If your employee requires PPE to carry out their role and you are unable to provide this, you must reimburse the actual expenses of employees who purchase PPE themselves. This is non-taxable and employees cannot claim tax relief on these expenses from HMRC.
> See all Covid-19 news from the Furniture Industry Research Association here.
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entries related to...
Likely to come into force at the end of the Transition Period
Scope of committee to include 'circular economy'; changes to bunk bed standard EN 747
BCFA reveals seismic change in the way we work now is here to stay
7 new Members for the Furniture Industry Research Association
Amendments to environmental laws
Guidance in the event of a 'no deal'
Results from The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) research
Key change is the entire time scale has been extended by about a year
Includes requirements, responsibilities, testing and labelling
Important information if you trade with the EU
New 'Home Working Solutions' package to help employers fulfil their duty of care
Employers have same health and safety responsibilities for home workers as for any other workers
‘Buy the Best, Buy British, Save Jobs’ campaign aims to make people aware of the jobs at stake in the wake of COVID 19
Insights for members on the bill
Members can now access all the updates
Guidance on goods regulations and chemicals; imports and customs
This session joins the recently released training on REACH and biocides
Updates on 10 ISO standards
Due to Covid-19 OPSS have been revising their timetable and does not expect to have new regulations ready until 2022
The new training forms part of a suite of 5 sessions being released weekly
Your chance to feedback on a revision
Published by CEN 207 in April, adopted by BSI in May, the older version of EN 1335-1; 2000 was withdrawn
First session, ‘Introduction to REACH Regulations’, is now available
SME experiences of working from home and dealing with organisational cybersecurity
Small Business Leadership Programme and Peer Networks Programme launch
Can pressure mapping be used as a tool to assess comfort?
Clarification from OPSS: do office chairs in the home need to comply with the FFFSR if they've been tested to BS 7176: 2...
Access free support from experts and help your business recover from the impact of Coronavirus
To help users navigate the sometimes complex ‘technical file’
Total of 209 chemicals now on the SVHCs
Guides on the ergonomics of home working, full practical tips for any new, or a seasoned home worker
Updated to reflect the change in the 2m social distancing rule
Decline in exports subdues overall positive growth performance by manufacturers
New code provides support to shops and local firms planning their future recovery
New tool to help businesses identify whether they can reopen safely
Taking place Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June
Confirms the publication of three new standards
Input on measures needed to support economic recovery
Support for small and micro businesses in England
Late payment support through the coronavirus virus
Guidance for apprentices and employers
New UK Global Tariff search available
Flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time
The Furniture Makers Company increasing help available
How to make your workplace COVID-secure
All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG) report
Information on substances of concern
Resumption of service planned in June
New case studies from businesses making their workplaces COVID-secure
New Q&A available
Covers storage, children’s furniture, seating, tables and mattresses
Extended for four months until the end of October 2020
Government will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions
Implementation of new standard delayed
Strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place
Covers factories / warehouses. homes, offices, shops, vehicles
The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap
Topics include tax, loans, grants and wage support
BS EN 13150: 2020 immediately replaces the 2001 version
Despite lockdowns the development of European Standards continues
BS EN 1335-1: 2020 Office Furniture. Office work chair. Part 1 Dimensions – Determination of dimensions
Helping businesses understand the Covid-19 support available
Sign-up to receive Government alerts
Video conference on 30 April.
Includes two new standards
References NF EN 1130: 2019 Childcare furniture: Cradles - Safety requirements and test methods
Support to keep supply chains moving
New central resource for COVID-19 information
BEIS publishes advice applicable to furniture sector
Support during the coronavirus pandemic
Risk and business continuity standards publicly available
How the Scheme fits within employment law
Welfare support for those affected by coronavirus
Letter to the Chancellor, engagement with BEIS, APPFIG work
Meeting covered changing units, safety barriers cots and bedding
BS EN 14988: 2017 +A1: 2020 - Children's Highchairs
Support the Government has made available for businesses
Development of technical report for testing seating used by people weighing over 110kg; review of EN 1022: 2018
Preparation of draft revision of EN 747-1: 2012 + A1: 2015 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds
Suggested priority standards for development within CEN TC207 during the current pandemic
CPSC’s Office of Compliance is revising the Interim Enforcement Policy
Business Readiness Bulletin – 11th March 2020
OPSS outlined its aims of maintaining (or increasing) the current level of fire safety
Key areas to address are stability, strength and durability and entrapment.
Latest update report concerning (REACH) Regulations
One of the main headlines is the publication of a new standard
California regulation prohibiting flame retardant chemicals in upholstered furniture
BS EN 1130: 2019 Children’s furniture. Cribs
IEC 60335 Part 2 -116 Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Part 2-116
covered a range of topics including motorised furniture, swivel chairs, foldaway beds and more...
