Consumer Reports, an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers for truth, transparency, and fairness in the marketplace, writes to follow up on our December 14, 2017, letter regarding the draft revised voluntary standard proposed by the Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) for recognition by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). We reiterate our request for PGMA to take the actions recommended in that letter.
In particular, we once again urge PGMA to share data that supports its effectiveness claims, specifically those related to its proposed ambient carbon monoxide concentration limits, at which portable generators would shut off automatically. PGMA has indicated, according to the results of manufacturer assessments, that the relevant provisions in the draft standard would provide 99.9% effectiveness in averting fatalities, as measured under the same criteria used by the 2016 notice of proposed rulemaking for a portable generators safety standard. While this claim is encouraging, we still have not been provided the access to data necessary to facilitate an independent evaluation of the claimed effectiveness, even after our previous letter. PGMA should make this data available so that stakeholders and independent experts can determine whether the proposed limits would adequately protect consumers.
We also write to clarify our request for PGMA to commit to robustly monitor the standard’s effectiveness. In so doing, we urge PGMA to review the standard for necessary updates not more than 12 months after its effective date.
Thank you for your prompt consideration. We look forward to your reply.
For the full letter, click here.