U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 

 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 

* This report was prepared by the CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved 

 by, and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Commission. 

VOLUNTARY STANDARDS 

ACTIVITIES FY 2006* 
1

Voluntary Standards Activities 

10/1/05 – 9/30/06 

SUMMARY 

 Forty-eight new, revised, or reaffirmed voluntary safety standards, which the U.S. 

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff monitored or provided technical support for, 

received final approval during the period from 10/1/05 – 9/30/06. These addressed portable 

amusement rides (seven standards), arc-fault circuit interrupters (two standards), baby bouncers 

(seats), bassinets and cradles, batteries (rechargeable cell phone), bed rails, toddler beds, bunk 

beds, child-resistant packaging, cribs (non-full-size and play yards), portable electric fans, fire 

escape masks, garage door/gate operators, gasoline containers (two standards), ground-fault 

circuit interrupters, portable generators, recreational helmets (five standards), paintball guns and 

markers (three standards), playground equipment for children less than two years of age, home 

playground equipment, swimming pools, table saws, paper shredders, trampolines, treestands 

(nine standards), and turkey fryers. 

 In total, the CPSC staff provided technical support to or monitored the development of 63 

voluntary safety standards which are included in the information that follows. Nearly all of these 

were handled by three standards development/coordinating organizations - ASTM International 

(previously called the American Society for Testing and Materials), the American National 

Standards Institute (ANSI), and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL). These standards provide 

safety provisions addressing potential hazards associated with consumer products found in our 

homes, schools, and recreational areas. In addition, CPSC staff continued monitoring 

conformance to selected voluntary consumer product safety standards. 

INTRODUCTION OF THE “V-STAR” REPORT 

Below you will find the first Voluntary Standards Tracking and Access Report 

 (V-STAR) which shows, among other things, the objective of the standard under development, 

the name of the employee leading each activity, and the status of the standard. Information from 

the CPSC staff was compiled and edited by the Office of Hazard Identification and Analysis to 

prepare the report. It is anticipated that this report will be issued twice a year, both for the middle 

and the end of the CPSC fiscal year which runs from October 1st to September 30th. Below is the 

annual V-STAR report for fiscal year 2006. 

CPSC REVISES ITS REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE 

COMMISSION’S INVOLVEMENT IN VOLUNTARY STANDARDS 

 On July 10, 2006, revised regulations governing the Commission’s involvement in 

voluntary standards activities became effective. The revisions do two things. First, they more 

accurately reflect current Commission practices and strengthen oversight of staff involvement in 
2

standards making activities. Second, the revisions codify existing procedures for internet 

disclosure and public comment regarding standards activities in which the Commission staff is 

actively involved. For further information please see the 71 Fed. Reg. 38,754 – 38,760 to be 

codified as 16 CFR Part 1031. 

INCREASED PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND COMMENT 

 

 During the reporting period, the CPSC staff continued the program to provide more 

information on CPSC staff voluntary staff activities. Draft CPSC staff recommendations on 

issues to be considered by voluntary standards organizations were placed on the CPSC web site 

to allow for public review and comment. Further, the CPSC staff continued to expand the 

voluntary standards portion of the CPSC web site with a goal of including information on all 

voluntary standards activities which the CPSC staff monitors and for which it provides technical 

support. 
VOLUNTARY STANDARDS 

TRACKING AND ACCESS REPORT *

CPSC STAFF 

VOLUNTARY STANDARDS ACTIVITIES 

FY 2006 ANNUAL REPORT 

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 

4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814

 

*

 This report was prepared by CPSC staff, has not been reviewed or approved by, and may not necessarily 

reflect the views of, the Commission. 
VOLUNTARY STANDARDS 

TRACKING AND ACCESS REPORT 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) staff works 

cooperatively with standards developers, consumers, industry and other interested 

parties to develop consumer product safety standards. A description of these 

activities follows within the CPSC staff’s Voluntary Standards Tracking and Access 

Report (V-STAR) for the 2006 Fiscal Year from October 1, 2005, to September 30, 

2006. The report contains, among other things, the objective of the standard under 

development, the name of the employee leading each activity, and the status of the 

standard. 
INDEX 

Page

All-Terrain Vehicles .................................................................................... 1

Amusement Rides, Portable ......................................................................... 1

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) ............................................................. 2

Baby Bouncers .......................................................................................... 2

Baby Gates ............................................................................................... 2

Baby Swings ............................................................................................. 3

Baby Walkers ............................................................................................ 3

Bassinets and Cradles ................................................................................. 3

Bath Seats ................................................................................................ 4

Batteries ................................................................................................... 4

Bed Rails ................................................................................................... 5

Bicycles ................................................................................................... 5

Blind Cords ................................................................................................. 6

Booster Seats ............................................................................................ 6

Bunk Beds ................................................................................................ 6

Candles ................................................................................................... 7

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms ....................................................................... 7

Carriers, Infant .......................................................................................... 7

Carriers, Infant Frame ................................................................................... 8

Carriers, Soft ............................................................................................. 8

Changing Tables, Diaper ............................................................................. 8

Child-Resistant Packaging ........................................................................... 9

Cribs (Non-Full-Size and Play Yards) ............................................................. 9

Cribs, Commercial ...................................................................................... 10

Fans, Portable ........................................................................................... 10

Fire Escape Masks ..................................................................................... 11

Fuel Cells ................................................................................................. 11

Garage Door/Gate Operators ........................................................................ 12

Gas Appliances, Vented – CO Sensors ........................................................... 12

Gasoline Containers ................................................................................... 13

Generators, Portable ................................................................................... 13

Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters ................................................................... 14

Heaters, Fixed Electric .................................................................................. 14

Helmets, Recreational .................................................................................. 15

High Chairs ................................................................................................. 15

Hot Tubs and Spas ..................................................................................... 16

Infant Bedding and Accessories .................................................................... 16

Infant Tubs ................................................................................................ 16

Ladders ................................................................................................... 17

Mowers .................................................................................................... 17

National Electrical Code ................................................................................ 18

Paintball Markers ......................................................................................... 18

Paper Shredders ........................................................................................ 19

Play Yards (Non-Full Size Cribs and Play Yards) .............................................. 19

Playground Equipment (<2 Years Old) ............................................................ 20

Playground Equipment (Home) ..................................................................... 20

Playground Equipment (Public) ..................................................................... 21
Playground Equipment (Soft) ......................................................................... 21

Playground Surfacing .................................................................................. 22

Pool Alarms ................................................................................................ 22

Pool Suction (Vacuum) Release Devices ......................................................... 23

Pools and Spas .......................................................................................... 24

Pools, Portable .......................................................................................... 24

Scooters, Motorized ..................................................................................... 25

Smoke Alarms ............................................................................................. 25

Sprinklers, Fire ............................................................................................ 26

Strollers ................................................................................................... 26

Surge Suppressors ..................................................................................... 27

Table Saws ............................................................................................... 27

Toddler Beds ............................................................................................. 28

Toys .......................................................................................................... 28

Trampolines ................................................................................................ 29

Treestands ................................................................................................ 30

Turkey Fryers ............................................................................................ 30
 CPSC Staff Voluntary Standards Activities 

FY 2006 Annual Report

Product All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Staff Contact Leland, Elizabeth

Purpose To monitor the five-year review of the American National Standard for Four 

Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles - Equipment, Configuration, and Performance 

Requirements (ANSI/SVIA-1-2001) and to recommend changes, as appropriate.

