumer Product Safety Commission Semiannual OIG Report To Congress
May 30, 2024, Oversight.gov
The Semiannual Report to Congress for the Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Inspector General (OIG). This report details the work of the OIG in the oversight of the CPSC for the first half of Fiscal Year 2024, October 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Read the Report
Medline Industries Recalls 1.5 Million Adult Portable Bed Rails Due To Serious Entrapment And Asphyxia Hazards; Two Deaths Reported
May 30, 2024, cpsc.gov
Northfield, Illinois, are announcing the recall of two models of Bed Assist Bar adult portable bed rails. The recalled bed rails pose a risk of entrapment and asphyxia because users can become entrapped within the rail, or between the rail and mattress.
What Apparel Companies Need To Know About The CPSC
May 29, 2024, National Law Review
The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates consumer products, including a variety of products made and sold by the Apparel industry. The agency provides education, regulations via the Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”), and enforcement. Clothing being imported through ports of entry get tested by CPSC’s Office of Import Surveillance that works closely with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) at the ports. Questions around whether the product is hazardous will trigger the importer being asked to provide test records within 24 hours. If a CPSC violation is found, whether through testing or untimely test record responses, the shipment product(s) in question will be detained or conditionally released with samples taken for further testing.
New York Lawmakers Send Lithium-Ion Safety Package To Governor Hochul
May 29, 2024, Bicycle Retailer
The New York State Senate passed a legislative package aimed at strengthening lithium-ion battery safety standards, including one that will recognize the European testing standard EN 15194 along with UL 2849. The legislative package, which was passed by the New York State Assembly early this month, now will be sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul for approval. If Hochul signs off on the legislation, it will become law 90 days after signing. Manufactured and Sale Standards of Lithium-Ion Batteries (Bill S154F) would allow manufacturers to use ISO 17025, ISO 17065, or an OSHA-approved nationally recognized testing lab.
Build-A- Bear: Our Product Safety Standards
May 2024, buildabear.com
All of our products are produced from high-quality materials. Our stuffing is made from a high-grade polyester fiber. Each of our products is tested through an independent, third-party testing lab for compliance with toy safety standards specific to the countries where we have stores, including ASTM/CPSC (US), CPSA (Canada), AS/NZS (Australia), EN71 (Europe), NOM (Mexico) and GB6675/GB5296.5 (China). Before they are shipped from our suppliers, all Build-A-Bear products must have a passing test report on record. Most of our products — including our furry friends, clothing and many accessories — are produced in Asia, similar to the entire toy industry. Our suppliers are compliant with the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), CARE (Caring, Awareness, Responsible, Ethical) certification, or comparable designation. These programs promote ethical manufacturing, from fair labor treatment to employee health and safety, in the toy industry worldwide.
