(MON FRI 9am 5pm)FOR FURTHER ADVICE. Requirements for operating cords on custom window products in section 4.3.2 of ANSI/WCMA-2018 do not adequately address the risk of strangulation to children 8 years old and younger, because ANSI/WCMA-2018 allows hazardous operating cords if window coverings are custom ordered. Start Printed Page 1029. Section 14(a)(1) of the CPSA requires every manufacturer (which includes importers[41] Throughout FY 2017, staff participated in WCMA steering committee meetings, and also participated in the stock/custom definitions and warning labeling task groups. [28] Combining these estimates with one year of corded custom window covering sales (2019) amounts to a gross annual benefit of $52.3 million. The Commission issued an ANPR for corded window coverings, including stock and custom products, in January 2015 (80 FR 2327 (January 16, 2015)). Source: CPSC databases CPSRMS and NEISS. CPSC received 1,010 comments during the comment period: 748 were in favor of a mandatory rule, 254 were against a mandatory rule, and eight had no clear opinion. The window covering industry is innovative; roll-up shades could be replaced with a window covering option that meets the same purpose and is safe. Continuous Loop Cords: [39] The Public Inspection page may also (Custom blinds, shades, and shadings) as defined in section 3, definition 5.01, of ANSI/WCMA A100.12018. Since 2003, October has been designated Window Covering Safety Month by CPSC and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC). Based on reviews of CPSC databases, we found that a total of 194 reported fatal and nonfatal strangulations on window coverings occurred among children eight years and younger, from January 2009 through December 2020. Id. Because even the smallest estimate of cost is 2 percent of retail price, staff believes that the proposed rule could have a significant impact on manufacturers that receive a significant portion of their revenue from the sale of custom window coverings. Information about this document as published in the Federal Register. For example, prices for custom window coverings are, on average, higher than those for stock products, which are already required to comply with section 4.3.1 of ANSI/WCMA-2018. those that exceed 1 percent of annual revenue) associated with the mandatory rule. . Whenever an agency publishes a proposed rule, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. documents in the last year, by the Indian Affairs Bureau
All values provided above are based upon the Roman Quilt typical design (see, Everything for Roman Shades - Rominsulated Shades, LLC, Custom Roman Quilt Shades - to 48" X 72", Custom Roman Quilt Shades - to 54" X 72", How to Make a Roman Quilt Insulated Shade - Free Instructions. The latest year for which mortality data are available is 2019; as such, CPSC derived the strangulation fatality estimates for 2009 through 2019, which is a slightly different time frame than that used for the incident data from the CPSC databases. shade 15 U.S.C. Until the ACFR grants it official status, the XML On August 2, 2016, CPSC staff hosted a WCMA technical meeting. The cord shall be unreachable/inaccessible. 9 inches wide x 13 inches high), extremely large ( We also estimated that based on a review of National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and a separate study of child strangulations, a minimum of nine fatal strangulations related to window covering cords occurred per year in the United States among children under five years old from 2009-2019. Accordingly, this requirement is tested using a probe that is intended to simulate the finger size of a young child; the diameter of the probe is 0.25 inches, based on fifth percentile 2- to 3.5-year-old's index finger diameter (Snyder et al., 1977) at 0.33 inches and the off-the-shelf availability of a 0.25-inch diameter dowel pin. (iii) Part 1112 includes procedures for CPSC to accept a testing laboratory's accreditation and lists the children's product safety rules for which CPSC has published NORs. All rights reserved. testing laboratory) to obtain accreditation to assess conformity with a children's product safety rule.
