FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2004
Release # 04-181
CPSC Media Contacts: Ken Giles (301) 504-7052
Eric Criss, (301) 504-7908
Stratton Tells Congress New Draft Fire Regulations Ready For Commission Review This Fall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Hal
Stratton recently told the Senate Commerce Committee that the agency
staff will have new draft proposed flammability standards for mattresses
and upholstered furniture ready for Commission consideration this fall.
"Reducing fire deaths is one of our top priorities," Stratton said. "I
want the standards for upholstered furniture and mattress flammability
to move forward as quickly as legally possible."
The staff's draft proposed federal mandatory standards will address
deaths and injuries from fires involving open-flame ignition of
mattresses and both small open-flame (matches, lighters, candles) and
cigarette ignition of upholstered furniture. A 1973 mandatory standard
already makes mattresses resist cigarette ignition.
Industries support CPSC in developing these mandatory standards.
Mandatory standards apply to imports as well as domestic products.
In recent years, mattress and bedding fires caused an average of 470
deaths annually. Upholstered furniture fires caused an average of 580
deaths annually.
CPSC Chairman Stratton said, "More deaths result from residential fires
than from any other hazard under CPSC's jurisdiction. If adopted, these
new standards would help save many lives, while maintaining reasonable
cost to consumers and design flexibility for manufacturers."
In 2001, the Commissioners voted to issue an advance notice of proposed
rule-making to address mattress/bedding fires ignited by open flames
including matches, lighters, and candles. CPSC staff is developing a
draft proposed standard to limit the size and spread of a fire involving
the mattress and bedclothes.
In 2003, the Commissioners voted to expand an existing proceeding to
develop an upholstered furniture standard to address the risk of fire
ignited both by cigarettes and by small open flames.
In addition to the draft standards for mattresses and upholstered
furniture, CPSC staff is preparing a draft advance notice of proposed
rulemaking for the flammability of bedclothes. Bedclothes (such as
pillows, blankets, and comforters) contribute significantly to the
mattress fire hazard.
In 1994, CPSC set a standard for cigarette lighters requiring that they
be child-resistant. Multipurpose lighters also must be child-resistant.
The Commission staff worked with ASTM International and the industry to
develop voluntary standards for candles to reduce fire hazards. Several
candle standards now cover cautionary labeling, visible smoke emissions,
and glass containers. Other candle fire safety specifications which are
provisionally effective now and will be formally approved by 2005 cover
stability, flame height, secondary ignition, and performance near the
end of a candle's useful life.
In the past year, in addition to its work on furnishings, CPSC also
launched a new Burn Center Reporting System to collect data about fires
and burns involving children's clothing. CPSC staff also is studying the
effectiveness of smoke alarms, including wireless technologies and
improved audibility.
Over the period 1980 through 1998, there was a substantial decline in
residential fire-related deaths. In 1980 there were approximately 4,560
deaths, but in 1998 there were approximately 2,660 deaths. This decline
in deaths can be attributed, in part, to CPSC and industry activities
including standards for cigarette-resistant mattresses and upholstered
furniture, heating and cooking equipment, electrical products, general
wearing apparel, children's sleepwear, child-resistant lighters,
fireworks, smoke alarms, and residential sprinklers. CPSC has designated
fire safety as one of the top priorities for the next 5 years, with the
goal of reducing fire deaths further.
CPSC recommends consumers follow these tips to help prevent fires and
related injuries:
Install and maintain smoke alarms
Maintain and properly use gas and electrical appliances
Keep matches and lighters away from children
Develop and practice a fire escape plan
CPSC Chairman Stratton added, "Parents still need to keep lighters,
matches, and candles away from young children. And everyone needs a
smoke alarm with a fresh battery on every level of the house outside
sleeping areas and in every bedroom."