CPSC Provisionally Accepts Consent Agreement With Colony Carpets, Inc., Dalton, Georgia

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced that it has provisionally accepted a consent agreement prohibiting Colony Carpets, Inc., Dalton, Georgia, from manufacturing or selling any carpets or rugs which fail to meet the requirements of the Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (IX FF l-70) of the Flammable Fabrics Act.

The agreement cites 62 rolls of "301, Shalimar" shag carpeting with a jute back, offered in a variety of colors, which were manufactured and sold nationwide by Colony Carpets, between April 16, 1971, and April 1, 1972. The 62 rolls were re-dyed by the finishers without the knowledge of Colony Carpets, who maintain that the re-dying process affected the flame-retardant characteristics of the carpeting.

Colony Carpets, as part of the provisional order, is to notify all customers who have purchased or to whom have been delivered "301, Shalimar" of its flammability and that it may be returned to the manufacturer to be reworked or destroyed. Customers who may have this carpeting are advised to contact the place of business from which it was purchased for recall information.

Listed below are the identifying roll numbers of the "301, Shalimar" carpeting found to be flammable and being recalled:

The Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Pugs went into effect April 16, 1971, and applies to all types of carpets and rugs used as floor covering materials regardless of their method of fabrication or the types of fibers used. Antique, oriental or hide carpeting may be excluded from this particular testing procedure pursuant to conditions established by CPSC.

This agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the company that it has violated the law. Any violation of this consent agreement by Colony Carpets could result in the assessment of substantial civil penalties.

The complaint and consent order will remain on the public record for 60 days through April 5, 1976, during which time any interested person may submit comments to the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.

After considering any comments, the Commission may accept the agreement or withdraw its provisional acceptance.

For additional information about this consent order, contact the Bureau of Compliance, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.

The rugs may be returned to the manufacturer to be reworked or destroyed. Customers who may have this carpeting are advised to contact the place of business from which it was purchased for recall information.