To insure that retailers are aware of their obligations under the new flammability regulations for children's sleepwear, consumer volunteers today began visiting retail establishments nationwide as part of the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Consumer Deputy Program.
The flammability standard for children's sleepwear, sizes 7-14, went into effect on May 1, 1973, and mandates "flame-resistant" labeling as well as permanent care labeling. Rules and regulations which also went into effect on May 1, 1975, covering the 7-14 standard, impose display requirements for retailers. Similar rules and regulations went into effect on May 14, 1975, covering children's sleepwear in sizes 0-6X, with one exception: "flame-resistant" labeling is not required for 0-6X size sleepwear. The flammability standard for children's sleepwear in sizes 0-6X has been in full effect since July 1973.
The standard does not prohibit retailers from selling non-complying sleepwear in sizes 7-14 which was manufactured before May 1, 1975.
To alleviate possible consumer confusion, the Commission's regulations require that retailers segregate non-complying garments from flame-resistant sleepwear by at least 36 inches. In addition, retailers must post signs, in letters at least one inch high, identifying both complying and non-complying sleepwear. Stores selling only flame-resistant sleepwear are not required to post signs.
The purpose of this consumer deputy campaign is to educate retailers about the mandatory display requirements and to check for compliance with the new flammability regulations.
This preliminary survey of retail stores selling children's robes, nightgowns and pajamas will also serve to indicate to the Commission whether a full compliance effort will be necessary.
The volunteer consumer deputies have been trained by CPSC staff members in the 14 area offices.
The consumer deputies will present retail store managers with a letter of introduction, copies of the new regulations and sample display signs.
For additional information on the Consumer Deputy Program, call the Commission's toll-free hotline number - 800-638-2772, or write U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., 20207.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death 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. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.
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