CPSC Chairman Awards Safety Commendation to American Furniture Manufacturers Association

May 16, 1996
Release # 96-126

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For Immediate Release:
Contact: Kate Premo
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1187

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced that Chairman Ann Brown has awarded the CPSC Chairman's Commendation for Significant Contributions to Product Safety to the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) for its efforts to make bunk beds safe for the children and families of America.

"Whenever we can, we want to prevent problems before they happen," Brown said. "In 1995, CPSC staff requested several changes in the voluntary standard for bunk beds. We explained the seriousness of the lower bunk entrapment problem associated with bunk beds, and asked the leadership of AFMA to communicate this to the members of the industry. Thanks to their hard work, manufacturers have given their support to a stronger voluntary standard."

Brown cited AFMA's leadership in strengthening the industry voluntary standard on spacing for bunk beds to help keep children safe. The current voluntary standard addresses entrapment hazards associated with the top bunk. The manufacturers have agreed to strengthen the voluntary standard to address entrapment hazards associated with lower bunks.

"We are a regulatory agency," Brown said. "But we prefer to work voluntarily with industry. It is a pleasure to recognize AFMA for helping make bunk beds safe."

In addition to AFMA, the CPSC Chairman's Commendation has been awarded to: Toys "R" Us; Procter & Gamble; Sunbeam Plastics; Playskool, a division of Hasbro Inc.; Rollerblade Inc.; the International Inline Skating Association; and the Whirlpool Corporation.

Chairman Brown initiated the commendation program to recognize substantial contributions to product safety by individuals, companies, or groups for one-time, ongoing, or multiple actions. Nominees for the award, which is given periodically, may be brought to the Chairman's attention. Chairman Brown will consider the following factors in choosing award recipients:

• Actions that contribute to reducing hazards to children and other vulnerable populations;
• Voluntary actions that are not mandated by government regulations, that anticipate government regulation, or that go beyond what the government requires;
• Developments that affect the safety of large numbers of individuals;
• Innovations or improvements to existing products; and safety devices, packaging, warnings, or products which enhance consumer safety.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission protects the public from the unreasonable risk of injury or death from 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury and for information on CPSC's fax-on-demand service, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To order a press release through fax-on-demand, call (301) 504-0051 from the handset of your fax machine and enter the release number. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information via Internet gopher services at cpsc.gov or report product hazards to info@cpsc.gov.

051696,CPSC CHAIRMAN AWARD SAFETY COMMENDATION TO AMERICAN FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, CHAIRMAN COMMENDATION