UNITED STATES
 

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
 

WASHINGTON, DC 20207
 

Memorandum 

Date: 'JUL·7. 

TO	 The Commission , ...A-­

THROUGH:	 Todd Stevenson, Secretary~r Cheryl Falvey, General Counsel CA'1 t 

Jacqueline Elder, Acting Executive DirectorjeFROM	 Colin B. Church 08a. 

Voluntary Standards Coordinator 

SUBJECT:	 FY 2009 Voluntary Standards Activities Midyear Report 

Attached is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staffs Voluntary Standards 

Activities FY 2009 Midyear Report (October 2008 - March 2009) which is forwarded for your 

information. If you have any questions, please call Colin Church at 301-504-7245. 

AITACHMENT: 

~~:;~=:L~~~T PRODUCTS IDENTIFIED 

Note: This document has not been. . _ EXCEPTED BY: PETITION 

reviewed ~~ycepted by the7~7~7n RULE~1AK.ING ADMIN. PReDa 

Initials f\....rr Date~_----,_ _WITH PORTIONS RE.\lOVED:__ 

CPSC Hotline: 1-800-638-CPSC (2772) * CPSC's Web Site: http://www.cpsc.gov 
Voluntary Standards Activities
 

10/1/08 - 3/31/09
 

SUMMARY
 

Twenty four new, revised, or reaffirmed voluntary safety standards, for which the U.S. 

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

were completed during the period from 10/1/08 - 3/31/09. These addressed bath seats, bed rails, 

bicycles, blind cords, cribs (commercial), furniture, generators (portable), recreational helmets 

(two standards), high chairs, infant carriers (frame), infant carriers (hand-held), infant carriers 

(soft), infant swings, infant tubs, ladders, playground equipment (home), playground surfacing, 

stationary activity centers, strollers, toys, treestands, and window guards (two standards). 

In total, the CPSC staff provided technical support to or monitored the development of 31 

voluntary safety standards which are included in the information that follows. The number of 

voluntary standards in which the CPSC staff was involved was limited during the reporting 

period to focus agency resources on regulatory activities associated with the Consumer Product 

Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which was signed into law on August 14,2008. 

All 31 voluntary standards development activities 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. 

THE "V-STAR" REPORT 

Below you will find the current 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 Reduction to 

prepare the report. This report is 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 V-STAR FY 2009 

Midyear Report (October 2008 - March 2009). 

1 
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND COMMENT 

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

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

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

(www.cpsc.gov) to allow for public review and comment. 

ONE-STOP SHOPPING FOR VOLUNTARY CONSUMER PRODUCT 

SAFETY STANDARDS 

Maintenance of the CPSC web site continued to make it easier for users to find more 

extensive information on voluntary consumer product safety standards. Through the CPSC web 

site, users were able to access the computer search engines of the three major standards 

organizations (ANSI, ASTM International, and UL) which handle almost all of the voluntary 

safety standards on which the CPSC staff works. Further, the most recent annual report on 

CPSC voluntary standards activities was added to the CPSC web site. 

2
 
VOLUNTARY STANDARDS 

TRACKING AND ACCESS REPO.RT 

CPSCSTAFF 

VOLUNTARY STANDARDS ACTIVITIES 

FY 2009 MIDYEAR REPORT 

(October 2008 - March 2009) 

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 for the first half of the 

2009 Fiscal Year, from October 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009, follows. 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. 

In 2009, the number of voluntary standards activities in which staff participated was 

limited, to focus agency resources on regulatory activities associated with the Consumer 

Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Voluntary standard activities in which staff 

previously participated and for which a new or revised standard was completed are 

included in this report (shown with an asterisk). 
INDEX
 

Bassinets and Cradles , , '" , , 1
 

Bath Seats 2
 

*Bed Rails , , 2
 

*Bicycles ,'" '" '" '" '" '" '" ,. 3
 

*Blind Cords... 3
 

Booster Seats , " , , " ,... ... ....... ........ .... .. 3
 

Cribs (Commercial) 4
 

Cribs (Full-Size) 4
 

Cribs (Non-Full-Size) and Play yards............................................................. 5
 

*Furniture 5
 

*Generators (Portable) 5
 

*Helmets (Recreational) , 6
 

High Chairs , , , '" , 6
 

Infant Carriers (Frame)...... 7
 

Infant Carriers (Hand-Held)........................................................................... 7
 

Infant Carriers (Soft).....................
 8 

8 

Infant Swings '" ,
 

9 

9 

10 

Infant Gates ., , '" ,
 '" '" ,'" 

*Infant Tubs
 

Infant Walkers..................
 

