CPSC Seeks Outside Expertise For Standard Development On CB Antennas

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 18 ) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking outside assistance in the development of a mandatory safety standard for citizens band (CB) antennas.

The standard would require manufacturers to insulate or otherwise manufacture their base station omnidirectional antennas to protect consumers from electrocution. Antennas are annually the largest single cause of electrocutions (recently averaging more than 200) by a consumer product.

CPSC invites participation by private citizens, consumer organizations and industry groups, as well as technical societies, laboratories, educational institutions, and other government agencies.

Individuals and groups which cannot afford the costs of participation may be eligible for reimbursement and are encouraged to apply for public funding.

Most deaths occur when the antennas brush against high voltage power lines while consumers are installing or removing them from roof tops.

Participants may attend a series of public meetings (with the first scheduled in Washington, D.C., November l ), and may critique drafts of the standard or volunteer for individual assignments. The proposed standard is to be ready for Commission consideration by April 30, 1981.

Initial development efforts will focus on the hazards posed by omnidirectional antennas, which are less complex than directional antennas. CPSC anticipates that expertise gained in focusing on omnidirectional antennas will be useful for any future regulation of directional antennas.

A CPSC regulation became effective in September 1, 1978, which requires manufacturers and retailers to attach warning labels to CB base station antennas, outdoor television antennas, and their support structures. The labels alert consumers to the potential electrocution hazard.

Details for participation and applications for funding are contained in the September 14 issue of the Federal Register. Applications should be received by October 15, 1979. Anyone who requires additional information about participation or public funding should contact: Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C., telephone (202) 634-7700.