SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, reminds businesses operating in New York State that the governor, Kathy Hochul, has recently signed into law new requirement on the use of flame retardants in furniture, mattresses and electronic enclosures with displays.

This ground-breaking bipartisan Bill (A5418B and companion bill S4630), is the first in the US to prohibit the entire group of organohalogen flame retardants in electronic enclosures, such as televisions. It amends Article 37 in the state’s Environmental Conservation Law and inserts Title X (10), to be called the ‘Family and Fire Fighter Protection Act’.

Title X reads:

TITLE X

REGULATION OF CHEMICALS IN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE, MATTRESSES AND ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURES

The Act has several definitions of which stakeholders should be aware:

• “Covered flame-retardant chemical” – any chemical that meets both of the following criteria:
  1. Functional use to resist or inhibit the spread of fire or as a synergist to chemicals that resist or inhibit the spread of fire
  2. One of the following: a halogenated, organophosphorus, organonitrogen, or nanoscale chemical
• “Electronic enclosures with displays” – consumer product with a display screen and associated that, as its primary function, displays visual information from wired or wireless sources and is available for purchase by individuals or households for personal use in a residential space

Exemptions to the provisions in the Act relating to electronic displays include:  

• Screen areas of no more than 100 cm²
• Projectors
• Virtual reality headsets
• All-in-one video conference systems
• Displays that are integrated with appliances and are not available for purchase as separate products by end-users

Stakeholders should be aware of the following dates:

• December 31, 2022 – manufacturers of electronic displays sold in New York State must also submit an annual report identifying all flame retardants used in enclosures and their stands
• January 1, 2024 (per section 37-1003) – “no person shall sell or offer for sale in the state of New York any new, not previously owned, upholstered furniture or mattress, that contains, or a constituent component of which contains, any intentionally added covered flame retardant chemical, individually or in combination.”
• January 1, 2024 (per section 37-1007) – “no person shall sell or offer for sale in the state of New York any electronic display that contains an intentionally added organohalogen flame retardant chemical in the enclosure or stand of such electronic display.”

Failure to conform to the provisions in sections 37-1003 and 37-1007 can result in a civil penalty not exceeding USD 1,000 for each day during which violation continues. The penalty will increase to USD 2,500 for each day because of a second violation.  

Stakeholders are advised now check their products conform to the latest flame retardant restrictions in New York State.

SGS Chemical Testing

SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.

Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.

For further information contact:

Sanjeev Gandhi

Deputy Vice President

Connectivity & Products

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr 

LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Leading digital signage solutions provider NoviSign Digital Signage intensifies its commitment to curb the carbon emission levels in the US.

In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, the company has planted over 800 trees in national forests identified by the said organization.

Chad Bogan, NoviSign’s Director of Sales and Marketing, stated that "as our planet grows and carbon emissions increase, our responsibility to help offset the carbon footprint."

Under the company’s Plant a Tree campaign, which was first launched in November 2021, it vowed to plant one tree for every new software license that it sells.

"By planting trees for each NoviSign software license sold, we are making the planet a healthier place for our kids and future generations," added Bogan

US’ Greenhouse Gas Emission Increases

In 2021, the country reported a 6.2% increase in greenhouse gas emissions as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a report by the Rhodium Group in early January, this uptick was mainly driven by increased truck traffic and coal power usage as pandemic-prompted lockdowns were lifted and restrictions were eased.

Since the American Industrial Revolution (1820 to 1870) began, the country has gradually become one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters on the planet. In 2017 alone, about 6.5 billion tons of greenhouse gas (4.8 billion of which is carbon dioxide).

Fighting Harmful Emissions The Natural Way

Emitting greenhouse gas at significant levels is a consequence of performing many activities more conveniently and efficiently with the aid of oil, coal, and gas. These substances’ by-products cause air pollution and smog — and trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the decades-old climate change problem.

Experts consider reforestation as a natural antidote to this issue. Whether through tree planting or natural regeneration planning, having more trees in national forests can boost an area’s climate cooling power.

While there are other solutions available, including the shift to the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, to plant a tree is something that’s more economical, doable, and scalable for many — individuals and entities alike.

In support of the National Forest Foundation’s tree-planting efforts, NoviSign commits to planting more and more trees not only to help fight global warming but also to provide a safe and natural habitat to wildlife.

About NoviSign

Since 2011, NoviSign has already helped over 20,000 businesses across five continents put up dynamic paperless signages to cost-effectively boost brand awareness while keeping forests protected and greenhouse gas emissions minimized. Some of its prominent clients include Disney, Ikea, Nokia, NASA, and Ferrari among others.

Its software is sold as Software as a Service (SaaS), making it easier for businesses — no matter which industry they’re in or how big or small their organization is — to create digital signage outputs that can get their business or campaigns noticed.

Reach out to the premier digital signage solutions provider at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call them at (646) 893-770 or +972 (9) 794-7643. The company is based outside of Tel-Aviv Israel, with a presence in the US, Portugal, and Japan.

Completing underwater engineering projects requires the help of diving contractors. A leading name in the field of commercial diving London, Marine and Civil Services (MACS) Ltd will help you ensure efficiency and safety with their vast range of diving services.

Wide Range of Commercial Diving Services

Undertaking engineering projects underwater poses various challenges. Without the help of professional commercial divers, it will be unsafe to inspect, survey, and carry out work in a marine environment.

Home to a team of professionals with expertise in both diving and engineering, MACS Ltd can cater to various commercial diving Kent needs. These include inspection and maintenance, surveying, and cleaning and repairs. Trained and licensed, they can also perform submerged construction, dredging, and demolition among others.

While assuring top-quality services, they remain committed to protecting the environment. In every project they complete, they make sure to adhere to industry health and safety standards.