*Ladders .. ,
 

, 9 

*Playground Equipment (Home) ., ,'" '" '" , , '" .. ,
 10

*Playground Surfacing ,................. 11
 

Smoke Alarms ,'" '" '" , , '" '" .. , 11
 

Stationary Activity Centers 12
 

Strollers " , " , , '" .. ... ...................... ... 12
 

Toddler Beds...... 13
 

*Toys , , '" '" 13
 

*Treestands 14
 

*Window Guards '" '" '" '" '" '" .. , 14
 

Youth (Folding) Chairs 15
 
Product 

Stail Contllct 

Purpose 

Next Action 

CPSC Staff Voluntllry Standards Activities 

FY 2009 Midyear Report 

Bassinets and Cradles 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinets and 

Cradles (ASTM F2194) to strengthen its safety provisions. 

CPSC staff participated in a 10/29/08 subcommittee meeting at which the Task 

Group on Fabric Detachment presented a summary of In-Depth Investigations 

(lOis), and reviewed proposals to address potential hazards. At a 3/16/09 

subcommittee meeting, this task group presented proposed requirements, which 

included testing for spacing requirements when a product is in the intended use 

position and in foreseeable use conditions (any arrangement of fabric that is 

perceived to support a child). These proposed requirements will be sent to the 

subcommittee for ballot. In addition, the Task Group on Mobile Requirements 

recommended that mobiles intended only to be used as part of a bassinet do not 

need to have a warning label on them. 

At the 3/16 meeting, a task group was established to review CPSC data regarding 

deaths due to added bedding. Another task group was established to review 

rocking incidents. CPSC staff agreed to participate in both of these task groups. 

Participate in task groups; participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on
 

10/13-16/09.
 
Product 

StaflContact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Actio/1 

Product 

Sf{~fJ Contact 

Activities 

Next Actioll 

Bath Seats 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard 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. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Seats 

(ASTM F1967-08a) was approved on 11/1/08. It contains revisions that make the 

language consistent with the infant tub standard. 

At a 10/29/08 subcommittee meeting, CPSC staff reviewed the requirements of the 

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and indicated that bath seats 

would be one of first two durable infant products to be regulated. Staff requested 

information regarding concerns about or the adequacy of the ASTM standard. At a 

3/18/09 subcommittee meeting, staff updated the sUbcommittee on the CPSIA 

status and indicated that the Commission would be considering a draft notice of 

proposed rulemaking in 8/09. Health Canada provided an update on the draft of 

their governmental review on bath seats. It was expected to be posted online in 

4/09. Their review indicated that most of the comments they have received 

support a ban. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

*Bed Rails 

Hackett, Patty 

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. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for BedRails (ASTM 

F2085-08a) was approved on 12/1/08. Revisions included performance 

requirements to address bed rail breakage and specifications for gap tolerance 

with a test mattress in place. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/27/08 and 3/16109. At 

the 3/16 meeting, ballot results for the fetter size in warnings and a revision to the 

introduction were reviewed. A ballot for these provisions will be forwarded to the 

ASTM F15 Committee. In addition, incident data involving bed rails were reviewed, 

and the review resulted in the formation of a task group to look at locking 

mechanism failures. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

2 
Product 

Stalf Contllct 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Actioll 

Product 

Stal]"Contact 

Purp0.l"e 

Activitie.s· 

Next Action 

Product 

Staff Contact 

Purpose 

Activitie.l" 

Next Action 

*Bicycles 

Amodeo, Vince 

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

components. 

A revised ASTM Standard Specification for Nonpowered Bicycle Trailers Designed 

for Human Passengers (ASTM F1975-09) was approved on 2/1/09. Revisions 

included modifications to the occupant restraint system tests and coupling system 

tests, as well as a revision of the test method for structural integrity during rollover. 

