News Article
Understanding Your Structural Furniture Test Reports - Insights into FIRA’s Latest Guide
The Furniture Industry Research Association has released a new guide to help manufacturers, retailers, and importers better understand structural furniture test reports.
While many British and European standards exist for furniture, only the tests required by the UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) Safety Regulations (FFFSR) are legally mandatory. However, all furniture must comply with the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR), which require that products be safe for consumers and pose no significant risk.
The best way to show compliance with the GPSR is by testing products against the most relevant standards. However, compliance isn't just about passing or failing a test - it's about understanding the results within the context of product safety and its intended use.
This guide focuses on structural testing and will help you:
- Understand the structural testing process
- Interpret your test results in context
- Recognise that a failure doesn't always mean a product is unsafe - the nature and timing of the failure matter
FIRA members can download the 'Understanding Your Furniture Test Report – Structural Testing' guide here.
To further support members, FIRA has published two guides: one on the GB General Product Safety Regulations and another on the EU General Product Safety Regulations. These are available for free download to members, here. Non-members can purchase copies via the FIRA Bookshop.
