[Federal Register: November 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 226)] [Notices] [Page 66172-66173] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr24no99-47] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Request for Comments Concerning Proposed Extension of Approval of a Collection of Information--Electrically Operated Toys and Children's Articles AGENCY: Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the Consumer Product Safety Commission requests comments on a proposed extension of approval of a collection of information from manufacturers and importers of certain electrically operated toys and children's articles. The collection of information consists of testing and recordkeeping requirements in regulations entitled ``Requirements for Electrically Operated Toys or Other Electrically Operated Articles Intended for Use by Children,'' codified at 16 CFR part 1505. The Commission will consider all comments received in response to this notice before requesting an extension of this collection of information from the Office of Management and Budget. DATES: The Office of the Secretary must receive written comments not later than January 24, 2000. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be captioned ``Electrically Operated Toys'' and mailed to the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207, or delivered to that office, room 502, 4330 East-West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Written comments may also be sent to the Office of the Secretary by facsimile at (301) 504-0127 or by e-mail at cpsc-os@cpsc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about the proposed extension of the collection of information, or to obtain a copy of 16 CFR part 1505, call or write Linda L. Glatz, Office of Planning and Evaluation, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207; telephone (301) 504-0416, extension 2226. [[Page 66173]] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1973, the Commission issued safety requirements for electrically operated toys and children's articles to protect children from unreasonable risks of injury from electric shock, electrical burns, and thermal burns. These regulations are codified at 16 CFR part 1505 and were issued under the authority of sections 2 and 3 of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261, 1262). A. Requirements for Electrically Operated Toys These regulations are applicable to toys, games, and other articles intended for use by children that are powered by electrical current from a 120 volt circuit. Video games and articles designed primarily for use by adults that may be incidentally used by children are not subject to these regulations. The regulations prescribe design, construction, performance, and labeling requirements for electrically operated toys and children's articles. The regulations also require manufacturers and importers of those products to develop and maintain a quality assurance program. Additionally, section 1505.4(a)(3) of the regulations requires those firms to maintain records for three years containing information about: (1) Material and production specifications; (2) the quality assurance program used; (3) results of all tests and inspections conducted; and (4) sales and distribution of electrically operated toys and children's articles. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the collection of information requirements in the regulations under control number 3041-0035. OMB's most recent extension of approval expires on January 31, 2000. The Commission now proposes to request an extension of approval without change for the information collection requirements in the regulations. The safety need for this collection of information remains. Specifically, if a manufacturer or importer distributes products that violate the requirements of the regulations, the records required by section 1505.4(a)(3) can be used by the firm and the Commission: (i) To identify specific lots or production lines of products which fail to comply with applicable requirements, and (ii) to notify distributors and retailers in the event the products are subject to recall. B. Estimated Burden The Commission staff estimates that about 40 firms are subject to the testing and recordkeeping requirements of the regulations. Each one may have an average of ten products each year for which testing and recordkeeping would be required. The Commission staff estimates that the tests required by the regulations can be performed on one product in 16 hours and that recordkeeping and maintenance can be performed for one product in four hours. Thus, the total annual burden imposed by the regulations on all manufacturers and importers is about 8,000 hours. C. Request for Comments The Commission solicits written comments from all interested persons about the proposed collection of information. The Commission specifically solicits information relevant to the following topics: --Whether the collection of information described above is necessary for the proper performance of the Commission's functions, including whether the information would have practical utility; --Whether the estimated burden of the proposed collection of information is accurate; --Whether the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected could be enhanced; and --Whether the burden imposed by the collection of information could be minimized by use of automated, electronic or other technological collection techniques, or other forms of information technology. Dated: November 17, 1999. Sadye E. Dunn, Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission. [FR Doc. 99-30562 Filed 11-23-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6355-01-P