In addition, a new Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage (ASTM F2043-09) was 

approved on 1/1/09. The new standard expands the definitions of use conditions 

and requires that a bicycle be labeled with a graphic showing the appropriate use 

condition. 

Monitor ASTM subcommittee activities. 

*Blind Cords 

Paul, Caroleene 

To revise the Window Covering Manufacturers Association 0NCMA) Standard for 

Safety of Corded Window Covering Products (ANSIIWCMA A100.1) to reduce 

strangulation hazards associated with window covering cords. 

A new ANSIIWCMA Provisional Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering 

Products (ANSIIWCMAA100.1-2009) was approved on 2/27/09. The provisional 

standard included new design criteria and safety warning hangtags for Roman 

shades. 

Monitor ANSI subcommittee activities. 

Booster Seats 

Hackett, Patty 

To assist in the revision of the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for 

Booster Seats (ASTM F 2640) to address hazards associated with booster seats. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/30/08 and 3/18/09. At 

the 10/30 meeting, the Task Group on Attachment to Adult Chairs reported that it 

was continuing work on vertical gap openings, seat back distance, and leg 

openings. At the 3/18 meeting, the results of a ballot to revise the labeling 

requirements and to add performance requirements for restraint systems (similar to 

those for high chairs) was reviewed. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

3 
Product 

Staff COiltact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

Product 

Staff COil/act 

Purpose 

Actil'itie.~·

Next Action 

Cribs (Commercial) 

Hackett, Patty 

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

commercial settings, such as hotels and day care centers. 

A new ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for 

Commercial Cribs (ASTM F271 0-08) was approved on 12/1/08. CPSC staff 

participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/28/08 and 3/17/09. Staff also 

participated in discussions regarding development of requirements for evacuation 

cribs (cribs that would be used in a daycare environment and would facilitate 

evacuation of several children in the event of an emergency). At the 3/17 meeting, 

it was proposed to allow an exemption to the requirement that all commercial cribs 

be designed to meet the evacuation requirements. This was expected to be sent 

to the subcommittee for ballot. CPSC staff participated in the Task Group on Wood 

Screws, and the task group planned to review test proposals. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

Cribs (Full-Size) 

Hackett, Patty 

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

(ASTM F1169) to reduce the hazards associated with these products. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/28/08 and 3/17/09. At 

the 3/17 meeting, a task group was established to review all the warnings. The 

Task Group on Wooden Slat Breakage presented a report on its activities. 

Additional work is required before new requirements can be proposed. CPSC staff 

is participating in this task group. 

The Task Group on Side Assembly made a proposal that would limit the use of 

drop sides. The proposed requirement would require all four vertical sides of a crib 

to be fixed, up to a height of 20 inches. This would allow for designs that use drop 

gates. The proposal will be sent to the subcommittee for ballot. 

During the reporting period, CPSC staff participated in task group activities on 

hardware. Screws that loosen over time and breakage of plastic parts are among 

the issues still to be addressed by the task group. 

Participate in task group activities; participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 

10/13-16/09. 

4 
Product 

-S'tatfCOllIact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Actiofl 

Product 

Stf?fl COiltact 

Pl/rpo.\'e 

Actil'itie.\· 

Next Actioll 

Product 

StaffCOlltact 

Purpose 

AcJivities 

Next Actiofl 

Cribs (Non-Full-Size) and Play Yards 

Hackett, Patty 

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

Baby Cribs/Play Yards (ASTM F406) to reduce the hazards associated with these 

products. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/28/08 and 3/17/09. A 

ballot to update the standard to include metric dimensions was reviewed, and 

additional work on this issue was needed. A task group was established to review 

requirements for attachment openings (or the need for a displacement test). The 

standard uses the term "attachment" to mean both a product and a junction, and 

requires clarification. CPSC staff will participate in the task group. 

Participate in task group activities; participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 

10/13-16/09. 

*Furniture 

Whitfield, Troy 

To develop a new standard for clothing storage chests and to revise the ASTM 

Standard Safety Specification for Chests, Door Chests, and Dressers (ASTM 

F2057) to address injuries and deaths of children associated with furniture tip-over. 

Further, to revise the UL Standard for Household, Commercial, and ProfessionalUse Carts and Standards for Use with AudioNideo Equipment (UL 1678) to 

address injuries and deaths of children associated with television tip-over. 

