| Office of Communications | Washington, D.C. |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 19, 2011 Release #12-059 |
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to prevent further injuries and deaths resulting from the use of gel fuels in firepots, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted (4-0) Friday to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) aimed at improving the safety of gel fuels and firepots.
The ANPR was prompted by the number of serious injuries and deaths that have occurred to consumers using these products. CPSC is aware of 65 incidents between April 2010 and September 2011, which have resulted in two deaths and at least 34 victims who were hospitalized with second and third degree burns of the face, chest, hands, arms or legs.
The ANPR invites written comments from the public regarding the risks of injury associated with gel fuels and firepots and ways to address these risks. Following publication of the ANPR in the Federal Register, the public will have 60 days to provide comments to the Commission. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov
The ANPR also alerts the industry to the possibility of federal standards being introduced for the labeling or performance of a product, or a ban if no adequate standard can be found. The process gives manufacturers a chance to present evidence to show they have set up their own effective industry standards.