2009 June « THE DOMESTIC DIVA’S DISASTERS™

Archive for June, 2009

CPSIA Update

CPSIA – Two New Items

CPSC Lays Out Plans for 2010 CPSIA Implementation in its FY 2010 Budget Request – Broker Power Inc.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has released its fiscal year 2010 budget request of $107,000,000, a slight increase over its FY 2009 budget of $105 million.

In addition to presenting its budget request, CPSC outlines the following goals for 2010 regarding its implementation of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA¹) (partial list):

Staff to Screen 500 Models of Children’s Products for Lead

CPSC states that in 2010, its staff will screen 500 models of children’s products for compliance with both the CPSIA lead content limit and the lowered CPSIA limit on lead in paint and similar surface coatings.

CPSC to Develop Protocols & Standards for Random Sampling, Verification, etc.

CPSC staff will develop, for Commission consideration, protocols and standards for: (1) periodic random sampling and testing of children’s products; (2) verification that children’s products tested by a conformity assessment body comply with applicable children’s product safety rules; and (3) safeguarding against the exercise of undue influence on a third party conformity assessment body by a manufacturer or private labeler.

CPSC to Consider Use of Labels to Show Compliance with CPSIA Certification

In 2010, CPSC staff will develop, and send to the Commission for consideration, requirements for a program by which manufacturers and private labelers may label consumer products as complying with the certification requirements of CPSIA section 102(a).² Staff will also prepare a briefing package on a proposed rule regarding labeling of consumer products for Commission consideration.

CPSC May Issue Lead Content Exclusions and Determinations

If needed, staff will prepare for Commission consideration: (1) a rule providing for the determination that the lead content of certain specified products or materials does not exceed the CPSIA lead content limits for children’s products; and (2) a rule providing for the exclusion of a specified product or material from the CPSIA lead content limit.

Staff to Complete Report on Using XRF to Measure Lead in Paint

In 2010, CPSC will complete a draft status report on the effectiveness of XRF and other alternative technologies for the measurement of lead in paint.

CPSC to Finalize Interpretive Rule on Products Covered by Phthalates Provisions

CPSC will finalize its interpretative rule on the products covered by the phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.

Staff to Draft Final Rules on Safety Standards for Toddler Beds and Bassinets

In 2010, staff will prepare two briefing packages with draft final rules on safety standards for Commission consideration – one for toddler beds and the other for bassinets. Staff will select two additional products and prepare draft final rules for Commission consideration.

CPSC to Hold Six Public Meetings on CPSIA in 2010

CPSC plans that staff will participate in six meetings in 2010 to address the many questions about the CPSIA and to allow for an open dialogue with stakeholders. In these meetings, sections of the CPSIA of most interest to stakeholders will be explained and discussion encouraged through question and answer sessions.

¹Enacted as Public Law 110-314 on August 14, 2008.

²Section 102(a) of the CPSIA requires that manufacturers and private labelers (later refined by CPSC to be domestic manufacturers and importers) of products subject to a consumer product safety rule under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) or any similar rule, ban, standard, or regulation under any other act enforced by CPSC, issue a general conformity certificate, based on testing or a reasonable testing program, which certifies that the product complies with all applicable CPSC standards, bans, etc. In addition, Section 102(a) subjects children’s products (for children 12 and younger) to a more stringent requirement, as certification for those products must be based on third-party testing by a CPSC-accredited lab. (Another section of the CPSIA requires that these conformity certificates “accompany” the products, are furnished to retailers, etc.)

Note that in February 2009, CPSC stayed until February 10, 2010, most of these Section 102(a) testing and certification requirements, though not the underlying product safety requirements.

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CPSC Votes for 2 Year Stay of Enforcement on Bicycles. Now how about we reexamine the children’s clothing issue, so we can get back to business?!

1 comment Sunday, June 28, 2009

Sweet Sixteen and Never Been Kissed

Unlike her friends, Marielle chose not to have an elaborate Sweet Sixteen party. Here in NYC, parents seem to go over the top with these ridiculous parties which resemble mini weddings. It is not unheard of for costs to go way over $30,000!!!

I was able to have one of our local bakeries make a terrific zebra cake filled with Strawberry Shortcake in just 24 hours! Talk about customer service. I shared Marielle’s transplant story with them and they went above and beyond what I could have ever hoped for!

Meet Coconut. I caved in and surprised Marielle with a 9 week old Maltese puppy. Isn’t she adorable? Marielle had been harassing me, but her transplant doctors said she had to wait until 6 months post kidney transplant. Ok, so I jumped the gun and got the puppy a mere 3 weeks early.

My friend, Jennifer (Jaybird Designs) sent Coconut the cutest collar and sweater. Love them! Thanks so much Jennifer!

In addition to her new puppy, we also got Marielle a cute zebra dog carrier. Oh and the other big gift — a spa day for her and 5 of her bestest friends at Pilo Arts. Marielle and friends will enjoy facials, body massages, body scrubs, pedicures and manicures in 2 weeks from now!

For a week, my home smelled like a florist! Marielle’s aunts and grandparents showered her with flowers and other great gifts for her birthday.

Mother’s Day Miracle

My friend, Tara, celebrated her 1st Mother’s Day this year. And boy, did she get the best present ever. Her son, Colton, received a liver transplant that day! What more could any mother want more than the health of their children?! Wishing Colton a lifetime of health and happiness!

1 comment Sunday, June 28, 2009

HEAT SWAP from the Best in the West!

Received a big box from Lady M™ (aka Myrinda) containing our latest SWAP of the Girls Night In Club. WOW! I got some GREAT stuff! This time we hat to spell the word, “HEAT!”

H is for HANDMADE secret stash (black silk dupioni zippered case).

E is for EDIBLE–delicious Salted Caramel Sticks from Have It Sweet confections.

And Lady M™ added a little tag requesting I share it with Marielle. Fat chance. Sorry Myrinda!

A is for AROMA…my absolute favorite scented candle – Trapp’s Fresh Cut Tuberose!!! Funny thing is Lady M™ posted on Facebook requesting help in finding Trapp candles. I suggested she get them online where I buy my candles, but Myrinda insisted she needed them right away. LOL…now I understand why! She totally tricked me! I had no idea it was for ME!