Rynek i konsumenci · 16/01/1997

Multi-Purpose Lighters; Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Request for Comments and Information

The Commission has reason to believe that unreasonable risks of injury and death may be associated with multi-purpose lighters that can be operated by children under age 5. Multi-purpose lighters are butane-fueled lighters with an extended nozzle from which the flame is emitted. These lighters typically are used to light devices such as charcoal and gas grills and fireplaces. The Commission is aware of 53 fires from January 1988 through October 1996 that were started by children under age 5 using multi-purpose lighters. These fires resulted in 10 deaths and 24 injuries. This advance notice of proposed rulemaking (``ANPR'') initiates a rulemaking proceeding under the authority of the Consumer Product Safety Act (``CPSA''). One result of the proceeding could be the promulgation of a rule mandating performance standards for the child-resistance of the operating mechanism of multi-purpose lighters. The Commission solicits written comments from interested persons concerning the risks of injury and death associated with multi-purpose lighters, the regulatory alternatives discussed in this notice, other possible means to address these risks, and the economic impacts of the various regulat