1. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute 341 South Patrick Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-7600 703-549-7604 FAX www.opei.org SwRI Exhaust Tests - 1 Data proves the obvious - that large 3-way catalysts, supplied with enough secondary air (engine enleanment or SAI) can reduce emissions. From an equipment perspective, issues that need to be considered include: –catalyst size and packaging in a “dirty” environment –heat generation (burns, grass fires, melted plastic, vapor explosions) –noise reduction, given muffler’s new role as cat- container –incorporation of catalyst with evap controls

2. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute 341 South Patrick Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-7600 703-549-7604 FAX www.opei.org SwRI Exhaust Tests - 2 Thermal Issues –Temperature measurement is affected by thermocouple location, contact, convective effects, etc. Detailed studies need to be done to confirm/verify expected peak temperatures, locations, sensitivity to operating and locational parameters such as orientation for numerous products by each OEM –Detailed thermal balance needs to be conducted

3. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute 341 South Patrick Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-7600 703-549-7604 FAX www.opei.org Category of Potential Exposure Concerns Threshold Temperatures Referenced Sources I. Permanent Damage from Operator Burns on Contact with Hot Muffler Surface +158ºF 1).Revised ANSI/OPEI B71.4 for commercial turf equipment 2).ASTM C 1055-99 Burn Injury Standard +200ºF1).U.S. Coast Guard and ABYC Standard II. Functional Impairment/Stressing of Plastic Fuel Tanks and Safety Guards +122ºF (Nylon 6) +140ºF (HDPE) +180ºF (ABS) Product Material Specifications and Testing III. Begin Melting of Plastic Fuel Tanks and Safety Guards +230ºF (HDPE) +379ºF (Nylon 6) +475ºF (ABS) Product Material Specifications and Testing IV. Ignition of Grass Clippings and Turf+518ºF 1).USFS San Dimas Study 2).J-335 Spark Arrestors V. Turf Browning +150ºF (Residual heat below mower) Numerous OEMs Internal Procedures VI. Muffler Reignition from Fumes During Refueling +830ºFCPSC/OEM’s Experience Adverse Impact of Increased Temperatures on Equipment Components/Applications (OPEI’s September 10, 2002 Comments)