Portable Generators; Final Rule; Labeling Requirements

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Consumer Product Safety Commission 16 CFR Part 1407 AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission or CPSC) is issuing a final rule requiring manufacturers to label portable generators with performance and technical data related to performance and safety. The required warning label informs purchasers that: “Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES;” “Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide. This is a poison you cannot see or smell;” “NEVER use inside a home or garage, EVEN IF doors and windows are open;” “Only use OUTSIDE and far away from windows, doors, and vents.” The warning label also includes pictograms. The Commission believes that providing this safety information will help reduce unreasonable risks of injury associated with portable generators. [ 1 ] DATES: This regulation becomes effective May 14, 2007 and applies to any portable generator manufactured or imported on or after that date. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy P. Smith, Project Manager, Division of Human Factors, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East-West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland; telephone (301) 504-7691; or e-mail: tsmith@cpsc.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background The total yearly estimated non-fire related carbon monoxide (CO) deaths for each of the years 1999 through 2002 are 109, 138, 130 and 188, respe…