Making their services available throughout the UK, they accommodate clients from a wide spectrum of sectors.

Extensive Experience

MACS Ltd is one of the most established names in commercial diving Kent. They boast more than 40 years of experience expertly handling various marine operations — whatever the weather they may be.

MACS’ engineering and diving operations are helmed by industry veterans. Paul Day, their Engineering Operations Director, has spent the past 12 years offering marine and civil engineering services in the UK and abroad. Today, he provides his expertise for his project management and consultant roles.

On the other hand, Sam Preston of the company’s Diving Operations has been in the industry for over 28 years now. Honed by his various experiences with top players in the field, he’s capable of delivering diving, offshore & inshore, salvage, and harbour service.

As their well-trained divers are also equipped with the right tools, you can guarantee that every underwater engineering project they take on is completed properly and cost-effectively.

Efficient internal management, top-quality diving and engineering expertise, and reliable customer services set MACS Ltd apart from their competitors.

Deep Knowledge Of Local Marine Environment

Throughout the years, MACS Ltd has familiarised themselves with London’s marine environment. Even in low-visibility conditions, they can navigate through the city’s bodies of water to help you complete their projects on time.

They also have a deep understanding of the technical requirements that underwater engineering demands. This will further assure you that your endeavour is completed while being fully compliant with industry regulations and codes. This makes your whole undertaking safer and more efficient — both in the short and long run.

To give your an additional guarantee, it’s great to know that the company is also a proud member of various industry organisations, including the Association of Diving Contractors and the International Jack-up Barge Operators Association.

Complete Your Underwater Engineering With MACS’ Diving Services

Whether you’re embarking on an inshore and offshore underwater engineering project, the commercial diving London experts of Marine and Civil Services (MACS) Ltd are ready to help you out. While remaining environmentally responsible, they deliver the highest quality of diving services. Their range of services — which cover surveying, submerged construction, cleaning, and repair — has already benefitted scores of clients across the UK.

To learn more about them, visit https://marineandcivilservices.co.uk. You may also enquire via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Safer Places Inc., a firm providing pre-employment screening, tenant screening and security consulting, today announced the launch of a transportation division. With this division, Safer Places will provide additional resources for public and private sector companies in the recruitment and hiring of drivers.

“With the current supply chain issues, finding qualified drivers is paramount for many organizations. As much as companies want to hire drivers, a bad hire has an even bigger impact on an organization,” said David Sawyer, president of Safer Places, Inc. “With this special division, we can customize a background check—including drug testing and social media screening/monitoring—that provides companies the needed data to make an informed hire.”

The new transportation division is also better able to assist companies with government contracts. The federal government now requires that opioids be included in US Department of Transportation (DOT) mandated drug tests. In recognition of this requirement and the expanded drug use during Covid-19, Safer Places, Inc. has expanded customized drug testing services. Previous tests (DOT. or other) already included heroin, but didn’t include semi-synthetic opioids such as hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone and oxymorphone, more commonly known as Vicodin, OxyContin, Lortab, Norco, Percocet and Dilaudid—those are now included.

“Driving a truck is both physically demanding and mentally taxing. Many drivers work long hours and are away from their families for extended time,” commented Sawyer. “Better drug testing can avert disaster and also help an individual get the help they need before trauma occurs.”

Safer Places also offers a host of other background check services. Those services include social media screening and monitoring services in deference to the greater concern in the business community regarding the social media posting practices of job applicants and current employees.

According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 70 percent of all employers use social media to screen their candidates. Additionally, of those employers, more than 50 percent said they found something that made the employer not hire the candidate (other studies on this topic put this percentage closer to 69 percent).

“Most employers review job candidates’ online profiles and postings to make sure there is no hate speech, bullying or any other type of objectionable behavior. This approach can create a slew of legal issues and put your company at risk of violating EEOC protected class information as well as FCRA rules,” said David Sawyer, president of Safer Places, Inc. “That’s why more and more employers outsource social media screening to companies like Safer Places, Inc. With our enhanced social media screening and monitoring services, we screen candidates and employees and provide a report that redacts extraneous information such as religious affiliation, sexual orientation, military status, and other information that should not and cannot be considered when making a hiring decision. By shielding an employer from information they would see if they did this on their own, they are less likely to encounter a lawsuit for discriminatory practices against a protected class.”

For more information about Safer Places’ transportation division—including customized screening and drug testing--visit www.saferplacesinc.com or call 508-947-0600.

About Safer Places, Inc:
Safer Places, Inc. is a full-service firm that provides pre-employment screening, security consulting, tenant screening, and additional verification services for schools, private and public companies, property managers, property owners and anyone seeking to research an individual’s background.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the importance of background checks has taken on increased prominence, and Safer Places, Inc. has undertaken a number of educational initiatives for the public, including a monthly videocast and SAFERupdates. SAFER provides ongoing information for those looking to learn more about background verifications, drug testing and other related topics in a series of short, live videocasts, recordings of which can be found on Safer Places, Inc.’s YouTube channel.

Elements of a background check can include Social Security trace, criminal history search, education verification, checking with sex offender registries, drug testing, driving record/license verification, employment verification/references, terrorist watch lists, and credentials verification/history. Increasingly, companies are using background checks as a condition of continued employment, particularly when an individual is being considered for a new position or promotion.

Safer Places, Inc. maintains offices at 25 Wareham Street, Suites 2-26, Middleboro, MA 02346. Its principals are board certified in security management, holding the CPP (Certified Protection Professionals) designation from ASIS International and they maintain memberships in a number of organizations including the Professional Background Screeners Association (PBSA) and ASIS International. For additional information, please visit https://www.saferplacesinc.com or call (508) 947-0600.