Activities CPSC staff met with the Specialty Vehicle Industry Association (SVIA) technical 

group reviewing the ANSI standard to discuss the five-year review of the 

voluntary safety standard. SVIA distributed the proposed revision of the 

existing American National Standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles -- 

Equipment, Configuration, and Performance Requirements to canvassees for 

ballot vote due 11/13/06.

Next Action Review revised ballot; comments due 3/17/07

Product Amusement Rides, Portable

Staff Contact Caton, Tom

Purpose To monitor and provide technical support to the development of new and 

revised standards of the ASTM F24 Committee on Amusement Rides and 

Devices.

Activities The following revised standards were approved in FY 2006:

1) ASTM F747-06 Standard Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and 

Devices was approved on 2/1/06,

2) ASTM F893-05a Standard Guide for Inspection of Amusement Rides and 

Devices was approved on 12/1/05, 

3) ASTM F1193-06 Standard Practice for Amusement Rides and Devices 

Manufacturer Quality Assurance and Manufacturing Requirements was 

approved on 3/1/06, 

4) ASTM F2374-06 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, and 

Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices was approved on 2/1/06, and

5) ASTM F2376-06 Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, 

Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems was approved on 1/1/06.

6) ASTM F2291-06a Standard Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and 

Devices was approved on 4/1/06.

7) ASTM F770-06a Practice for Ownership and Operation of Amusement Rides 

and Devices was approved on 4/1/06.

Next Action Attend ASTM F24 Committee meeting, 2/22-24/2007, New Orleans, LA

Page 1 of 30
Product Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)

Staff Contact Lee, Doug

Purpose To strengthen the safety provisions of the UL Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (UL 

1699) standard to reduce the fire hazard associated with electrical wiring in 

homes.

Activities On 1/23/06, the revised UL Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (UL 1699-2006) 

standard was approved. The revised standard added the requirement that 

AFCIs must remain operable after a short circuit current test, among other 

things. CPSC staff provided technical assistance to the development of the 

revised standard. On 4/7/06, the 2nd edition of UL 1699-2006 was published.

Next Action Staff will continue to monitor standards activities and National Electrical Code 

requirements for AFCIs as new AFCI technologies are marketed

Product Baby Bouncers

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bouncer 

Seats (ASTM F2167) to strengthen its safety provisions.

Activities Prior to the beginning of the reporting period, CPSC staff provided technical 

assistance to the revision of the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification 

for Infant Bouncer Seats (ASTM F2167-05b), which was approved on 10/1/05. 

The revised standard reordered the testing sequence to provide greater safety. 

At the 9/06 meeting, CPSC staff introduced a concern with the forward stability 

test procedure. A task group was formed to discuss both the test procedure 

and the scope of the product.

Next Action Support task group regarding the forward stability test; attend subcommittee 

meeting, 3/19/07

Product Baby Gates

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion 

Gates and Expandable Enclosures (ASTM F1004) to strengthen its safety 

provisions.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support for possible revisions to the standard in 

the areas of holes and openings in gates and the pulling strength of children. A 

revision to the current requirement was sent to ballot vote in the summer of 

2006. At the 9/06 meeting, the ballot results regarding holes and openings were 

reviewed. Several negatives were received and resolved by the subcommittee.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/22/07

Page 2 of 30
Product Baby Swings

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Swings 

(ASTM F2088) to strengthen its safety provisions.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical assistance to the ASTM F15.21 Subcommittee 

on Infant Carriers, Bouncers and Baby Swings in the area of restraints and falls 

from swings. The subcommittee is proposing a leg opening requirement (similar 

to high chairs) to the standard. It was recommended that manufacturers test 

their swings to the proposed revisions and then come back with comments or 

suggestions. A ballot to revise the standard is expected in 2007.

Next Action Await results of manufacturer testing; attend subcommittee meeting, 3/22/07

Product Baby Walkers

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Infant 

Walkers (ASTM F977), as appropriate.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support for possible revisions to the standard 

pertaining to collapsing walkers and leg hole openings. The Subcommittee on 

Infant Walkers was considering adopting the same leg opening requirement that 

was under consideration for stationary activity centers.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/22/07; await results of stationary activity 

centers ballot regarding leg holes

Product Bassinets and Cradles

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and 

Cradles (ASTM F2194) to strengthen its safety provisions.

Activities The ASTM F15.18 Subcommittee on Cribs, Toddler Beds, Play Yards, 

Bassinets, Cradles and Changing Tables revised the ASTM Standard 

Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and Cradles (ASTM F2194-06) 

standard to include a new provision regarding stability. The revised standard 

was approved on 3/01/06. The subcommittee will look at co-sleepers as a 

product category and has asked CPSC staff to provide incident data.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/20/07; provide data on co-sleeper incidents

Page 3 of 30
Product Bath Seats

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Seats 

(ASTM F1967) to eliminate or reduce the risk of infant drowning resulting from 

tipover and climbing out hazards.

Activities A revision to the ASTM F1967-04 standard is expected in FY 2007 which will 

have new warning requirements to address climbing-out hazards. Revisions to 

the stability requirement were finalized at the 3/06 ASTM subcommittee meeting 

and were balloted in the summer of 2006. The ballot results for the new stability 

requirement were reviewed at the 9/06 subcommittee meeting. One negative 

was received, which was found to be non-persuasive. The ballot is expected to 

be re-issued in FY 2007 to uphold that finding.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/21/07

Product Batteries

Staff Contact Lee, Doug

Purpose To provide technical support to the development of safety standards for cell 

phone batteries to ensure safe and reliable use. The battery and cellular 

telephone industries desire standardized criteria for the design and qualification 

of reliable battery systems and for verifying the quality and reliability of those 

batteries for use in a system.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the development of a new Institute of 

Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Standard 

for Rechargeable Batteries for Cellular Telephones (IEEE 1725) which was 

approved and published on 4/27/06. This new standard was created to make 

rechargeable lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries for cellular phones 

more reliable and robust. The standard uses a systems approach in setting 

uniform criteria for battery design, production and evaluation. A certification 

process using the IEEE P1725 standard is being developed; the first phase of 

the certification program has been completed.

Next Action Standard development completed; continue to monitor certification 

developments

Page 4 of 30
Product Bed Rails

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bed Rails 

(ASTM F2085), to improve the marking and labeling as well as to clarify testing 

procedures.

Activities The revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bed Rails 

(ASTM F2085-06) was approved on 3/1/06. The standard was revised in the 

areas of marking/labeling, displacement, and protrusion testing. New task 

groups were established to address issues such as breakage of components, 

use on non-box spring beds, and the scope of the standard. CPSC staff also 

requested that assembly problems be added as a new task group in light of 2 

fatal incidents that can be associated with bed rail assembly errors.

