productsafety

Product safety is the field focused on ensuring that consumer products pose no unreasonable risk of injury or harm when used as intended or in foreseeable ways. It covers design, materials, manufacturing quality, labeling, and user information that help people understand how to use products safely.

A central method is risk assessment, including hazard identification, exposure estimation, and risk characterization, followed by risk reduction through safer design, protective features, reliable manufacturing, and clear warnings. Compliance with applicable safety standards and regulations is a key objective of product safety programs.

Standards organizations such as ISO, IEC, ASTM, and CEN publish test methods and performance criteria; regulatory frameworks vary by jurisdiction. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Act gives the CPSC authority to set standards, test products, and require recalls. The European Union relies on the General Product Safety Directive and harmonized standards, with CE marking as an indication of conformity.

Lifecycle management is essential: safety considerations begin in design and supplier selection, continue through production controls and labeling, and extend to instructions for use and end-of-life guidance. After-market activities include incident reporting, safety alerts, and recalls or corrective actions when hazards are discovered.

Responsibility for product safety rests with manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and regulators, with consumers benefiting from clear information and accessible channels for reporting safety concerns. Effective product safety programs aim to prevent injuries, reduce recalls, and maintain public trust.