CPSC Chairman Awards Safety Commendation to the American Water Heater Company

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today that Chairman Ann Brown has awarded the Chairman's Commendation to the American Water Heater Company, headquartered in Johnson City, Tenn., a subsidiary of Southcorp Limited of Australia. The company is being recognized for introducing a technology that prevents gas water heaters from igniting flammable vapors such as gasoline.

Each year, gas-fired water heaters igniting flammable vapors cause nearly 2,000 fires, 320 injuries, 20 deaths and more than $26 million in property damage.

Typically, fires occur when consumers use flammable liquids, usually gasoline, for cleaning purposes, or when a flammable liquid leaks or is spilled near the water heater. When the vapors come in contact with the water heater burner or pilot light, they can ignite, causing a flashback fire or explosion. Chairman Brown has made it a priority to work with the water heater industry to develop water heaters that are resistant to igniting flammable vapors.

American is introducing a technology that allows water heaters to operate safely. The design, developed by Southcorp, confines the flame, and prevents it from flashing out and igniting vapors in the room, preventing explosions. Their Flame GuardTM Safety System will be available to consumers beginning in October.

"What was once considered an unsolvable safety hazard has now been solved," said Brown. "American's efforts will save lives and prevent untold future injuries. This is a significant safety improvement, and we encourage consumers to look for this technology when purchasing a gas water heater."

President and Chief Operating Officer of American Water Heater Company Robert W. Trudeau accepted the commendation today at an award ceremony at CPSC headquarters in Bethesda, Md.

"It was Chairman Brown's efforts that led the water heater industry to focus on developing this safety technology," Trudeau said. "My company considers this Chairman's Commendation to be a great honor."

Other recipients of the Chairman's Commendation have included Lowe's Companies Inc. and Lowe's Home Safety Council; Toys "R" Us; Procter & Gamble; Sunbeam Plastics; Playskool, a division of Hasbro Inc.; Rollerblade Inc.; the International Inline Skating Association; the Whirlpool Corp.; the American Furniture Manufacturers Association; Face Guards Inc.; the Rogers Sports Corp.; the Safe Strap Company Inc.; the city of Pittsburgh; the state of Colorado; and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign,.

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.