A new ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Clothing Storage Chests 

(ASTM F2598-09) was approved on 2/1/09. The new standard includes 

requirements for labeling, lid support mechanisms, and finishes and materials 

compliant with the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and the ASTM Standard for 

Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety (ASTM F963). 

Monitor ASTM and UL standard activities. 

*Generators (Portable) 

Buyer, Janet 

To develop a new UL Standard for Portable Engine Generator Assemblies (UL 

Subject 2201) to reduce carbon monoxide deaths associated with portable 

generators. 

A new UL Standard for Portable Engine Generator Assemblies (UL 2201) was 

approved on 3/4/09. The new standard includes requirements for Ground-Fault 

Circuit-Interrupters on 125 volt circuits, receptacle protection from weather, and 

complete generator assembly protection to pass rain and sprinkler tests. 

Monitor UL standard activities. 

5 
Product 

Stalf CO/llacl 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Actio/1 

Product 

S[(~ff COiltact 

Purpose 

Activities 

i\'ext Action 

*Helmets (Recreational) 

McCallion, Rick 

To revise the ASTM safety standards and test methods for recreational helmets to 

improve safety. 

A revised ASTM Standard Specification for Helmets Used for Downhill Mountain 

Bicycle Racing (ASTM F1952-09) was approved on 1/1/09. Revisions included a 

chin bar test (as specified in Standard Test Methods for Equipment and 

Procedures Used in Eva/uating the Performance Characteristics of Protective 

Headgear (ASTM F1446)). In addition, format changes were made to harmonize 

this standard with other ASTM standards. These changes do not affect the 

technical requirements or procedures in the standard. 

A new ASTM Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products 

(ASTM F2727-09) was approved on 1/1/09. The new guide provides 

manufacturers with guidelines for labeling headgear for recreational and nonmotorized sports. The information included in this guideline is intended to assist in 

the development of more effective labels and instructions to help inform consumers 

of important safety and use issues. 

Monitor ASTM subcommittee activities. 

High Chairs 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for High Chairs 

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

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for High Chairs (ASTM 

F404-08) was approved on 11/1/08. Revisions included an update to the restraint 

requirements, specifications for openings on the sides of high chairs, a rationale for 

the wedge block, the addition of a test harness and a leg/foot probe test, and 

editorial changes to address interpretation issues. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/27/08 and 3/16/09. At 

the 3/16 meeting, CPSC incident data were reviewed and a suggestion was made 

to review the restraint requirements again. In addition, a task group was 

established to address hazards associated with children climbing out of high 

chairs. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

6 
Prodtlel 

Istafr Contact 

Purpose 

ActiJ'itie~'

Next Action 

Product 

Staff Contact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

Infant Carriers (Frame' 

Hackett, Patty 

To assist in revisions to the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for 

Frame Child Carriers (ASTM F2549) to minimize the risk of injuries to occupants of 

infant frame carriers. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Frame Child Carriers 

(ASTM F2549-08) was approved on 12/1/08. Revisions included performance 

requirements for kickstands, toy accessories, and requirements to address 

unintentional folding. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/27/08 and 3/18/09. These 

meetings were combined with the meetings on soft infant carriers. The 

subcommittee reviewed ballot results (one on soft carriers dealing with warnings 

and one for frame carriers pertaining to the test equipment requirements) which will 

be sent to the ASTM F15 Committee for ballot. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

Infant Carriers (Hand-Held) 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for 

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

occupants. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for HandHeld Infant Carriers (ASTM F2050-08) was approved on 11/1/08. Revisions 

included an increase of the handle load in the handle integrity test. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/30/08 and 3/18/09, as 

well as a task group to evaluate handle integrity. At the 3/18 meeting, the Task 

Group on Handle Integrity reviewed proposed revisions to the auto-locking handle 

test. It was expected that these proposals would be sent to the subcommittee for 

ballot. The task group also reviewed the results of dynamic tests conducted by 

CPSC staff. The task group was expected to continue to work on developing a 

requirement. 

Participate on task group; participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13­

16/09. 

