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Mattcomp - sustainable technologies in mattress design

The bedding market has been less affected by imports than other sectors in the furniture industry, protected by the UK's tough fire regulations and the bulkiness of the product. But for how long? New research aims to give UK manufacturers a strong technical lead, improve competitiveness through lower costs and make for more environmentally friendly products.

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What do I need to know about selecting foam interiors?

Foam interiors for furniture are required to be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. This means they are expected to adequately support a user throughout the life of the furniture. Selection of the wrong foam can result in excessive cushion softening which manifests itself as cushion hollowing, loss of comfort, bottoming out, cushion collapse and cover bagging.

Upholstered Furniture Fire Safety Regulations. Introduction

The UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations is a legal document designed to ensure that fabrics and foams used in the UK are safe.

Upholstered Furniture Fire Safety Regulations – filling requirements

Any filling material, whether foam or non-foam, intended for use in furniture, must meet specified ignition tests. This means any material included for the purpose of filling or stuffing the upholstered parts of the furniture.

What do I need to know to sell "Rise-Recliner" chairs in the UK?

Back in 2000 a fatal accident occurred involving an 8 year old girl who became caught in the mechanism of a rise/recline chair. Following this, and in the absence of any European Safety Standard for this type of product, a decision was made to produce a British Standard to try to improve the safety of this type of product.

A new British Standard for Children's beds - BS 8509: 2008

BS 8509:2008 Children's beds for domestic use. Safety requirements and test methods - has now been published as a full British Standard.

Fire safety requirements for mattress toppers, pads and protectors

This article discusses the fire safety requirements for bedding products such as mattress protectors, pads and toppers

What do I need to know to sell mattresses, divans and bed bases in the UK?

Domestic mattresses, divans and bed bases are required to be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. The fire safety of these items is controlled by legislation - not discussed here but for further information click on Fire safety controls - domestic beds

Upholstered Furniture Fire safety regulations – measurement of ignitability

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations contain a series of Schedules which detail the method by which upholstery materials are to be tested to demonstrate compliance.

A New Standard For Children's Cots

A new set of European Standards for children's cots has recently been published: BS-EN 716-1:2008 and BS-EN 716-2:2008

Upholstered Furniture Fire Safety Regulations – labelling, identification and record keeping

All new furniture must carry a display label at the point of sale. It is the retailer’s responsibility to ensure that furniture on display carries the correct label. A collection of furniture items such as a three-piece suite or set of dinning chairs must wear the display label on each individual item.

'Furnitureweld' research – the laser welding of furniture textile seams

Laser welded textile and upholstery seams can perform as well as, if not better than, traditionally stitched seams. There are, according to FIRA, other potential benefits of this technology.

Fire Safety Controls – domestic mattresses, divans and bed bases

Fire safety controls for mattresses divans and bed bases are governed through two sets of regulations. The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amd ‘89 and ‘93) The General Product Safety Regulations 1994.

Reduce upholstery fabric complaints through testing

When designing or selecting upholstery fabrics performance requirements should not be an afterthought but a first consideration, and if suitable levels are not achievable the fabric is not suitable for use no matter how attractive it may be.

What do I need to know to sell bunk beds in the UK?

The supply of bunk beds in the UK are controlled by two sets of safety regulations. The Bunk Beds (Entrapment Hazards) (Safety) Regulations. The General Product Safety Regulations

Fire safety controls – non-domestic or contract mattresses, divans and bed bases

There are no mandatory regulations in the non-domestic/contract furniture sector that detail precisely the ignition resistance requirements for furniture. However, the fire safety of the premises in which the furniture is used is controlled by the Fire Precautions Act.

Full Member Articles

These items are only available to FIRA members. Please click here to view membership benefits and for details on how to join. Please feel free to continue to browse the site for information, services and suppliers.

List of standards relating to furniture and fitments

The following list is available to FIRA members free of charge. The list will be updated from time to time based on information received from the standards’ authorities. Copies of many of the standards are available through our bookshop. FIRA members are entitled to a discount on standards that they purchase through this site.

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