Next Action Participate on various task groups as appropriate; attend subcommittee 

meeting, 3/19/07

Product Bicycles

Staff Contact Amodeo, Vince

Purpose To develop new or revised ASTM safety standards for bicycles and bicycle 

components.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the development of: 

1) A draft ASTM Standard Specification for Condition 3 Bicycle Frames (balloted 

6/9/06),

2) A draft ASTM Standard Test Methods for Bicycle Frames (balloted 6/9/06),

3) A draft ASTM Standard Test Methods for Handlebar Grip Safety,

4) A draft ASTM Standard Test Method for Manually Operated Front Wheel 

Rentention Systems, and

5) A revision to ASTM Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage.

Staff attended subcommittee meetings in 5/06 and 9/06, at which task groups 

reported progress on standards development/revision efforts.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 5/22-24/07, Norfolk, VA

Page 5 of 30
Product Blind Cords

Staff Contact Paul, Caroleene

Purpose To revise the ANSI Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products 

(ANSI/WCMA A100.1) to reduce strangulation hazards associated with window 

covering cords.

Activities CPSC staff worked with the Window Covering Manufacturers Association 

(WCMA) technical committee to enhance safety provisions of the voluntary 

standard that address the strangulation hazard associated with continuous loop 

cords and inner cords. The technical committee developed a new test method to 

evaluate break-away devices. Draft revisions were sent to association members 

for review on 07/07/06. CPSC staff did not receive the draft revisions but will 

receive the ANSI ballot for review and comment.

Next Action Review ANSI ballot when available

Product Booster Seats

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To assist in development of a new ASTM safety standard to address the 

hazards associated with booster seats.

Activities A draft ASTM safety standard was developed by the ASTM F15.17 

Subcommittee on Booster Seats. The draft standard was sent to the 

subcommittee for ballot vote in 8/06. The ballot results were reviewed in 9/06, 

and it is expected that the ballot will be re-issued with revisions in FY 2007.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/21/07

Product Bunk Beds

Staff Contact Bathalon, Susan

Purpose To revise the Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bunk Beds (ASTM 

F1427) to address the strangulation hazard associated with vertical protrusions 

on bunk beds.

Activities The revised Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bunk Beds (ASTM 

F1427-06) was approved on 3/1/06. The F15.30 Subcommittee redrafted the 

vertical protrusion test to minimize the risk of strangulation involving 

entanglement of clothing worn by a child descending from the top bunk. The 

subcommittee met 9/28/06 to consider further revision to the standard.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/07

Page 6 of 30
Product Candles

Staff Contact Tenney, Allyson

Purpose To develop new consensus ASTM safety standards to eliminate or significantly 

reduce fire hazards associated with candles and candle products.

Activities CPSC staff supported the ASTM F15.45 Subcommittee on Candle Products and 

its Fire Safety Task Group by providing incident data and technical support. A 

new standard for some candle accessories, e.g., candle rings, was balloted in 

2006. A draft standard for candle accessories (addresses candle burners and 

trim rings) was balloted to the subcommittee and committee in 6/06; negatives 

were received. With support from CPSC staff, negatives were addressed by the 

Task Group and parts of the draft accessory standard were revised.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 6/07

Product Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Staff Contact Switzer, Don

Purpose To revise the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Single and Multiple Station 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm (UL 2034) standard based on the results of CO alarm 

testing at conditions that approximate in-use conditions of rising CO 

concentrations and concentrations other than those specified in the standard.

Activities CPSC staff monitored the status of various proposals. These proposals were 

developed to address staff recommendations on digital display accuracy, end-oflife warning, and response of CO alarms to rising CO levels. The working group 

developing proposed test methods for alarm response to rising CO 

concentrations was trying to resolve comments before sending the proposal to 

the Standards Technical Panel (STP) for consideration. The working group 

developing requirements for end-of-life warning completed its work and planned 

to forward a proposal to the STP for consideration.

Next Action Attend working group meeting to discuss test method for rising CO level test 

(not yet scheduled)

Product Carriers, Infant

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for 

Hand-Held Infant Carriers (ASTM F2050) to minimize the risk of injuries to 

occupants.

Activities CPSC staff continued to monitor incident data for hand held carriers in order to 

assess the adequacy of the current voluntary standard.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/22/07; provide subcommittee with incident data

Page 7 of 30
Product Carriers, Infant Frame

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To assist in development of a new ASTM safety standard to minimize the risk of 

injuries to occupants of infant frame carriers.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the development of a revised 

standard, which was nearing completion at the end of the reporting period.

Next Action Standard revision completed (approved 10/31/06), await publication; attend 

subcommittee meeting, 3/21/07

Product Carriers, Soft

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To provide technical support to the ASTM F15.21 Subcommittee which has 

responsibility for maintaining the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety 

Specification for Soft Infant Carriers (ASTM F2236).

Activities CPSC staff continued to monitor incident data for soft infant carriers in order to 

assess the adequacy of the current voluntary standard.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/21/07

Product Changing Tables, Diaper

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Product Safety Specification for Baby 

Changing Tables for Domestic Use (F2388) in order to strengthen its safety 

provisions.

Activities Prior to the beginning of the reporting period, a 7/05 ballot vote of a revised draft 

ASTM F2388 standard was issued. Revisions included testing and labeling 

requirements for contoured changing pads and add-on changing units that are 

sold as separate products. Negative votes and comments were reviewed at the 

3/06 subcommittee meeting. The ballot was reissued and all negatives were 

resolved at the 9/06 subcommittee meeting. A revised standard is expected to 

be issued in early FY 2007. A new task group was formed to revisit the issue of 

restraining straps on changing tables; CPSC staff was asked to provide incident 

data.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/20/07; provide data/input associated with 

restraining straps

Page 8 of 30
Product Child-Resistant Packaging

Staff Contact Sharpless, Perry

Purpose To develop voluntary national consensus safety standards for child-resistant 

packaging (CRP).

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the ASTM D10 Committee on 

Packaging task group responsible for revising the ASTM Standard Classification 

of Child-Resistant Packages (ASTM D3475-06). The revised standard was 

approved 4/1/06. This revised standard includes new packaging designs. The 

standard is updated continuously to include new classification designations for 

novel packaging. CPSC staff provided samples of new types of child resistant 

packages and proposed a new classification system for Type VIII unit dose 

packages to make the classification consistent with classifications of other 

package types. CPSC staff recommended several revisions to ASTM D3475-06, 

including the addition of 4 new package examples and changes in the 

manufacturer for 2 packages that are already in the standard.

Next Action Subsequent to the end of the reporting period, CPSC staff recommendations for 

further revision of D3475-06 were balloted (ballot closed 1/15/07); review ballot 

results and attend subcommittee meeting, 4/07

Product Cribs (Non-Full-Size and Play Yards)

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size 

Baby Cribs/Play Yards (ASTM F406) in order to reduce the hazards associated 

with these products.

