CPSC and Industry Announce Corrective Action to Improve Safety of
Halogen Torchiere Floor Lamps
Press Release # 97-173
Transcript
(View of top of white lamp) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Industry are announcing the (far view of entire lamp) availability of a kit to improve the safety of some (view of top of black lamp) 40 million halogen torchiere floor lamps. (close-up of bulb) The bulbs in these lamps can cause fires if not used properly (flaming lamp) and have been associated with 189 fires and 11 deaths across the country.
(CPSC's Chairman Ann Brown speaking, flaming lamp still on screen) "The lamps use a tubular halogen bulb inside a shallow bowl. (view of Chairman) The bulbs operate at temperatures much higher than regular bulbs and can ignite anything that's near them, such as curtains or fabric."
(View of room with lamp inside) The halogen torchiere floor lamps became popular in the 90's. (view of a light) Underwriters Laboratory, just this year adopted a new safety standard for the lamps, (view of burning lamp) but CPSC is concerned that many older models in consumers homes could pose fire hazards, (view of lamp guard) so the halogen lamp industry is offering a free kit to make the lamps safer.
(CPSC's Chairman Ann Brown speaking) "If consumers have an older lamp without a wire guard over the glass shield,(Chairman still talking, view of an adult tipping over lamp and placing it against a chair and putting guard in place) they need this safety kit, it contains a guard that fits over the bulb shield and keeps flammable materials away from the bulb."
(close-up of guard being put in place) CPSC says the kit will reduce the risk of fire from these lamps, close-up of guard screws being tightened) but they warn consumers still need to take these precautions with halogen floor lamps: (picture of lamp with safety tips on the side) use only 300 watt or lower bulbs, replace any higher wattage bulbs, or bulbs without wattage ratings. Do not place lamps near curtains or bedding, and don't drape clothes over the lamp. Turn the lamp off when you're not in the room, and finally keep children and pets away from the lamps, as they can be tipped over easily.
(Adult putting the lamp back in place after installing the lamp guard) Consumers who own halogen floor lamps without a safety guard over the glass bulb shield (view of safety guard with instructions) can get a free safety kit at many major retail stores.
(Adult walking out of the room) This is Meredith Resnick reporting.