Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why are you engaging the public in the development of a database?
- What techniques are you using to engage the public?
- Are your conversations open to the public?
- Will the public be able to make comments or ask questions?
- Is there an official record of these meetings?
- What is the difference between a staff workshop and a public hearing?
- How do you ensure an honest and frank exchange of ideas in such a public forums like that?
- How have you involved the public in the hearing and workshops?
Why are you engaging the public in the development of a database?
The purpose of the public engagement efforts includes:- To make CPSC's implementation of CPSIA open and transparent to the public.
- To create a public feedback loop regarding technological implementation of Section 212 of CPSIA - the public facing portal component of the Consumer Product Safety Commission Risk Management System.
- To bring parties together in public to facilitate the exchange of ideas, risks, and solutions.
These workshops are just a part of the process. There will also be conference calls, stakeholder information support materials, and online feedback and discussion support.
What techniques are you using to engage the public?
We are using formal public hearings, staff workshops, industry and consumer conferences, webinars, stakeholder information materials, and a public website, among other tools, to solicit feedback and inform the public about the database development. We may add additional tactics as they are needed.
Yes, our public hearings, staff workshops, and other stakeholder meetings are open to the public, in many cases both in-person and over the Internet. You can view the webcasts of previous public workshops here on SaferProducts.gov. Live video for each workshop will be available at www.saferproducts.gov/live
Will the public be able to make comments or ask questions?
Everyone will be allowed to file comments based on the discussion at the workshop. Everyone is invited to offer questions over the web during the workshops. In addition, in some workshops, time will be put aside for public comment.
Is there an official record of these meetings?
Yes.
What is the difference between a staff workshop and a public hearing?
A public hearing allows for formal presentations of testimony about the database to the Commissioners. The staff workshops are less formal and allow for back-and-forth dialogue on detailed issues between CPSC staff and key stakeholders including manufacturers, retailers, and consumer advocates.
How do you ensure an honest and frank exchange of ideas in such a public forums like that?
By asking clear but tough questions. Public exchange of viewpoints has led to a better discussion of the issues and helped raise awareness about the benefits of the initiative. It has also allowed opposing parties from different sectors to better understand alternative points of view.
How have you involved the public in the hearing and workshops?
We invited the public to participate by suggesting workshop topics and questions, by attending the workshops live or over the web, and by submitting written testimony after the workshops.