Activities The revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size 

Baby Cribs/Play Yards (ASTM F406-06) was approved on 3/1/06. The standard 

established testing requirements for the structure and performance of non-fullsize cribs/play yards, both rigid sided and mesh/fabric assemblies. It also 

provided requirements for labeling and instructional material. This revision 

updated the warnings and references to applicable European standards. In the 

CPSC 2006 Operating Plan "Non-Full-Size Cribs" is shown as a separate 

project from "Play Yards"; however, ASTM merged "Non-Full-Size Cribs" with 

"Play Yards" under ASTM Subcommittee F15.18. "Non-Full-Size Cribs" and 

"Play Yards" are shown in this report as separate projects; however, they are 

the same.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/20/07; await ballot on warning issues

Page 9 of 30
Product Cribs, Commercial

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To develop safety requirements for a new ASTM safety standard for cribs in 

commercial settings such as hotels and day care centers.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical assistance to the ASTM F15.18 Subcommittee 

on Cribs, Toddler Beds and Play Yards, Bassinets and Cradles under a task 

group for commercial cribs. The task group developed requirements dealing 

with various issues such as gap thresholds, static loads, hardware 

requirements, and drop side testing. A draft standard was developed.

Next Action The draft standard will be sent to the subcommittee for review; attend 

subcommittee meeting, 3/20/07

Product Fans, Portable

Staff Contact Luo, Anna

Purpose To revise the UL Electric Fans (UL 507) safety standard to reduce the risk of fire 

associated with portable electric fans.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to a working group developing 

performance requirements for power supply cords for portable electric fans. 

Staff reviewed the 11/20/06 proposal on new performance tests that was sent to 

the Standards Technical Panel (STP). At a 2/27/07 STP meeting, CPSC staff 

supported the new proposed requirements for power supply cords that include 

pinching, abrasion, crushing, and flexing tests. Staff also voiced a concern that 

the number of flexing cycles proposed may be too low. In addition, on 3/28/07, 

CPSC staff submitted a proposal to the STP on electric fans associated with 

home-use inflatable children's toys.

Next Action

Page 10 of 30
Product Fire Escape Masks

Staff Contact Khanna, Rikki

Purpose To develop revisions to the Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Escape Devices 

(ANSI/ISEA 110) performance standard for air-purifying respiratory protective 

smoke escape devices (RPEDS), a type of personal protection commonly called 

a "smoke hood" or "fire escape mask."

Activities The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) approved revision of the 

ANSI Air-Purifying Respiratory Protective Escape Devices (ANSI/ISEA 110) 

standard in 2/06 to clarify language and correct typographical errors. Round 

robin soot testing was delayed due to lack of available laboratories; interest from 

additional laboratories was being investigated. 

CPSC staff provided technical support and attended ISEA meetings throughout 

the year. During the 7/06 meeting, members agreed to revise the requirements 

for the fogging test to account for relative humidity. In addition, a motion to 

include accelerated aging tests was discussed and will be investigated.

Next Action Attend ISEA meeting, 4/07

Product Fuel Cells

Staff Contact Switzer, Don

Purpose To examine possible safety issues associated with fuel cells and participate in 

the development of new and revised voluntary safety standards, as appropriate.

Activities CPSC staff examined consumer safety issues associated with the use of fuel 

cells. There were several voluntary standards development activities being 

considered for portable and stationary fuel cells (as replacements for batteries) 

and stationary systems that use natural or propane gas as fuel to generate 

electricity. Both uses could present a possible fire hazard. In addition, portable 

fuel cells could pose possible health hazards because some designs are 

rechargeable and have the potential to leak. CPSC staff monitored commercial 

developments relating to these products.

Next Action No further activities at this time

Page 11 of 30
Product Garage Door/Gate Operators

Staff Contact Murphy, John

Purpose To revise the UL Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and 

Systems (UL 325) standard as appropriate to address safety hazards 

associated with garage door/gate operators.

Activities The revised ANSI/UL Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and 

Systems (ANSI/UL 325-2006) standard was approved on 2/14/06. The new 

safety provisions in the standard require some safety devices to reverse at least 

two inches before the motion of the door can be stopped. In 1/06, CPSC staff 

attended a Standards Technical Panel (STP) working group meeting to discuss 

the possibility of drafting requirements that would allow garage doors to be 

operated from remote locations. The working group decided to proceed with 

developing the safety requirements.

Next Action Monitor UL voluntary standard activities; no pending actions that affect CPSC 

mandatory rule

Product Gas Appliances, Vented - CO Sensors

Staff Contact Jordan, Ron

Purpose To revise the Gas-Fired Central Furnaces (ANSI Z21.47), Gas-Fired Low 

Pressure Steam and Hot Water Boilers (ANSI Z21.13), Vented Gas-Fired Space 

Heating Appliances (ANSI Z21.86), and Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters (ANSI 

Z21.88) safety standards to include performance requirements to: (1) prevent 

vented gas appliances from producing excessive levels of carbon monoxide 

(CO) or (2) shutdown the appliance in response to excessive CO levels.

Activities Immediately prior to the beginning of the reporting period, in 9/05 the ANSI 

Z21/83 Committee disbanded the Ad Hoc Working Group (WG) for 

CO/Combustion Sensors, citing that the WG had completed all of its tasks, i.e., 

it had developed test criteria and a Request for Proposal (RFP) on possible 

future work. The committee expressed the opinion that available sensor 

technologies were not sufficiently durable to operate reliably over the useful life 

of gas appliances. CPSC staff devised test criteria to assess the durability and 

longevity of sensors using the corrosion test methodology in Exhibit G of ANSI 

Z21.47.

Next Action Attend ANSI Z21/83 Committee (not yet scheduled)

Page 12 of 30
Product Gasoline Containers

Staff Contact Bathalon, Susan

Purpose To develop a revised ASTM Standard Specification for Determination of ChildResistance of Portable Fuel Containers for Consumer Use (ASTM F2517) and 

to develop new ANSI B71.10 standard provisions to minimize fuel leakage from 

plastic gasoline tanks used on powered lawn equipment.

Activities The revised ASTM Standard Specification for Determination of Child Resistance 

of Portable Fuel Containers for Consumer Use (ASTM F2517-05) was approved 

on 9/1/05. CPSC staff noted that language was omitted from the standard that 

instructed test panel members that they could use their teeth during the test. In 

11/05, CPSC staff provided comments stating that use of the teeth is important 

in child resistance testing. The ASTM F15.10 Subcommittee for Portable Fuel 

Containers scheduled a meeting for 11/06, at which time the use of teeth during 

testing was planned for discussion. In addition, ASTM F852-06 Gasoline 

Containers, Portable, and ASTM 839-06, Gasoline Containers, Labeling, were 

reapproved on 7/1/06.

In a separate action, CPSC staff indicated a desire to participate as part of an 

ANSI Canvass for Review for a new fuel tank performance standard to be 

developed by the ANSI B71.10 Committee; the draft standard was received for 

review on 9/26/06.

Next Action ASTM F2517-05: reballot child resistance requirement, 3/07; ANSI B71.10: 

review comments on draft standard when available

Product Generators, Portable

Staff Contact Buyer, Janet

Purpose To develop a new UL Portable Engine Generator Assemblies (UL 2201) 

standard to reduce carbon monoxide deaths associated with portable 

generators.

