NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPSC Selects Offer To Develop Safety Standard For Miniature Christmas Tree Lights

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 21) -- The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced its acceptance of an offer submitted by the National Consumers League to develop a recommended consumer product safety standard for miniature Christmas tree lights.

CPSC gave notice in the March 31, 1977 Federal Register that it was initiating proceeding under Section 7 of the Consumer Product Safety Act to develop a consumer product safety standard for the fire and shock hazards associated with miniature Christmas tree lights and similar miniature decorative lights. The Commission has now evaluated the submissions made in response to its notice and has selected the offer of the National Consumers League (NCL), 1028 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 to develop a recommended safety standard. The standards development period will be 150 days beginning June 20, 1977 and ending November 16, 1977.

In accordance with the Commission's regulations and the terms of the offer, all persons are invited to participate in the standard development process. In order to ensure this participation the offeror will contact directly producer and consumer groups with direct interest in the standard development process as well as professional and technical societies. NCL will also distribute a press release announcing the beginning of the standard development process and inviting participation. The first meeting of the Standard Development Committee will take place Tuesday and Wednesday, July 12 and 13, 1977 beginning at 8:30 A.M. at the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C.

All persons interested in participating in the development of the standard applicable to miniature Christmas tree lights should contact Mr. David Swankin, NCL Project Director, Swankin and Turner, 1625 Eye Street, N.W., Room 923, Washington, D.C. 20006; (202) 872-8660; or Sandra Willett, Executive Director, National Consumers League, 1028 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036; (202) 797-7600.

NCL has subcontracted with Weiner Associates of Baltimore, Maryland, to serve as project engineers. Persons with technical questions should contact Robert Weiner directly at 1717 York Road, Lutherville, Md. 21093. (Telephone number 301/252-8500).

Copies of the NCL offer, dated May 2, 1977 with modifications dated May 20, 1977, and a copy of the agreement entered into between the Commission and NCL are available for inspection in the Office of the Secretary, Third Floor, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1111 18th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20207.