Key topics covered at this latest meeting included the possible revision of BS 1877 Part 10
Meeting covered work on amendments to EN 15372 and EN 16121
Meeting covered issues related to motorised furniture, foams and mattresses and seating
Details the potential for Industry 4.0 to improve productivity
Covers office and contract chairs / seating, office and contract tables / desking, office and contract storage units
The scheme will make importing after Brexit on 31 October much simpler
Specifies safety, strength and durability performance requirements
The Government hosting events and webinars to help with Brexit
Development of new specification for bringing safe products to market
The meeting focused on potential revisions of two standards - EN 581-1 and EN 581-2
Statement on the publication of the EAC's 'Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life'
‘Brexit – the importance of planning ahead’
BS EN 15939: 2019 Hardware for furniture
Three new standards
Three of Westbridge’s UK production sites were assessed during audit process
Standards expected to be published in the coming years
Topics include motorised furniture, mattresses, seating and more
Possible test methods for suspended seating
Discussion on the seat loading point when testing stability
Potential revision of EN 1129 Parts 1 & 2 Furniture - Foldaway beds - Safety requirements and testing
Committee merger and revision to EN 15372
Information businesses need to prepare for EU Exit
European standard BS EN 16890: 2017 Children’s furniture – Mattresses for cots and cribs
BS EN 527-2: 2016 + A1: 2019 Office furniture. Work tables. Part 2
Guidance explaining changes for exporters in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal
Alstons achieved Certified Status after passing an independent audit
The forum aims to share the information businesses need to prepare for EU Exit
Webinar summary - importing and exporting preparations to take in the event of no-deal Brexit.
Kitchen sector bolstered on the Research Association Council
Q&A's from meetings on 21 March and 28 March
An update on all the latest Brexit discussions
Focus on digital and data
Draft standards for corrosion performance of hardware and also star bases for swivelling chairs
For the prevention of risks arising from the use of childcare articles
Herts Trading Standards offer advice on labelling.
Covering regulations and standards – REACH, goods, product safety
Updates and slides from the sixth forum
Corrigendum published modifying requirements for footholds
Meeting covered issues identified during the drafting of the revised standard ISO 7170
Includes three main standards for outdoor furniture (EN 581 Parts 1, 2 & 3)
Government guidance documents on placing goods in a no-deal scenario
Research Association guidance document - scenario of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Summary notes from meeting and Government information
International Standards committee responsible or looking at standardising the sizes of kitchen furniture
Task Group meeting to liaise with IEC TC61 who have been developing an electrical standard for furniture
Developing the standard ISO WD 23769 Furniture-Mattresses-Test methods for the determination of functional characteristi...
Steps to ensure businesses can continue to trade with the EU if the UK leaves without a deal
Summary notes from meeting and Government information leaflets on EU exit business readiness
Development of ISO 19682 Furniture — Tables — Test methods for the determination of stability, strength and durability
Key topic for discussion was ISO 7173 Furniture — Chairs and stools — Determination of strength and durability
Government update
Key topics included possibility of new Standard for mattresses used in moses baskets and carrycot.
Impact of changes
guidance to industry in the event of a “no deal BREXIT scenario
Videos about trading after 29 March
Summary notes from meeting and Government information leaflets on EU exit business readiness
Meeting notes available from the second forum
£17.5 billion consumer spend on furniture and furnishings
Third guide concerning electrical components in furniture
Insights from CEN TC 207 WG1 (the committee responsible for developing European Standards for domestic furniture)
Research Association guidance document - scenario of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.
Four chairs within the Cosm range are included in the award
The forum is likely to be hosted on a weekly basis until March 2019
Policy for mattresses subject to 16 CFR part 1632
Single immigration system, ending free movement
Details of new standards and updates to others
Standards, new guidance, Brexit and more.
Seven different scenarios are covered.
Resources are now available to members.
The working group discussed two new draft standards.
PD CEN/TR 17292: 2018 Technical report regarding precision data for various standards
BS EN 1335-2: 2018 Office furniture. Office Work Chair. Safety Requirements
Details powered office furniture falling within certain Directives.
The EU has signed an agreement to support the Vietnamese government.
A new European Standard for assessing the stability of seating has been published.
“Compliance and Safety is always at the forefront at everything we do"
A meeting of CEN TC207 WG1, the European standards committee tasked with producing standards for domestic furniture
CEN TC 207 WG9, the European Standards committee that develops common test methods for furniture standards
The September update confirms the publication of a number of new standards across the furniture sector.
Latest Assured Advice on whether arm caps are within regulations.
BS EN 16120: 2012 +A2: 2016 has had a minor change.
The British Furniture Confederation is hoping to kick start the stalled review of Britain’s flam regs with a proposal ...
Four revised standards for children’s furniture have been published. The standards have been produced by the Furniture I...
CEN TC207 WG9, the European Standards committee responsible for developing test method standards, and chaired by FIRA’s ...
On Friday 16th September FIRA took part in the latest FEMB Technical Committee meeting in Milan, on behalf of the BCFA. ...
Even though the summer months are traditionally quieter, standards making, both at an International and European level, ...
FIRA was informed yesterday that the Government has re-started the consultation into a potential revision of the fire sa...
At a recent meeting at BSI in London it was agreed that the two main British Standards for kitchen units are to be updat...
A meeting of the Standards Committee responsible for producing furniture standards, CEN TC207, was recently held in Pari...
