CPSC Proposes Rule to Require Warning Labels for Portable Generators
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a proposed rule that would require manufacturers to label portable generators with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning warning labels which contain performance and technical data related to performance and safety. Written comments should be submitted by November 7, 2006.
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Associated with Generators
A portable generator has an internal combustion engine, which is the source of CO. In the 6-year period from 2000 to 2005, CPSC staff is aware of at least 222 deaths related to CO poisoning associated with generators. Non-fatal CO injuries can result in permanent brain or neurological damage.
Warning Label Information Would be Required on Both the Product and Package
CPSC states that the proposed warning label, which would be used on both the product and the package of the product, would inform purchasers that: "Using a generator indoors will kill you in minutes;" Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poison gas you cannot see or smell;" "Never use in the home or in partly enclosed areas such as garages;" and "Only use outdoors and far from open windows, doors, and vents." The warning label would also include pictograms.
CPSC states that the proposed warning label would be used on the product and its package as follows:
Location of label on the product. CPSC states that the on-product hazard label would be located (a) on a part of the portable generator that, if removed, would impair the operation of the generator assembly, and (b) on a location that is prominent and conspicuous to an operator while performing at least two of the following actions: filling the fuel tank, accessing the receptacle panel, and starting the engine. The on-product hazard label would be designed to remain permanently affixed, intact, legible, and largely unfaded in the environment in which the product is expected to be operated and stored over the life of the product.
Location of label on the package. CPSC states that the label would be affixed to the principal display panel(s) of the package, as well as the surface containing the top flaps of the package. The principal display panel(s) of the package is the portion(s) of the outer packaging that is designed to be most prominently displayed, shown, presented, or examined under conditions of retail sale. Any panel of the package that includes text in a language other than English would also include a CO poisoning hazard label in that language.
Costs of Warning Label
According to CPSC, the costs of a warning label would include the one-time cost of designing the label and the continuing costs of printing and applying the labels to the generators and packages. These costs are expected to be low - less than one dollar per generator.
Proposed Effective Date
The proposed effective date is 90 days from the issuance of any final regulation in the Federal Register. The labeling requirement would apply to all portable generators imported or introduced into commerce after the 89th day following publication of any final regulation.
-Written comments should be submitted by November 7, 2006.
CPSC Contact - Janet Buyer (301) 504-7542
CPSC proposed rule (FR Pub 08/24/06) available athttp://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-7069.pdf