Test methods for rigid cord shrouds: Center load test. The Commission is aware of one national voluntary standard, ANSI/WCMA-2018 (incorporated by reference in 1260.5), and European, Australian, and Canadian standards. If we increase the VSL by a factor of 3, the estimated VSL would equate to $27.6 million per life, increasing the total benefits of the rule to an estimated $136.9 million annually. This option would not result in an effective reduction in injuries and deaths. base period Major findings from the study point to: (i) A general awareness about cord entanglement among caregivers, which does not translate to precautionary action, due partly to the insufficient information provided at the point of sale; (ii) Lack of awareness of the speed and mechanism of the injury that may lead to caregivers' underestimating the importance of providing an adequate level of supervision; (iii) Difficulty using and installing safety devices as primary reasons for not using them; and. Requirements state that manufacturers conduct sufficient testing to ensure that they have a high degree of assurance that their children's products comply with all applicable children's product safety rules before such products are introduced into commerce. The documents posted on this site are XML renditions of published Federal
The standard also requires that the tension device be supplied with fasteners and instructions and meet the durability test requirements. Because this is the approach CPSC has relied on, to date, this alternative would have minimal costs; however, it is unlikely to further reduce the risk of injury from operating cords on custom window coverings. Most of the firms with fewer than 5 employees manufacture custom window coverings on a per order basis. Overall, staff estimates the societal costs of fatal and nonfatal injuries to be about $92.1 million annually. CPSC staff has not identified any other Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the proposed rule. Although staff has never seen a stock product with a rigid cord shroud, staff encourages WCMA to revise the voluntary standard to include this requirement for stock and custom products. stock versus custom), location in home; and size, weight, and geometry of the product and ability of the products to be readily adaptable to new technologies. 3041-0159. The petition, CP 13-2, was submitted by Parents for Window Blind Safety, Consumer Federation of America, Consumers Union, Kids in Danger, Public Citizen, U.S. PIRG, Independent Safety Consulting, Safety Behavior Analysis, Inc., and Onder, Shelton, O'Leary Peterson, LLC. Staff assessed that child anthropometry and strength related inputs to develop these requirements are adequate to address the strangulation risk associated with hazardous cords. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/CPSC-Staff-Letter-to-WCMA-Feb-2020.pdf?TZtarOeedGSVnaPzS5dHOEKpKz7f3N24 Technologies to address hazardous window covering cords are also known and utilized on stock products. However, ANSI/WCMA-2018 allows custom window coverings to be produced with hazardous operating cords, and CPSC concludes that the requirements for operating cords associated with custom window coverings in ANSI/WCMA-2018 are inadequate to protect children from the risk of strangulation. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/NPRs-Add-Window-Covering-Cords-to-Substantial-Product-Hazard-List-Establish-Safety-Standard-for-Operating-Cords-on-Custom-Window-Coverings-updated-10-29-2021.pdf?VersionId=HIM05bK3WDLRZrlNGogQLknhFvhtx3PD. The range for blinds is based on average prices for vinyl blinds, metal blinds, faux-wood blinds, wood blinds, and vertical blinds. For stock window coverings, the ANSI/WCMA standard requires: no operating cords, inaccessible cords, or short static cords that do not exceed eight inches in length. Custom window covering cords have a long product life, and it may take consumers several decades to replace these products. Start Printed Page 1052 However, operating cord requirements for custom window coverings in section 4.3.2 of ANSI/WCMA-2018 allow operating cords to meet one of the three requirements for operating cords on stock window coverings in section 4.3.1 of the standard (cordless, inaccessible, or 8 inches or shorter) to comply, but the standard also allows operating cords that have accessible cords that are longer than 8 inches, such as single retractable cord lift systems, continuous loop operating systems, and standard operating systems.