The Furniture Design Toolkit for the domestic sector is the only design resource to contain this highly valuable informa...
On the 19th of January we received the following communication from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills:
Cause for concern over the potential toxicity of some flame retardant chemicals has prompted the UK's largest furniture ...
The biggest challenge facing the furnishing industry over the next decade is a skills shortage, and to ensure our indus...
A report into the impact the use of flame retardant (FR) chemicals in upholstered furniture has on its disposal and rec...
FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...
Benefits of membership and how we support the industry
FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...
FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...
FIRA Standard created due to the absence of any British or European Standards applicable to children’s domestic and camp...
The guide has been developed in conjunction with the Furniture Retail Quality Group, whose members include technologists...
Furniture Industry Research Association
This FIRA Standard specifies safety, strength and durability performance requirements for the structural safety and stab...
This FIRA Standard specifies safety, strength and durability performance requirements for the structural safety and stab...
These quarterly reports reflect the changes to furniture related standards notified to the Research Association
Details of new standards and standards in development
Details of four new standards and standards in development
Details of new standards, changes and standards in development
Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development
Ensuring that we play a responsible role in supporting the containment of the pandemic
Companies awarded by FIRA International for their design and manufacture of ergonomically excellent products
Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development
Details of new standards and standards in development
Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development
Details of new standards, changes and standards in development
Details of new standards, changes and standards in development
Summary of changes, new standards and standards in development
Flammability - Show your commitment to compliance with the fire safety Regulations
FIRA Compliance Scheme benefits for retailers, Compliance scheme for the Fire performance of upholstered furniture, furn...
Compliance scheme for the Fire performance of upholstered furniture, furniture flammability compliance scheme
FIRA Compliance Scheme benefits for manufacturers, Compliance scheme for the Fire performance of upholstered furniture, ...
Identifying the difference between a toy and an item of furniture correctly, as the standards and test methods applicabl...
Leather types and characteristics, the benefits of testing and care and maintenance of leather upholstery
Identifying which standards and properties are relevant to leather performance
A summary of some of the products and standards relating to the manufacture, specification and sale of furniture and rel...
Adding colour to pine the natural way
Summary of highchair testing and specification requirements taking account of the current standards and possible introdu...
Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating
The BFC Manifesto has been developed in response to an industry-wide survey it conducted soon after the EU referendum wa...
In-depth analysis of the latest data sourced from Government bodies
This Digest reveals continued growth in demand for furniture and furnishings with consumer expenditure at £17.5 billion.
Furniture industry statistics, including facts, figures and commentary covering furniture production and international t...
Furniture industry statistics, including facts, figures and commentary covering furniture production and international t...
Helping members navigate regulations, directives and standards
UK furniture manufacturing makes a significant contribution to the UK economy. Factory gate sales of over £8.3 billion p...
Fulfilling the legal requirements, implementing processes and maintaining documented systems
Details the potential for Industry 4.0 to improve productivity
This report aims to fuel the development of industry wide initiatives to ensure that the skills agenda is fully addresse...
Guide to assist specifiers in the tender process when acquiring contract or domestic furniture and a guide for manufactu...
Three year study into the way UK consumers use kitchens
How to manage the product selection process from initial brief to placing your product on the market, working with your ...
FIRA Standard which specifies the requirements for the remanufacture of office and contract furniture including seating,...
Report summarising the finding of a project which compares the potential of remanufactured furniture versus brand new pr...
64 page guide for the furniture sector
Choose cabinet furniture that's right for you
What to consider for kitchen purchases
What will be the best mattress for you?
Options and advice on aftercare
Foams, fillings, fabrics and more
Guide to assist designers and manufacturers of bedroom, living room, dining room and home office furniture
Guide to assist designers and manufacturers of office and contract furniture
Guide to assist designers and manufacturers across the kitchen sector
Clarification from the OPSS (Office for Product Safety Standards) via the Hertfordshire Trading Standards Office (TS), t...
Can pressure mapping be used as a tool to assess comfort?
Summary of the British Furniture Confederation’s Proposed Revision of Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regula...
Recorded training session to help you understand the Furniture & Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations for household f...
The use of flame retardants in furniture and furnishings is of great significance, especially in the UK, where fire safe...
The fire safety of upholstered furniture supplied into the non-domestic market is more complex. It is heavily influenced...
Any filling material, whether foam or non-foam, intended for use in furniture, must meet specified ignition tests. This ...
Advice for upholstery component manufacturers and suppliers to help identify the requirements for different upholstery c...
This report investigates the impact of the presence of flame retardants on the furniture industry in relation to the dis...
Guide to help you understand the requirements for electrical systems in office and educational furniture
For designers and manufacturers of furniture with electrical features, covering applicable EU Directives and CE marking ...
Guide to the Application of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, Edition 2.1 in relation to domestic furniture
The 62 page guide identifies the relationship with powered office furniture products such as sit / stand desking and oth...
How to classify your products based on their intended usage, including Guidance on what all products must be subject to ...
43 page guide to support the furniture industry in understanding the GPSD
To support members in meeting the strict requirements of CE Marketing Directives