Activities In 12/05, UL drafted an Outline of Investigation for portable generators because 

the Standards Technical Panel had not yet achieved consensus on unresolved 

issues regarding the proposed draft standard, UL 2201. UL’s Outline of 

Investigation for Portable Engine-Generator Assemblies, Subject 2201, 

establishes UL’s certification requirements. It is not a consensus document. UL 

sought and received CPSC staff’s recommendations on the draft Outline of 

Investigation in 2/06. UL incorporated CPSC staff’s recommendations for 

warning labels for on-product and on-packaging, as well as information for the 

instruction manual. The Outline of Investigation also includes features that 

CPSC staff recommended to permit safe use in wet conditions. The Outline of 

Investigation became effective on 4/7/06.

Next Action Monitor UL certification requirements

Page 13 of 30
Product Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCIs)

Staff Contact Lee, Doug

Purpose To improve the reliability of GFCIs by making them more resistant to corrosion, 

electrical surges, and improper installation, and less dependent on consumer 

testing; to revise the UL Standard for Safety for Ground-Fault CircuitInterrupters (UL 943) and its counterpart national consensus standard ANSI/UL 

943, as appropriate.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the development of the UL Standard 

for Safety for Ground-Fault-Circuit-Interrupters (UL 943-2005a). The fourth 

edition of UL 943 was approved on 2/1/06 as a tri-national (U.S., Mexico, and 

Canada) standard. New requirements for end-of-life and reverse line-load 

miswiring (receptacle face) became effective 7/28/06. Staff is continuing to work 

with industry to make the GFCI less dependent on consumer interaction/testing.

Next Action Continue to work with industry to enhance GFCIs to make them less dependent 

on consumer testing and to disable the power if shock protection is not working

Product Heaters, Fixed Electric

Staff Contact Butturini, Randy

Purpose To revise the UL Electric Baseboard Heating Equipment (UL 1042) and UL 

Fixed and Location-Dedicated Electric Room Heaters (UL 2021) safety 

standards to reduce the risk of fire.

Activities CPSC staff participated in a 6/13/06 Standards Technical Panel (STP) 1042 

meeting. Four items were approved for submission to balloting by UL. CPSC 

staff is participating in 2 task groups that were formed. One task group will 

explore whether to require opening of all ungrounded conductors when a 

temperature-regulating control activates. A second task group will discuss 

whether automatic-reset temperature-limiting controls should be eliminated. As 

a follow-up to the meeting, CPSC staff presented a document regarding the 

function and use of temperature-limiting controls to the task group.

Next Action Develop staff proposal for revision to standard (auto reset temperature limiting 

controls); attend UL STP meeting, 5/1-2/07

Page 14 of 30
Product Helmets, Recreational

Staff Contact McCallion, Rick

Purpose To revise and strengthen the safety provisions of standards and test methods 

for recreational safety helmets.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical assistance to the development of selected 

standards for various safety helmets and to safety helmet test methods. The 

following standards were approved during the reporting period: 

1) ASTM F2439-06 Standard Specification for Headgear Used in Soccer was 

approved on 10/25/05, 

2) ASTM F2400-06 Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Pole Vaulting 

was approved on 3/1/06, 

3) ASTM F1446-06 Standard Test Methods for Equipment and Procedures 

Used in Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Protective Headgear was 

approved on 3/1/06, 

4) ANSI/ASTM F1446-06 Standard Test Methods for Equipment and 

Procedures Used in Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Protective 

Headgear was approved on 3/1/06, and

5) ASTM F1447-06 Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational 

Bicycling or Roller Skating was approved on 5/1/06.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 5/07

Product High Chairs

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for High Chairs 

(F404) to strengthen its safety provisions dealing with entrapment and falls.

Activities CPSC staff monitored the activities of and participated in meetings of the ASTM 

F15.16 Subcommittee on Highchairs, Hook-on Chairs, and Expandable Gates, 

which was developing a revised standard. A ballot was issued for a requirement 

dealing with accessibility of the tray release mechanism by the occupant. The 

results were reviewed at the 9/06 meeting. Negatives were received.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/19/07; review ballot when issued

Page 15 of 30
Product Hot Tubs and Spas

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To revise the UL Standard for Electric Spas, Equipment Assemblies, and 

Associated Equipment (UL 1563) to provide safe temperature control settings 

for pregnant women.

Activities CPSC staff presented research information and injury data at a 4/06 meeting of 

the Standards Technical Panel (STP), which is developing safe temperature 

control settings provisions. Staff also participated in a 6/21/06 teleconference 

with the STP and discussed proposed changes to the set point temperature of 

104 degrees F (with +/- tolerance of 5 degrees F).

Next Action Review incident reports; attend STP meeting (not yet scheduled)

Product Infant Bedding and Accessories

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To provide technical support to the ASTM F15.19 Subcommittee on Infant 

Bedding which has responsibility for maintaining the ASTM Standard Consumer 

Safety Performance Specification for Infant Bedding and Related Accessories 

(ASTM F1917).

Activities CPSC staff continued to monitor incident data for infant bedding in order to 

assess the adequacy of the current voluntary standard.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/07

Product Infant Tubs

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To assist in development of a new ASTM safety standard to address the 

hazards associated with infant tubs.

Activities The first subcommittee meeting pertaining to infant bathtubs was held in 3/06. 

The purpose of the standard was defined and task groups were established. 

The draft standard was reviewed and discussed at the 9/06 subcommittee 

meeting.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/21/07; review ballot for draft standard when 

available

Page 16 of 30
Product Ladders

Staff Contact Caton, Tom

Purpose To provide technical support to the ANSI A14 Subcommittee for Ladder Safety 

and Ladder Standards.

Activities CPSC staff attended an 11/17/05 meeting of the ANSI ladder subcommittee. 

The subcommittee discussed the five-year reapproval requirement for the 

following standards:

1) ANSI A14.1 Wood Ladders, 

2) ANSI A14.2 Portable Metal Ladders, 

3) ANSI A14.5 Portable Plastic Reinforced Ladders, and 

4) ANSI A14.10 Portable Special Duty Ladders. 

The various task groups within the subcommittee sought language uniformity 

among the standards. The subcommittee planned to incorporate a 375 lbs. 

requirement for Special Duty Ladders. 

The revised ANSI A14.7 Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand 

Platforms standard was published in 2/06. 

At a 6/27/06 meeting, the subcommittee discussed the status of the revisions 

for ANSI A14.1 and ANSI A14.2. ANSI A14.8 Portable Ladder Accessories and 

A14.11 Step Stools were being prepared for public review. CPSC staff is 

providing technical support to the A14 committee label task force.

Next Action Review draft ANSI A14.11 (4/07 est.)

Product Mowers

Staff Contact Murphy, John

Purpose To revise the ANSI Standard for Consumer Turf Care Equipment – Walk-Behind 

Mowers and Ride-On Machines with Mowers – Safety Specifications (ANSI 

B71.1-2003) to provide an increased level of safety.

