CPSC Votes to Issue ANPR on Possible Regulation of Gel Fuel & Firepots

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that on December 16, 2011, the Commission voted 4-0 to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) aimed at improving the safety of gel fuels and firepots. The ANPR was prompted by the number of serious injuries and deaths that have occurred to consumers using these products. The ANPR will invite written comments from the public regarding the risks of injury associated with gel fuels and firepots and ways to address these risks. It will also alert industry to the possibility of federal standards being introduced for the labeling or performance of a product, or a ban if no adequate standard can be found. The process gives manufacturers a chance to present evidence to show they have set up their own effective industry standards.