The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced plans to require labels on CB (citizen band) base antennas warning purchasers of the possible electric shock hazard during their installation, primarily due to contact with overhead power lines.
The Commission has directed its staff to develop a proposed rule under section 27(e) of the Consumer Product Safety Act requiring manufacturers to give information related to performance and safety of CB base antennas to the Commission and to consumers at the point of purchase. The proposed rule, which will be published in the Federal Register for public comment, will specify the language of the warning labels manufacturers would be required to attach to CB base antennas. After analysis of the public comments, the Commission will decide on issuing a final rule.
CB base antennas are mounted alongside private dwellings on masts or towers. Ninety-two (92) deaths and 156 injuries associated with these antennas were reported to the Commission last year. Most of these accidents occurred when the antenna, while being installed or taken down, came in contact with power lines. In the majority of cases the accident involves an injury (or death) to more than one person.
The proposed rule will also require that instructions accompany the product advising consumers of precautions to avoid the hazard of electric shock in installing or taking down these antennas. A CPSC public information and education program is also being planned.
This action is in response to a petition by Lawrence II. Chapman, Harvey, Louisiana, requesting warning labels on all communications antennas sold to the general public. The Commission is limiting its rulemaking at this time to CB base antennas as available injury information indicates they are primarily involved in antenna accidents. The Commission may include other communication antennas in the future if warranted.
The Commission staff will also investigate the feasibility of a mandatory safety standard that would eliminate or reduce the hazard of electric shock incurred while installing or otherwise using CB base antennas.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our email alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn and Truth Social.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
- Contact a media specialist.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800