Washington – The comment period for a rule aimed at addressing the risk of injuries from consumer table saws has been extended (.pdf file) until March 16.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering one of three methods for saw manufacturers to address the more than 67,000 annual injuries involving contact with table saws:
- A voluntary standard addressing risks associated with saw blade contact injuries
- A mandatory rule establishing performance requirements addressing saw blade contact injuries
- A labeling rule requiring specific warnings and instructions addressing saw blade contact injuries
According to CPSC staff estimates from a 2007-2008 study (.pdf file), consumers suffered an average of 11 factures, 11 amputations and eight avulsions every day from saw blade contact during that time period.
- Digital Partners -
An advance notice of proposed rulemaking (.pdf file) was issued Oct. 11 inviting stakeholders to comment on the rule; this is the second extension of that comment period.
