Legal Definitions - CPSC

The CPSC, which stands for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is an independent agency of the United States government. Its main responsibility is to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with thousands of types of consumer products. The CPSC achieves this by developing safety standards, banning hazardous products, issuing recalls for unsafe items, and conducting research into product-related injuries and deaths.

• Example 1: Product Recall

  Imagine a company manufactures a popular brand of children's car seats. After receiving multiple reports of the buckle mechanism failing during minor collisions, the CPSC launches an investigation. If their findings confirm a significant safety defect, the CPSC will work with the manufacturer to issue a mandatory nationwide recall, requiring the company to notify all purchasers and provide a free repair kit or replacement car seat. This illustrates the CPSC's role in identifying dangerous products already on the market and ensuring they are removed or fixed to prevent further harm.

• Example 2: Setting Safety Standards

  Consider the growing popularity of electric bicycles. If the CPSC observes a trend of battery fires or other hazards associated with these products, they might initiate a process to develop new, mandatory safety standards for electric bicycle batteries or overall design. These standards would require all manufacturers selling electric bikes in the U.S. to meet specific safety criteria, such as fire resistance or braking performance, before their products can be sold. This demonstrates the CPSC's proactive function in establishing rules to ensure products are safe before they reach consumers.

• Example 3: Public Education and Awareness

  Each year, especially around holidays like Halloween or the Fourth of July, the CPSC often issues public warnings and educational campaigns. For instance, before Halloween, they might release guidelines on selecting flame-resistant costumes or using non-toxic face paints. Similarly, they might advise against certain types of fireworks or provide tips for safe grilling practices. This highlights the CPSC's commitment to informing consumers about potential product hazards and how to use products safely to prevent accidents and injuries.