The standard went into effect on December 15, 2018. These window coverings function similarly to the motorized projector screens. In December 2018, WCMA sent the agreed-upon language for rigid cord shrouds to the members; however, the language was never balloted. The content explains the strangulation hazard and what consumers need to do to avoid the hazard (keeping cords out of children's reach, shortening cords to prevent reach, moving crib and furniture away.). the Federal Register. or go to: As described in section II.E of this preamble, custom window coverings likely substantially comply with the voluntary standard, ANSI/WCMA-2018. The exception is when a custom length is required to ensure user accessibility. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. The Commission is adding a definition for rigid cord shroud in proposed 1260.1(c) based on work by the voluntary standards task group in 2018. in accordance with the requirements of section 9 of the CPSA must include a preliminary regulatory analysis that contains: A preliminary description of the potential benefits and potential costs of the proposed rule; a discussion of the reasons any standard or portion of a standard submitted to the Commission under subsection (a)(5) was not published by the Commission as the proposed rule or part of the proposed rule; a discussion of the reasons for the Commission's preliminary determination that efforts proposed under subsection (a)(6) and assisted by the Commission as required by section 5(a)(3) [15 U.S.C. Authority: 43. google_ad_width = 125; Several commenters suggested that children die from interacting with household products other than window covering cords, and some commenters suggested that the risk of strangulation on window covering cords is low. Document Drafting Handbook Aggregate cost estimates range between $156.5 million to $309 million based on 2019 custom sales estimate of $61.58 million with a per unit cost increase, and the percentage of corded custom sales, which are estimated as 65 percent of custom window covering unit sales. (g) Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis, B. Section 14(a)(1) addresses required certifications for non-children's products, and sections 14(a)(2) and (a)(3) address certification requirements specific to children's products. WCMA said that they would be exploring segmentation approaches, such as product categories, operating systems, applications and uses, distribution channels ( Alternatively, interested parties may inspect a copy of the standard free of charge by contacting Alberta E. Mills, Division of the Secretariat, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814; telephone: 301-504-7479; email: Roman Shades: The requirements developed by the ANSI task group would clarify rigid by confirming that a cord shroud is rigid enough to ensure that the shroud cannot be wrapped around a child's neck or won't form a u-shape because of attaching the free end of the shroud to the wall (similar hazards to a single cord). CPSC estimates that 0.1 percent of all custom window coverings sold annually, 60,800 window coverings, are children's products and would be subject to third-party testing, for which 1.0 hours of recordkeeping and record maintenance will be required. Replacement of the batteries can require additional tools, like a screwdriver, step ladder, or stool. documents in the last year, by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection The Commission published the ANPR for corded window covering products on January 16, 2015 (80 FR 2327). Five of the 39 (13 percent) pull cord-related fatal incidents did not report sufficient information to allow CPSC staff to determine the manner in which the child was entangled. Based on this analysis, CPSC staff estimates that labor cost of respondent burden would impose a cost to industry of approximately $2,227,712 annually (60,800 hours $36.64 per hour). documents in the last year, 498 the official SGML-based PDF version on govinfo.gov, those relying on it for Loops created by knotted or tangled cord: Also, safety devices, such as tension devices, usually require drilling holes on the wall or windowsill that may not be permissible for renters and may not be desirable by homeowners. Based on discussion in the Commission's proposed rule on stock window covering cords (Proposed rule to Amend 16 CFR part 1120, CPSC Docket No. As reviewed in section II.C and Tab I of Staff's NPR Briefing Package, other means of addressing deaths and injuries, such as warning labels, parental supervision, and education campaigns, have not been effective at reducing deaths and injuries, and are unlikely to be effective in the future. Instructions: Consumers can purchase custom-sized and custom-designed window coverings from mass merchants, specialty retailers, e-commerce retailers, and in-home consultation firms. The Commission believes that adherence to the requirements of the rule will significantly reduce or eliminate a hidden hazard, strangulation deaths and injuries to children 8 years old and younger, in the future; thus, the rule is in the public interest. Item SKU: PLLCRDST/BRK/THR/TSSL. In this case, a shorter comment period may limit the quality and utility of information CPSC receives in comments, particularly for areas where it seeks data and other detailed information that may take time for commenters to compile. Cheapest Blinds UK Ltd | Company Number: 09309007 | VAT Reg No: GB 219749571 | Telephone: 0800 112 3335 | Email: info@cheapestblinds.com Although manufacturers of custom window coverings can opt to meet the operating cord requirements for stock window coverings (sections 4.3.2.1 through 4.3.2.3 for custom window coverings are identical to 4.3.1.1 through 4.3.1.3), consumers can still purchase corded window coverings if they custom order the product (sections 4.3.2.4 through 4.3.2.6). Window coverings should be inherently safe and should not require consumer intervention due to the silent, quick, and hidden nature of the strangulation hazard. The third firm is also privately held, and estimates indicate U.S. window covering revenues in 2020 of approximately $88 million (Euromonitor 2021a). 