7 
Product 

StaffContact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

Product 

Stqff Contact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

Infant Carriers (Soft) 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant 

Carriers (ASTM F2236) to strengthen its safety provisions. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Soft Infant Carriers 

(ASTI\II F2236-08a) was approved on 11/1/08. Revisions to the standard included 

a revision to warning labels, added performance requirements for toy accessories, 

and the removal of model number requirements. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on1 0/27/08 and 3/18/09. These 

meetings were combined with the meetings on soft infant carriers. The 

subcommittee reviewed ballot results (one on soft carriers dealing with warnings 

and one for frame carriers pertaining to the test equipment requirements) which will 

be sent to the ASTM Committee for ballot. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

Infant Gates 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Expansion Gates 

and Expandable Enclosures (ASTM F1 004) to strengthen its safety provisions. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/30/08 and 3/18/09. The 

requirements of the push out test were reviewed and will be sent to the 

subcommittee for ballot. Prior to the reporting period, CPSC staff provided incident 

data involving injuries to adults (e.g., from tripping). The data were presented to 

the subcommittee, but there was no agreement to expand the scope of the 

standard to cover adults. CPSC staff offered to propose a special study that would 

provide a more in-depth review of the data, such as the types of gates involved in 

incidents. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

8 
Product 

Staff Contact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

Product 

Still! Contact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Actio/1 

Product 

Staff Contact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next ActioJl 

Infant Swings 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Swings 

(ASTM F2088) to strengthen its safety provisions. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Swings (ASTM 

F2088-08) was approved on 1/15/08. The revisions included additional 

requirements for toy accessories and changes to the requirements for structural 

integrity, and requirements for the restraint system, battery operated swings, and 

stability. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

*Infant Tubs 

Hackett, Patty 

To develop a new ASTM safety standard to address the hazards associated with 

infant tubs. 

A new ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Bath Tubs (ASTM 

F2670-09) was approved on 2/1/09. The new standard includes static load tests 

and requirements to address hazards associated with elevated surfaces and 

stability. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

Infant Walkers 

Hackett, Patty
 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for
 

Infant Walkers (ASTM F977) to strengthen its safety provisions.
 

At a 10/30/08 subcommittee meeting, CPSC staff reviewed the requirements of the
 

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and indicated that infant
 

walkers would be one of first two durable infant products to be regulated. Staff
 

requested information regarding concerns about or the adequacy of the ASTM
 

standard. At a 3/18/09 subcommittee meeting. staff updated the subcommittee on
 

the CPSIA status and indicated that the Commission would be considering a draft
 

notice of proposed rulemaking in 8109.
 

At the 3/18 meeting, a report of the Stair Test Task Group provided results of round
 

robin testing, but additional work is needed. In addition, a task group is
 

considering potential performance requirements for walkers with parking brakes.
 

CPSC staff is participating in both task groups.
 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09.
 

9 
Product 

Stlltl Contllct 

Purpo,'i{, 

Activities 

Next A dilJl1 

Prodllct 

Staff'COlltact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

*Ladders 

Caton, Tom 

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

Ladder Standards. The standards within this subcommittee's responsibility 

include: Wood Ladders (ANSI A14.1), Portable Metal Ladders (ANSI A14.2), Job 

Made Wooden Ladders (ANSI A14.4), Portable Plastic Reinforced Ladders (ANSI 

A14.5), Portable Special Duty Ladders (ANSI A 14.10), and Mobile Ladder Stands 

and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms (ANSI A14.7). 

A revised standard, ANSI Job Made Wooden Ladders (ANSI A14.4), was approved 

on 3/10109. The revisions included requirements for lumber grades in construction 

of wooden ladders, revised engineering calculations for lumber grades and sizes, 

editorial changes to simplify and clarify language, and revised figures to include 

dimensional detail. 

Monitor ANSI subcommittee activities. 

*Playground Equipment (Home) 

Whitfield, Troy 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for 

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

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home 

Playground Equipment (ASTM F1148-08) was approved on 11/1/08. Revisions 

included updates to requirements for warning labels to address hazards associated 

with clothing and the addition of inappropriate accessories (e.g., jump ropes), use 

zone definitions for SWings with unlimited lateral motion, and the elimination of 

swinging components from overhead ladders/upper body equipment. 

Monitor ASTM subcommittee activities. 