Activities There were no balloted issues and no subcommittee activity during the reporting 

period. Staff completed a review of runover/backover incidents involving riding 

mowers and identified incidents of backover involving mowers that comply with 

the voluntary standard. 

Next Action Draft staff recommendations to address backover incidents, if appropriate

Page 17 of 30
Product National Electrical Code (NEC)

Staff Contact Lee, Doug

Purpose To revise the safety provisions of the National Fire Protection Association 

(NFPA) National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) to reduce electrical fires and shock 

associated with consumer products including appliances, electrical equipment, 

and wiring products.

Activities The CPSC staff proposal for GFCI protection of 240V boat hoists was accepted 

at the proposal stage. Another staff proposal to require AFCIs when replacing 

overcurrent protection and using existing wiring received some support from the 

code panel, but the panel was seeking further public comment before 

considering final action. Public comment was due in the fall of 2006 for 

consideration at the 12/06 code panel meetings.

Next Action Review report of results of code panel meetings (5/07)

Product Paintball Markers

Staff Contact Amodeo, Vince

Purpose To develop new or revised ASTM safety standards for paintball markers and 

equipment.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the ASTM F08.24 Subcommittee on 

Paintball to develop:

1) A draft ASTM Standard Specification for Warnings on Refillable CO2 

Cylinders Used In the Sport of Paintball,

2) A draft ASTM Standard Specification for Low Velocity Projectile Marker,

3) A draft ASTM Standard Specification for Low Velocity Resilient Material 

Projectile, and

4) A draft ASTM Standard Specification for Paintball CO2 Control Valve or 

Compressed Air Regulator Male Threaded Connection - for use with DOT 

approved cylinders (balloted on 9/25/06).

The following standards were approved during the reporting period: 

1) ASTM F2573-06 Standard Specification for Low Velocity Resilient Material 

Projectile (approved 5/1/06),

2) ASTM F2574-06 Standard Specification for Low Velocity Projectile Marker 

(approved 5/1/06), and

3) ASTM F2553-06 Standard Specification for Warnings on Refillable CO2 

Cylinders Used In the Sport of Paintball (approved 8/15/06)

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 5/22-24/07, Norfolk, VA

Page 18 of 30
Product Paper Shredders

Staff Contact Lee, Arthur

Purpose To evaluate the adequacy of the UL Information Technology Equipment – Part 

1: General Requirements (UL 60950-1) standard in addressing the laceration 

and amputation hazard associated with paper shredders, especially for young 

children, and to make recommendations for revisions to the standard, as 

appropriate.

Activities UL circulated a proposal for UL 60950 Standards Technical Panel (STP) 

balloting and comment to address laceration and amputation hazards. 

Consensus was achieved with only one negative ballot. UL issued a revision to 

UL 60950-1 to include performance testing to restrict the shredder opening from 

flexing and to restrict the size of the opening. The revised edition with the new 

provision was issued on 7/7/06, with an effective date of 7/7/07.

Next Action Project completed

Product Play Yards (Non-Full Size Cribs and Play Yards)

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size 

Baby Cribs/Play Yards (ASTM F406) in order to reduce the hazards associated 

with these products.

Activities The revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size 

Baby Cribs/Play Yards (ASTM F406-06) was approved on 3/1/06. The standard 

established testing requirements for structure and performance of non-full-size 

cribs/play yards, both rigid sided and mesh/fabric assemblies. It also provided 

requirements for labeling and instructional material. This revision updated the 

warnings and references to applicable European standards. In the CPSC 2006 

Operating Plan “Play Yards” is shown as a separate voluntary standards activity 

as is “Non-Full-Size Cribs”; however, ASTM merged “Play Yards” with “Non-FullSize Cribs” under ASTM Subcommittee F15.18. “Play Yards” and “Non-Full-Size 

Cribs” are shown in this report as separate projects; however, they are the same.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/20/07

Page 19 of 30
Product Playground Equipment (<2 Years Old)

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To develop a new ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification 

for Public Use Play Equipment for Children 6 Months to 23 Months (ASTM 

F2373). Such equipment often is found in childcare facilities.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the development of a new ASTM 

Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public Use Play 

Equipment for Children 6 Months to 23 Months (ASTM F2373-05) which was 

approved on 10/1/05. CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings in 6/06 

and 9/06; both meetings focused on clarifications to the standard. Several items 

were balloted during the summer of 2006; all passed with no negatives or 

comments.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 5/20/07, Norfolk, VA

Product Playground Equipment (Home)

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for 

Home Playground Equipment (ASTM F1148) to strengthen its safety provisions.

Activities The revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for 

Home Playground Equipment (ASTM F1148-05) was approved on 10/1/05. The 

ASTM F15.09 Subcommittee handling the development of the standard 

investigated overlapping play patterns and use zones. A structural integrity 

working group reviewed equipment components addressed by the standard and 

identified those that were not addressed. Ballot items included structural 

integrity, maintenance checklist, and use zones. Requirements related to the 

maintenance checklist and use zones will be reballoted with minor changes. A 

new section on impact attenuating surfacing was withdrawn; it will be revised 

and reballoted. In addition, the subcommittee voted to ballot the removal of the 

exemption from surfacing requirements for equipment under 20 inches high.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 5/20/07, Norfolk, VA

Page 20 of 30
Product Playground Equipment (Public)

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To revise the ASTM Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Public 

Playground Equipment (ASTM F1487) to strengthen its safety provisions.

Activities CPSC staff continued participation on the ASTM F15.29 Subcommittee on 

Playground Equipment for Public Use. The subcommittee discussed safety 

provisions for ‘space nets’ and test methods for partially bound openings. 

Several items were balloted: 

1) A ballot to define gaps in slides was withdrawn and will be reballoted, 

focusing on the entanglement hazard caused by the gap, rather than the gap 

itself;

2) A ballot to remove the partially bound opening test was also withdrawn due to 

persuasive comments that the lack of data likely indicates that current 

requirements are adequate;

3) A ballot on label permanance was withdrawn and will be reballoted, removing 

a reference to tools and adding a reference to the ANSI standard regarding 

label permanance;

4) A ballot regarding merry-go-round maximum height was withdrawn and will 

be reballotted with age-based maximums;

5) A ballot regarding exemption for merry-go-rounds 20" or less in diameter had 

all negatives voted non-persuasive;

6) A ballot on use-zones for multi-user spring rockers was withdrawn; and

7) A ballot on sliding poles was withdrawn and will be reballoted with minor 

changes.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 5/20/07, Norfolk, VA

Product Playground Equipment (Soft)

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Safety Performance Specification for Soft 

Contained Playground Equipment (ASTM F1918) to strengthen its safety 

provisions.

Activities CPSC staff continued monitoring ASTM F15.36 Subcommittee activities on soft 

contained play equipment. The subcommittee met in 9/06. Additionally, 2 items 

were balloted:

1) A ballot to revise the scope received negatives and was withdrawn, with plans 

to address the negatives and reballot; and

2) A ballot regarding flammability was tabled.

