Consumer Product Safety Commission

1. Consumer Product Safety Commission OISM 470W Marissa Korchynsky

2. What is the CPSC? Let’s Brainstorm! Behind the scenes … Strategy of a product Recall Reporting a problem The 10 Product Safety Principles Did You Know … ? Contact the CPSC Test your Knowledge In Summary, Remember.. Bibliography Today’s Topics

3. What is the CPSC? • Definition: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal regulatory agency which was created to protect the public against unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. • The CPSC strives to save lives and keep families safe. • Control over about 15,000 consumer products. • Uses many different ways to portray its messages about product hazards to the public. Examples: Media coverage, publications, telephone hotline, website, fax-on-demand service, etc.

4. **Brainstorming Exercise**How can the CPSC benefit YOUR organization? • The CPSC can be applied to almost anything in our lives. • “Open your eyes to work hazards” • Where in your place of work can you find safety product hazards? --at home --in an office -- in a laboratory

5. Behind the Scenes of the CPSC • How do they operate? • Reporting a Problem • The Strategy of a Product Recall -Why it is recalled? -Term effects -Recent Recalls • The 10 Product Safety Principles

6. A. Development of Standards B. Hazard Identification and Reduction C. Enforcement and Compliance D. Field Investigations E. Public Information Programs The Fundamentals of the CPSC

7. B. Hazard Identification and Reduction • The Commission studies and investigates injuries, deaths, diseases and economic losses associated with consumer products. • CPSC works with several groups in this effort. • Examples: --NEISS: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System --CDC: Centers for Disease Control --Other additional studies

8. C. Enforcement and Compliance • What does Enforcement mean in this case? • The CPSC educates and informs regulated industries. • Perform criminal and civil investigations, as well as importations surveillance. • Fast Track Product Recall Program – started in 1995 to speed up the recall of hazardous products. • In year 2000, about 120 firms participated in the Program. • Some examples of recalls: --Over 12 million molded resin patio chairs were recalled before they could collapse. --More than 25 million Pokemon containers recalled because parts contained are hazardous to children.

9. D. Field Investigations • The CPSC carries out investigative, liaison and consumer with events to support all aspects of agency programs. • Publicize through local news media all product recalls • Partnerships: the CPSC works with state and local governments as well as other organizations to gain support • Recall Round-Up: enacted in this aspect of the CPSC as well

10. E. Public Information Programs • Purpose: to inform consumers about safe use of products and product recalls • Large focus on COMMUNICATION • How ? --Media, such as print, press conferences, and live action news coverage --Publications: Consumer Product Safety Review

11. The Strategy of a Product Recall • Why a product is recalled • Recall through administrative litigation • Fast Track Product Recall • New development of “recall roundup”

12. Methods of product recall (cont.) • Check CPSC’s website frequently • In the “Recalls” section new recalls are posted as soon as they are issued • Join CPSC’s email list (on the website as well) to receive their recall notices the same day they are received

13. Reporting an unsafe product • I want to report an unsafe product. What do I do? • Email: hazard@cpsc.gov • Phone: 1-800-638-2772 x650 • Fax: 800-809-0924 • Letter: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision, Injury Report, Washington, DC 20207

14. The 10 Product Safety Principles Build safety into product design. Do product safety testing for all foreseeable hazards. Keep informed about and implement latest developments in product safety. Educate consumers about product safety. Track and address your products’ safety performance. Fully investigate product safety incidents. Report product safety defects promptly. If a defect occurs, promptly offer a comprehensive recall plan. Work with CPSC to make sure your recall is effective. Learn from mistakes -- yours and others'.

15. Did You Know …. ? • The CPSC works every day of their lives to battle products that do not meet good quality standards and specifications. • Hundreds of products are recalled each year to protect consumers lives. • We will now take a look at some real life problems that you may have not known existed.

16. Do you know where your child or 5 year old sister is right now? The largest problem in consumer products goes back to the home and children. Special Study: Children’s Playground Equipment -In 1999, an estimated 205,850 playground equipment-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital ER’s. -3/4ths of all injuries were from ropes, cords, etc. ***What can you do to make your child/relatives safe? CPSC’s Recommendations --Protective Surfacing --Improved construction and materials --Changes in equipment types --Increased recognition of hazards

17. Some more examples…. • In 2000, increase of amount of scooter injuries due to part malfunctions. • Future development of pool alarms • “Safety Standard for Cigarette Lighters”

18. 1-800-638-CPSC CPSC Hotline Washington, D.C. 20207 info@cpsc.gov http://www.cpsc.gov Contact the CPSC!

19. Test your CPSC Knowledge Which of the following products is not Covered under the CPSC’s guidelines? • Coffee makers • Automobiles • Lawn mowers • fireworks

20.  Test It Again!  True or False: When someone reports an Unsafe product, the Consumer Product Safety Commission immediately withdraws The product from the market.

21. In Summary, Remember… • If a product malfunctions, stop use IMMEDIATELY. • Call the CPSC to report a problem. • Check the CPSC website or sign up for their email mailing list to be informed of new updates. • Practice safety everywhere … whether it be the home, the office, or any other public place.

22. Bibliography • http://www.cpsc.gov • http://www.cpsc.gov/about/faq.html#rep • http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/psc.html#10prin • http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/reports/2000rpt.pdf • http://www.cpsc.gov/kids/kidsafety/