Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Approval of Information Collection; Child Strength Study
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to keep checking how strong kids are by doing fun tests, like seeing how strong their muscles and jaws are. They use this information to make sure toys and other things are safe for kids to use without breaking.
Summary AI
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is asking for approval to continue gathering information for a study on children's strength. This study, which involves collecting data on children's physical capabilities such as upper and lower body strength and bite strength, is vital for developing safety standards for consumer products. They estimate involving around 1,000 participants in the lab with an additional screening process, aiming to mitigate risks like products breaking under use. By maintaining this data collection, CPSC hopes to enhance product safety for young children.
Abstract
As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC or Commission) announces that the Commission has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for extension of approval of a generic collection of information for a strength data collection study. OMB previously approved the collection of information under Control Number 3041-0003. OMB's most recent extension of approval will expire on January 31, 2025. On October 24, 2024, CPSC published a notice in the Federal Register to announce the agency's intention to seek extension of approval of the collection of information. The Commission received one comment, which was out of scope. Therefore, by publication of this notice, the Commission announces that CPSC has submitted to the OMB a request for extension of approval of that collection of information.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register discusses an important initiative by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) aimed at continuing a data collection study to gather information on children's strength. This study is essential for establishing safety standards for consumer products aimed at or used by children.
Summary of the Document
The CPSC is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the time frame for their ongoing collection of children's strength data. This effort is part of a larger initiative to improve the safety of products used by children. The study involves direct participation by children and their caregivers and focuses on collecting data about physical capabilities, such as upper and lower body strength and bite strength. This data is instrumental in crafting safety requirements for products that might pose risks if not properly designed, such as those that could break or collapse under pressure.
Key Issues and Concerns
While the document does not mention any significant opposition to the data collection, the process did receive a comment that was considered out of scope. The lack of substantive public comments suggests broad, albeit passive, acceptance or a lack of awareness about the study. However, certain issues might be inferred, such as concerns around child safety during testing, privacy issues related to data collection, or the burden on participants.
Broad Public Impact
The continuation and potential success of this data collection have significant implications for public safety, particularly for young children. By investing in understanding children's physical capabilities, the CPSC is better equipped to prevent accidents and injuries resulting from improperly designed products. This initiative may inspire greater confidence among parents in the safety of children's products.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Children and Caregivers: Directly involved, they play a critical role in providing the necessary data for this research. The process appears to be designed with minimal burden, requiring just over 2 hours, though it could still be a logistical challenge for families to participate.
Manufacturers: This study could have a profound impact on manufacturers who may need to adjust their design and production processes to comply with any new safety standards emerging from this data. While this might initially increase production costs, the improved safety and subsequent trust could lead to long-term benefits.
Researchers and Policymakers: They stand to gain valuable insights from the collected data, which in turn informs public safety regulations and standards. This work is likely to bolster efforts to make consumer products safer, potentially reducing the incidence of injuries among children.
In conclusion, the document highlights an essential effort by the CPSC to extend and enhance children's safety through continued research. Its positive implications for public safety are significant, though successful implementation will require considerations around privacy, participant engagement, and effective integration of findings into regulatory frameworks.