10 
Product 

Staff COlitact 

Purpose 

Activitie,} 

Next Actioll 

Product 

Stafl COlitact 

Purpose 

Actil'ities 

*Playground Surfacing 

McCallion, Rick 

To revise ASTM standards associated with playground surfacing to reduce the risk 

of fall-related injuries, especially life-threatening head injuries. These standards 

include the Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Materials 

Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment (ASTM F1292), Standard 

Specification for Determination of Firmness and Stability of Surface Systems Under 

and Around Playground Equipment (ASTM F1951) and the Standard Guide for 

ASTM Standards on Playground Surfacing (ASTM F2223). The Guide describes 

how to apply existing ASTM standards to evaluate impact attenuation, accessibility 

characteristics, and product characteristics when selecting surface systems for use 

under and around playground equipment. 

A revised ASTM Standard Specification for Determination ofAccessibility of 

Swface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment (ASTM F1951-09) was 

approved on 3/1/09. The revisions included administrative changes to remove 

notes and place them within the standard and the addition of a definition for use 

zones, similar to the one in the Standard Consumer Safety Performance 

Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use (ASTM F1487). 

Monitor ASTM subcommittee activities. 

Smoke Alarms 

Lee, Arthur 

To revise the UL Standard for Single- and Multiple-Station Smoke Alarms (UL 217) 

and to revise the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) National Fire Alarm 

Code (NFPA 72) to improve consumer safety. 

CPSC staff participated on the NFPA 72 Home Occupancy Usage (HOU) task 

group to evaluate the effectiveness of different smoke alarm sensors. The scope 

of the task group was to evaluate new information and claims relative to the 

performance of specific types of smoke detection (ionization and photoelectric) and 

determine if the current NFPA 72 requirements for placement and usage of nonspecific types of smoke detector sensors in smoke alarms provide adequate life 

safety. CPSC staff participated in monthly teleconferences from 10/1/08 through 

3/31/09. Staff also participated in an NFPA 72 Report on Comments meeting in 

10/08 for the development of the next edition of the NFPA 72 code. 

CPSC staff participated in two UL 217 meetings in 10/08 and 3/09 to address 

improvements to the standard for smoke alarms. CPSC staff also participated in 

three task groups for UL 217 to address nuisance alarms, additional performance 

tests, and labeling. Staff completed testing to support task group activities on 

nuisance alarms and is drafting a report of the work. Staff presented information 

on the testing to the NFPA 72 Committee and the UL 217 Standards Technical 

Panel. 

Participate in UL 217 task group activities; follow-up on actions from the 10108 

NFPA 72 meeting. 

Next Actio1l 

11 
Product 

StatrContact 

Plilpose 

ActivWes 

Next Actioll 

Product 

StatfContact 

Purp(),~'e

Activities 

Next Actioll 

Stationary Activity Centers 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Stationary Activity 

Centers (ASTM F2012) to strengthen its safety provisions. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Stationary Activity 

Centers (ASTM F2012-08) was approved on 11/1108. Revisions included 

requirements for the stability of non-saucer-type products. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/30108 and 3/18/09. At 

the 3/18 meeting, a task group addressing hazards associated with activity centers 

that can rotate around a central post discussed proposed requirements. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

Strollers 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Carriages and 

Strollers (ASTM F833) to strengthen the safety provisions. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Carriages and 

Strollers (ASTM F833-08) was approved on 12/1/08. The revised standard 

includes a revision to the impact test method and the test surface referenced in the 

standard. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/29/08 and 3/16/09. At 

the 3/16 meeting, the results of a ballot were reviewed. The ballot dealt with: 

• Updating the passive containment restraint system, which was expected to be 

included in the next revision of the standard; and 

• Limiting the scope to not include children's vehicles or similar wheeled products 

that have handles for caregivers. 

Several task groups (Front Stability Test, Definition of Carriage, Impact Test, and 

Anchorage Points) provided updates on their activities. The Task Group on 

Anchorage Points proposed that the test for anchor points be revised to make sure 

the critical point is defined as the junction between the strap and the seat, not the 

anchor point. This revision was expected to be included in the next ballot. Incident 

data provided by CPSC staff were reviewed. Based on the review and the number 

of strollerlcar incidents, the subcommittee was considering a potential reqUirement 

for reflective surfaces. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

12 
Product 

Staff Contact 

Purpose 

Ac/i\!ities 

Next Ac/io/l 

Product 

Staff CO/l/act 

Activities 

Nex! Action 

Toddler Beds 

Hackett, Patty 

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. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/28/08 and 3/16/09. At 

the 3/16 meeting, the results of a ballot to add an entrapment probe test and 

warnings were reviewed and these additions were expected to be included in the 

next revisions of the standard. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

*Toys 

Midgett, Jonathan 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety 

(ASTM F963) to strengthen its safety provisions. 