07/29/2022, 328 Vertical blinds and curtains/drapes are the predominant types of window covering associated with strangulations on continuous loops. Even though ANSI/WCMA-2018 attempts to reduce the strangulation risk by shortening the default length of the cord to 40 percent of the window covering's length (section 4.4) and specifying the tilt wand as the default option versus tilt cords (section 4.4.1.1), as explained in Tab I of Staff's NPR Briefing Package, and in section II.C of this preamble, the risk associated with operating cords remains. The incident data demonstrate that regardless of whether a product is categorized as stock or custom, children are exposed to the same risk of injury from accessible window covering cords. These alternatives included: (1) Not issuing a mandatory rule, but instead relying upon voluntary standards; (2) improving the voluntary standard ANSI/WCMA-2018; (3) using a later effective date; (4) narrowing the scope of the rule to address only vertical blinds and curtains and drapes; and (5) continuing and improving information and education campaigns. This per unit cost was for potential modifications to comply with the proposed rule, in cases where CPSC staff was able to estimate the potential cost. All manufacturers interviewed were aware of the standard and had implemented compliance in all stages of their development process, from product design to fabrication. However, the Commission does not consider the operating cord requirements for custom window coverings in the standard adequate to address the risk of injury, because the voluntary standard still allows accessible and hazardous operating cords to be present on custom products. Installed base data for window covering products does not differentiate between custom or stock products. The Commission already has an OMB control number, 3041-0159, for children's product testing and certification. (d) The proposed rule to require operating cords on custom window coverings to comply with the same requirements for operating cords on stock window coverings, as set forth in section 4.3.1 of ANSI/WCMA-2018, is not expected to have an adverse impact on the environment and is considered to fall within the categorical exclusion for the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act. because the neck circumference of a fifth percentile 6- to 9-month-old child is 8 inches (BSI, 1990, as cited in Norris and Wilson, 1995). Hunter Douglas use 2.2 for the pull cord. The regulations governing the content, form, and availability of the certificates of compliance are codified at 16 CFR part 1110. [27] All of these safety devices are currently available for purchase by consumers, or provided by manufacturers, on custom window coverings, but offerings vary by manufacturer. Relying on Parental Supervision Is Inadequate To Address the Risk of Strangulation, 5. not more than 22cm (8.66 inches) in length) or form a loop that can be pulled over a 1-year-old child's head ( Response 14: Accordingly, DC plugs may require consumers to use extension cords near the window covering to reach an available outlet, which some consumers may find unsightly. (c) Operating cord is inaccessible when tested using cord shroud accessibility probe. I. 44 U.S.C. A total of 36 out of 46 pull cord incidents when position of the window covering was known have occurred with partially or fully raised window covering (1996 to 2016 incidents.). In a single cord operating system, the user can manipulate the window covering with a pull cord. (2) The Commission considered relying on voluntary recalls, compliance with the voluntary standard, and education campaigns, rather than issuing a mandatory standard. CPSC field staff conducted unannounced in-store visits to 18 firms, comprising wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers. 15 U.S.C. Estcourt These factors make it impractical for the Commission to issue a final rule within 60 days of this proposed rule. lifting, lowering, traversing). However, this loss of utility would be mitigated by the availability of existing tools that are already available on the market, and by the ubiquity of remote-controlled operating systems.]. 5 U.S.C. The Commission issues this notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) using its authorities in sections 7 and 9 of the CPSA, 15 U.S.C. Researchers considered that metal/vinyl blinds, roller shades, vertical blinds, and wood/faux wood blinds are the categories that should be most affected by the standard, given their large share in stock product sales. Both NPRs are based on information and analysis contained in CPSC staff's September 29, 2021, Staff Briefing Package: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Corded Window Coverings (Staff's NPR Briefing Package), available at: However, researchers' projections indicate that there is not a consistent trend towards greater custom sales, and in the case of metal/vinyl blinds, there is an increasing share of stock sales over time. Another alternative the Commission considered was providing a longer effective date. The most complex to install power source for motorized systems is to wire the window covering directly into the home, commonly called hardwiring. The industry does not regard hardwiring window coverings to be a task that consumers can complete. Additionally, the assumption used to create the estimate of corded products in the market is based on interviews with manufacturers and retailers, some of whom gave conflicting accounts. Comfortex Honeycomb Shades use 0.9mm String
(c) The proposed rule includes an effective date that is 180 days after the final rule is published in the Manufacturers are also aware of their customers' procedures, and stated that they would not ship to them, if there were concerns about the assembly and installation process. (1) The Commission considered alternatives to achieving the objective of the rule of reducing unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with operating cords on custom window coverings.