Next Action Monitor standard activities, including task group activities on sculpted foam 

equipiment; attend subcommittee meeting, 5/20/07, Norfolk, VA

Page 21 of 30
Product Playground Surfacing

Staff Contact McCallion, Rick

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface 

Materials within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment (ASTM F1292) to 

reduce the risk of fall-related injuries, especially life-threatening head injuries. 

Further, to revise the ASTM Standard Guide for ASTM Standards on 

Playground Surfacing (ASTM F2223) that describes how to apply existing ASTM 

standards to evaluate the impact attenuation, accessibility characteristics, and 

product characteristics when selecting surface systems for use under and 

around playground equipment.

Activities CPSC staff participated in a 4/06 ASTM F08.63 Subcommittee meeting. The 

subcommittee reviewed comments received on the Standard Specification for 

Determination of Firmness and Stability of Surface Systems Under and Around 

Playground Equipment (ASTM F1951-99). Comments received were considered 

persuasive and incorporated into the standard. The standard will be reballoted.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 5/07; review comments on ballot when available

Product Pool Alarms

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To evaluate the adequacy of the Standard Specification for Pool Alarms (ASTM 

F2208).

Activities CPSC staff completed testing and determined that clarification of some 

requirements may be merited.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 4/27/07

Page 22 of 30
Product Pool Suction (Vacuum) Release Devices

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To review and revise as needed the ASTM Standard Specification for 

Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Swimming Pools, 

Spas and Hot Tubs (ASTM F2387) and the American Society of Mechanical 

Engineers (ASME) Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for 

Residential and Commercial Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot Tub, Wading Pool 

Suction Systems (ASME A112.19.17) to provide additional consumer protection 

from drowning related to body suction entrapment.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the ASTM F15.51 Subcommittee on 

Safety Vacuum Release Systems for Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs 

which was developing the revision of the ASTM F2387 standard. Further, CPSC 

staff participated in the exchange of information and analyses related to vent 

pipe test protocols being developed by a task group within the same ASTM 

subcommittee.

An ASTM Task Group for Field-Fabricated Vents (FFV) met on 7/10/06 to 

review/discuss a draft standard. Discussions included the potential effects from 

various vent configurations. There was also discussion regarding 'false-tripping' 

and a performance requirement (foot-shape test). On 8/15/06, a draft standard 

was sent out for task group review and comment. Depending upon comments, 

a ballot is expected in FY 2007.

Next Action Review results of ballot for Field Fabricated Vents for Swimming Pools when 

available (ballot closed 12/4/06)

Page 23 of 30
Product Pools and Spas

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To develop ANSI/APSP performance safety standards for swimming pool, spa 

and hot tub construction to reduce injury and drowning incidents. Further, to 

develop a new ASTM Standard Guide for Use of a Residential Swimming Pool, 

Spa, and Hot Tub Safety Audit to Prevent Unintentional Drownings (ASTM 

F2518).

Activities The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) voluntary standards for 

pools and spas were opened for public review and comment. The APSP-2 

standard for Public Spas and Swimspas, the APSP-3 standard for Permanently 

Installed Residential Spas and Swimspas and the APSP-6 standard for 

Residential Portable Spas and Swimspas standards were reviewed by CPSC 

staff. (APSP standards were in some cases previously designated as NSPI or 

IAF standards.) CPSC staff also provided technical support to the development 

of a new ASTM Standard Guide for Use of a Residential Swimming Pool, Spa, 

and Hot Tub Safety Audit to Prevent Unintentional Drownings (ASTM F2518-

06), which was approved 4/1/06.

Next Action Continue monitoring standard activities; no actions currently scheduled

Product Pools, Portable

Staff Contact Whitfield, Troy

Purpose To develop a new ASTM Standard Safety Specifications for Aboveground 

Portable Pools for Residential Use that specifies performance, labeling, and 

warning requirements for portable pools, including one-piece vinyl, plastic, softsided, and inflatable pools.

Activities On 12/5/05, ASTM held an organizational meeting to discuss portable pools, 

and the ASTM Subcommittee F15.60 on Portable Pools was formed. The group 

agreed to develop a safety standard, and task groups were formed to address 

various aspects of the standard including performance, instructions and 

warnings, definitions, and hazards. On 3/24/06, the task groups completed the 

first draft of a proposed standard, which was sent to the subcommittee for ballot 

vote. At a 5/23/06 subcommittee meeting, ballot results were reviewed and 

negative items were addressed. Various aspects of the draft standard were 

reviewed and revised, and different types of portable pools were considered. 

Definitions were added and the scope of the standard was better defined.

Next Action Review ballot for new standard when available

Page 24 of 30
Product Scooters, Motorized

Staff Contact Amodeo, Vince

Purpose To develop a new or revised ASTM safety standard for motorized scooters.

Activities On 10/28/05, CPSC staff participated in an organizational meeting of the ASTM 

F08.58 Subcommittee for Powered Scooters and Skateboards. CPSC staff 

provided technical review of:

1) A draft ASTM Specification for Safety Instructions and Labeling for 

Recreational Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes (ballot anticipated in early FY 

2007), and 

2) A draft ASTM Standard for Consumer Safety Specification for Recreational 

Powered Scooters and Pocket Bikes (ballot anticipated in early FY 2007).

Next Action Review ballot for revised draft standards when available

Product Smoke Alarms

Staff Contact Lee, Arthur

Purpose To clarify testing provisions of the Underwriters Laboratories Single and Multiple 

Station Smoke Alarms (UL 217) standard and to develop safety provisions to 

update the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Fire Alarm 

Code (NFPA 72) for the 2007 edition.

Activities CPSC staff participated in the completion of the 2007 edition of NFPA 72, 

National Fire Alarm Code, which was published 8/17/06. Staff participated as a 

member of the technical panel for Chapter 11, Single and Multiple Station 

Alarms and Household Fire Alarm Systems. The panel made significant 

changes to the standard to improve usability and fire protection including: 

1) Allowing voice messages in smoke alarms.

2) Including provisions for back-up power sources (other than batteries), such 

as fuel cells.

3) Allowing smoke alarms on AFCI-protected branch circuits.

4) Requiring additional smoke alarms when exceeding 1000 sf per level.

5) Eliminating references to "new" and "existing" (related to the importance of 

interconnected smoke alarms regardless of new or existing construction).

Staff also participated on the UL 217 Standards Technical Panel to improve the 

reliability of surge suppression circuits used in smoke alarms. Staff provided 

data on smoke/fire incidents resulting from electrical transient damage to smoke 

alarms. This information was used to correlate with UL's research data to 

determine test levels for new transient tests.

Next Action Review/comment on UL draft report on smoke characterization research (Fire 

Protection Research Foundation study) (4/07 est.)

Page 25 of 30
Product Sprinklers, Fire

Staff Contact Khanna, Rikki

Purpose To revise the NFPA and ANSI/UL fire sprinkler safety and installation standards 

to strengthen their safety provisions.

Activities CPSC staff monitored proposed revisions to the NFPA and UL sprinkler 

standards as they related to performance and reliability issues. No significant 

issues arose during FY 2006.

