Statement in response to Rossen Report on TV tipovers

Below is a statement from the Consumer Electronics Association in response to a Rossen Report on the dangers to children of TV and furniture tipovers:

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Statement from Consumer Electronics Association:

As the national trade association representing almost all television set manufacturers, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and its members are concerned about the safe placement of televisions. Manufacturers have shown strong commitment to the issue over the years by consulting with recognized testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) on safety certifications; and participating in the safety standards development process through UL standards technical panels, the International Electrotechnical Commission and CEA.

Additionally, CEA is committed to educating retailers and consumers about the proper installation and placement of televisions by providing product safety information and other educational materials at the point of sale for televisions. CEA encourages television manufactures to include the information below in user manuals and/or include flyers produced by CEA with all new televisions:

CHILD SAFETY: PROPER TELEVISION PLACEMENT MATTERS

THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY CARES

• Manufacturers, retailers and the rest of the consumer electronics industry are committed to
making home entertainment safe and enjoyable.

• As you enjoy your television, please note that all televisions – new and old- must be supported on proper stands or installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Televisions that are inappropriately situated on dressers, bookcases, shelves, desks, speakers, chests, carts, etc., may fall over, resulting in injury.

TUNE IN TO SAFETY

• ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the safe installation of your television.

• ALWAYS read and follow all instructions for proper use of your television.

• NEVER allow children to climb on or play on the television or the furniture on which the television is placed.

• NEVER place the television on furniture that can easily be used as steps, such as a chest of
drawers.

• ALWAYS install the television where it cannot be pushed, pulled over or knocked down.

• ALWAYS route cords and cables connected to the television so that they cannot be tripped
over, pulled or grabbed.

WALL OR CEILING MOUNT YOUR TELEVISION

• ALWAYS contact your retailer about professional installation if you have any doubts about your ability to safely mount your television.

• ALWAYS use a mount that has been recommended by the television manufacturer and has a
safety certification by an independent laboratory (such as UL, CSA, ETL).

• ALWAYS follow all instructions supplied by the television and mount manufacturers.

• ALWAYS make sure that the wall or ceiling where you are mounting the television is appropriate. Some mounts are not designed to be mounted to walls and ceilings with steel studs or cinder block construction. If you are unsure, contact a professional installer.

• Televisions can be heavy. A minimum of two people is required for a wall or ceiling mount
installation.

MOVING AN OLDER TELEVISION TO A NEW PLACE IN YOUR HOME

• Many new television buyers move their older CRT televisions into a secondary room after the
purchase of a flat-panel television. Special care should be made in the placement of older CRT
televisions.

• ALWAYS place your older CRT television on furniture that is sturdy and appropriate for its size and weight.

• NEVER place your older CRT television on a dresser where children may be tempted to use the drawers to climb.

• ALWAYS make sure your older CRT television does not hang over the edge of your furniture.

CE.org/safety