FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2007
Release #07-074
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contacts: Julie Vallese or Patty Davis, (301)504-7908
New Danger Label Required on All Portable Generators
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
voted unanimously (2-0) today to require manufacturers of portable
generators to warn consumers of carbon monoxide (CO) hazards through a
new "Danger" label. The label states that, "Using a generator indoors
CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES."
Manufacturers will be required to place the "Danger" label on all new
generators and the generators' packaging. The label warns consumers that
a generator's exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a poison that cannot be
seen and has no odor, and that generators should never be used inside
homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open.
The death toll from CO associated with generators has been steadily
rising in recent years. At least 64 people died in 2005 from
generator-related CO poisoning. Many of the deaths occurred after
hurricanes and major storms. CPSC staff is aware through police, medical
examiner and news reports of at least 32 CO deaths related to portable
generators from October 1 through December 31, 2006.
"These deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning are preventable," said
Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord. "The warning labels are meant to stop
consumers before they make what could be a fatal mistake."
Generators should be used outdoors only, far from windows, doors and
vents. The CO produced by one generator is equal to the CO produced by
hundreds of running cars. It can incapacitate and kill consumers within
minutes.
The new "Danger" label requirements for generators manufactured or
imported will take effect 120 days after the regulation is published in
the Federal Register.
In a separate action last month, the Commission began rulemaking to
address safety hazards with generators by approving an advance notice of
proposed rulemaking (ANPR). The Commission directed staff to investigate
various strategies to reduce consumers' exposure to CO and to enable and
encourage them to use generators outdoors only. Those strategies include
generator engines with substantially reduced CO emissions, interlocking
or automatic shutoff devices, weatherization requirements, theft
deterrence and noise reduction.
To see this release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the danger
labels and statements from the Commission, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07074.html