PRODUCT SAFETY LETTER View the entire issuein PDF format.

SENATE RIDER WOULD ADD SIX MONTHS TO CPSC QUORUM The Senate Commerce Committee February 13 approved a bill amendment that would extend CPSC’s interim quorum of just two members by an additional six months.

CPSC URGES CLEARER BABY WALKER TESTS CPSC February 9 asked ASTM’s F15.17 subcommittee to consider clarifications to tests methods in F977-03, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Walkers.

CPSC EYES STANDARDS FOR FANS FOR INFLATABLE TOYS A CPSC proposal made available February 13 calls for UL to add provision for inflatable toys and similar children’s items to UL 507, Electric Fans and Power Blowers.

ASTM NEAR TO YO-YO BALL AND MAGNETS PROVISIONS ASTM expects a March 1 approval date for various projects related to toys in F963, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety.

EU PROPOSES STEPS TO EASE TECHNICAL BARRIERS A February 14 European Commission proposal seeks to limit the trade barriers among member states caused by differing technical requirements for products.

CPSC PLANS MATTRESS SEMINARS IN SPRING CPSC is seeking presenters for two seminars on new mattress flammability rules.

NHTSA CALLS FOR EASIER INSTALLATION OF CAR SEATS The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) February 8 launched an effort to seek easier-to-install child car seats.

SAFE KIDS FINDS PARENTS RETAIN CAR SEAT CLINIC LESSONS Safe Kids Worldwide February 9 reported that car seat clinics are effective in helping caregivers know how to install child safety seats properly.

CHILD POOL/SPA DROWNINGS DECLINED IN CALIFORNIA California saw a halving of pool and spa drownings among children under age 4 from 1995 to 2004, according to data released February 8.

EWG TARGETS COSMETICS AND FRAGRANCES Environmental Working Group (EWG) February 8 and 9 issued reports alleging widespread health risks from cosmetics and fragrances, respectively.

CPSC BRIEFS Briefs on septic pumps, toy batteries, boys' jackets, drawstrings, alarms, toys, magnets, CPSC policies, school labs, CPSC meetings.

OTHER FEDERAL BRIEF Brief on lead.

STANDARDS & TESTING BRIEFS Briefs on gas hose, GFCIs, appliances, electrical conduit, electrical insulation, safety markings.

RESEARCH & JOURNALS BRIEFS Briefs on indoor air, lead.

FOREIGN & INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS Briefs on REACH, chemicals, basketball backboards, injury data, injury prevention, jacks, toys, film processors, tower fans, RAPEX.