Next Action Continue monitoring NFPA and UL sprinkler standards

Product Strollers

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Carriages and 

Strollers (ASTM F833-05) to strengthen the safety provisions.

Activities A ballot was issued to update the current voluntary standard in the following 

areas: 

1) The provision for stability of the product, when used with carrying 

accessories, was updated to include an adverse configuration combination of 

weights; 

2) Impact tests for attachment of car seats on strollers were added which are 

new performance requirements for strollers that have detachable car seats; 

3) The stability standard was clarified to include three-wheeled strollers; 

4) A new safety requirement for strollers that have a tray or grab bar to prevent 

submarining and entrapments was added; and 

5) The language relating to the shoulder straps test method was clarified. 

Comments and negatives were discussed at the 3/06 subcommittee meeting. A 

ballot was re-issued in the summer of 2006, and results were discussed at the 

9/06 meeting. CPSC staff also participated in a task group dealing with false 

latching.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/21/07; participate in task groups dealing with 

entrapment and false latching

Page 26 of 30
Product Surge Suppressors

Staff Contact Lee, Doug

Purpose To revise the UL Standard for Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors (UL 1449) 

to reduce the risk of fire associated with power strips that incorporate surge 

suppression components (surge suppressors).

Activities UL completed its evaluation of surge suppressor market samples and reported 

its findings at a 5/06 meeting. It was anticipated that the results would help the 

working group determine the number of samples that would need to be tested; 

however, the market survey did not find any discrepencies. Another working 

group was started to reconsider the effectiveness of the test before balloting the 

proposal on the number of samples needed for the present test.

Next Action Continue to monitor standards activities; no further staff action planned

Product Table Saws

Staff Contact Paul, Caroleene

Purpose To revise the UL Standard for Safety for Stationary and Fixed Electric Tools (UL 

987), to reduce the risk of laceration and amputation associated with table saw 

blade contact and to make the UL 987 standard an ANSI national consensus 

standard.

Activities The revised UL Standard for Safety for Stationary and Fixed Electric Tools (UL 

987) was reviewed by CPSC staff and approved by UL on 2/20/06. Included in 

the revised standard were: 

1) Addition of requirements for spacing between traces on printed wiring boards, 

2) Clarification of compliance criteria for the switches and controls test, 

3) Clarification related to determination of winding temperatures for the 

temperature test, 

4) Addition of a symbol for double insulation as an alternative to the word 

"Double Insulation" in Marking Requirements, and 

5) Editorial changes.

Next Action Participate on Standards Technical Panel (STP) working group to refine 

proposal for blade guards for STP ballot; review proposal when available (3/07 

est.)

Page 27 of 30
Product Toddler Beds

Staff Contact Hackett, Patty

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toddler Beds 

(ASTM F1821) to include corner post requirements and to update the standard’s 

warning language.

Activities A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toddler Beds 

(ASTM F1821-06) was approved on 3/1/06. CPSC staff monitored the activities 

of and served as a member of the ASTM F15.18 Subcommittee on Cribs, 

Toddler Beds, Play Yards, Bassinets, Cradles, and Changing Tables which was 

responsible for revising the standard.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting, 3/22/07

Product Toys

Staff Contact Amodeo, Vince

Purpose To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety 

(ASTM F963-03) to strengthen its safety provisions and reduce deaths and 

injuries associated with toys.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the task group on jaw entrapment to 

develop requirements to address the hazard of jaw entrapment in handles and 

steering wheels of infant toys. In addition, CPSC staff participated in ASTM 

F15.22 Toy Safety Subcommittee meetings to help develop draft revisions to the 

ASTM F963 toy standard. CPSC staff provided technical assistance in the areas 

of jaw entrapment, yo-yo balls, and projectiles. Further, CPSC staff provided 

technical and incident background information to assist in the formation of a 

new ASTM F15.59 Subcommittee activity to deal with children’s folding chairs. 

In addition, a new task group was formed to develop labeling and performance 

requirements to address hazards associated with magnets; CPSC staff 

participated in this task group.

Next Action Attend subcommittee meeting (2/12/07)

Page 28 of 30
Product Trampolines

Staff Contact

Purpose To revise the ASTM Consumer Safety Specification for Components, Assembly 

and Use of a Trampoline (ASTM F381-04) to reduce the hazards associated 

with the use of trampolines by consumers in home environments.

Activities The revised ASTM Consumer Safety Specification for Components, Assembly 

and Use of a Trampoline (ASTM F381-05) was approved on 10/1/05. This 

specification applied to trampolines of: 

1) A minimum area of 3,300 inches, 

2) A minimum height of 20 inches, 

3) An intended use of continuous, vertical jumping activities, and 

4) Intended consumer use. 

CPSC staff provided technical assistance to the development of the ASTM F381 

safety standard during the prior reporting period and final approval of the 

revised standard occurred on the first day of the reporting period.

Next Action Project completed

Page 29 of 30
Product Treestands

Staff Contact Karen, Mike

Purpose To provide technical support for the development of national consensus 

voluntary safety standards for hunting treestands.

Activities CPSC staff provided technical support to the ASTM F08.16 Subcommittee 

including identifying and evaluating fall arrest systems, providing hunting 

treestand-related injury data, and identifying issues related to self-rescue from 

fall arrest systems. The Subcommittee completed the following standards in FY 

2006:

1) ASTM F2123-05 Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions was approved 

on 10/25/05, 

2) ASTM F2121-05 Standard Practice for Treestand Labels was approved on 

10/25/05, 

3) ASTM F2128-05 Standard Test Method for Treestand Repetitive Loading 

Capabilities was approved on 10/25/05, 

4) ASTM F2122-05 Standard Practice for Treestand Safety Devices was 

approved on 10/25/05, 

5) ASTM F3531-05 Standard Test Method for Load Capacity of Treestands 

(was approved on 10/25/05,

6) ASTM F2125-05e1 Standard Test Method for Treestand Static Stability and 

Adherence was approved on 10/25/05,

7) ASTM F2124-05 Standard Practice for Testing Ladder Treestand, Treestand 

and Climbing Stick Load Capacity was approved on 10/25/05,

8) ASTM F2126-06 Standard Test Method for Treestand Static Load Capacity 

was approved on 5/23/06, and

9) ASTM F2120-06 Standard Practice for Testing Treestand Load Capacity was 

approved on 5/23/06.

Next Action Teleconference with treestand manufacturers (3/07)

Product Turkey Fryers

Staff Contact Khanna, Rikki

Purpose To revise the ANSI/CSA [Canadian Standards Association] Standard for 

Outdoor Cooking Specialty Gas Appliances (ANSI/CSA 1.18) to reduce the fire 

hazards associated with turkey fryers/boilers.

Activities CPSC staff provided updated hazard data on turkey fryer injuries to the 

Technical Advisory Group (TAG). The TAG drafted language to describe the 

requirements for temperature limiting devices. The standard will require a 

"device" that will not allow cooking oil temperatures to exceed F 475 degrees; 

this requirement has passed public review and comment and is included in the 

latest addenda to the standard with an effective date of 7/1/07.

Next Action Revised standard published (est. 4/07)

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