A revised ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety (ASTM 

F963-08) was approved on 12/1/08. The revisions included new requirements for 

magnets and magnetic components (use and abuse testing and labeling 

requirements), safety requirements for products that have folding mechanisms, and 

requirements to address toys that pose impaction or jaw entrapment hazards. The 

revision also included removing requirements for toy chests. Those requirements 

are included in a separate Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Chests 

(ASTM F834-08). Subsequent to the end of the reporting period, on 5/13/09 the 

Commission approved the updated ASTM F963-08 standard and maintained the 

toy chest safety provisions from the prior version of the standard (ASTM F963­

07e1): 

Staff participated in a subcommittee meeting on 3/6/09 to discuss balloting activity 

and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The subcommittee also heard 

reports on the activities of several work groups, including those for impaction 

hazards, magnets, projectiles, age range terminology, metric conversion, 

packaging film, ride-on toy stability, and the definition of toy seats. The 

subcommittee established a task group to address overheating and fire risks 

associated with rechargeable batteries used in toys, as requested by the CPSC 

staff. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee and working group activities. 

13 
Product 

Stalf Contact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

Prodllct 

StaffContact 

Purpose 

Activities 

Next Action 

*Treestands 

Karen, Mike 

. To provide technical support for the development of new or revised standards for 

hunting treestands and associated equipment to reduce hazards to consumers. 

A revised ASTM Standard Practice for Treestand Instructions (ASTM F2123-09) 

was approved on 2/1/09. Revisions included requirements to incorporate a 

suspension relief device (to relieve harness tension on a hunter in the event of a 

fall). 

Monitor ASTM subcommittee activities. 

*Window Guards 

Brown, Sarah 

To revise the ASTM Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices 

with Emergency Escape (Egress) Release Mechanism (ASTM F2090) and the 

ASTM 

include 

Emergency 

A revised 

Standard 

specifications 

ASTM 

Escape 

Safety 

Standard 

(Egress) 

for 

Specification 

window 

Safety 

and 

opening 

Rescue 

Specification 

for Window 

control 

(Ingress) 

for 

Fall 

devices. 

Window 

Windows 

Preventions 

Fall 

(ASTM 

Preventions 

Devices 

F2006) 

for 

to 

NonDevices for Non-Emergency Escape (Egress) and Rescue (Ingress) Windows 

(ASTM F2006-08) was approved on 11/1/08. Revisions included the addition of a 

section for window opening control devices (a device that limits the window 

opening to less than four inches, with a release mechanism to further open the 

window, and an automatic reset when the window is fully closed), installation 

instructions, and performance tests. In addition, the scope for window fall 

prevention devices was expanded to include window fall prevention screens and 

fall prevention window guards. 

A revised ASTM Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices with
 

Emergency Escape (Egress) Release Mechanism (ASTM F2090-08) was
 

approved on 11/1/08. The revisions to the standard included the addition of a
 

section for window opening control devices, installation instructions, and
 

performance tests. In addition, the scope for window fall prevention devices was
 

expanded to include window fall prevention screens and fall prevention window
 

guards.
 

Project completed. 

14 
Product 

Staff Contact 

Purpo,~e

Activities 

Next Action 

Youth (Folding) Chairs 

Hackett, Patty 

To revise the ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Children's 

Fa/ding Chairs (ASTM F2613-07) to reduce the hazards associated with these 

products. 

CPSC staff participated in subcommittee meetings on 10/29/08 and 3/18/09. The 

Task Group on Static Loads proposed new requirements that were planned to be 

sent to the subcommittee for ballot. At the 3/18 meeting, the ballot results for a 

revision of the scissoring and locking device requirements were reviewed and were 

planned to be sent to the ASTM F15 Committee for balloting. 

Participate in ASTM subcommittee meeting on 10/13-16/09. 

15