CPSC Recalls, fire hazards, fire investigation

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), aware that one of the greatest hazards posed by the defective products is in the resale market, (when the items are sold in resale shops, on-line auctions and garage sales) has launched several new public awareness programs. The CPSC has partnered with major on-line auction houses eBay and Amazon.com a program called "Recall Double Check" where sellers and buyers are encouraged to check for recall on items they are buying and selling. Auction sites are providing links to the informational site of the CPSC. Also on the on-line front, the CPSC has begun monitoring internet sites looking for sales of recalled, illegal or dangerous products. They've called this new program Operation SOS (Safe On-line Shopping) which started as a pilot program in December, 1999.

The CPSC has also partnered with the US Postal Service to post recall notices in its 33,000 post offices nationwide. They hope that this will function as sort of a "Dangerous Products Most Wanted List." This program shifts the focus from the stores to the real danger, getting dangerous products out of the homes. The CPSC and USPS are hoping by giving 7 million postal customers each day exposure to recall notices, they can help to prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries.

The CPSC offers free email notification of press releases to interested parties. These press releases offer recall information, calendars of their upcoming meetings, and news articles designed to educate the public on faulty products. To sign up for email notification on recalls and news visit the CPSC website at: http://www.cpsc.gov. This site may also be used to notify the CPSC of faulty products, report an incident involving a faulty product, or to view pictures of products that have been recalled. Notifications may also be made on the CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. This government agency is a great reference for any fire investigator involved with product liability litigation or anyone educating the public on Fire Safety.

The National Association of Fire Investigators wants you, our members, get involved. Make a point to use e-commerce sites that provide links to the CPSC, report defective products and routinely review the listings for defective product you or a loved one might own. Sign up for email announcements and respond when you can to requests for information. Educate the public about these informational services in your community outreach classes.