Flammability

California regulation prohibiting flame retardant chemicals in upholstered furniture

Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating

The new Compliance Scheme has been in operation for a month, and the first two companies to gain Certified Company status are confirmed as retailers ScS and DFS. We're also hosting an event with Hertfordshire Trading Standards on 8 February so those from across the furniture supply chain can learn more about the new scheme.

FIRA recently attended a meeting in Brussels that outlined the scope of an EU funded project promoting research into reducing the negative impacts of flame retardants used in the textile industry by the adoption of “alternative” flame retardant treatments.

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA), with support from the Danish EPA, has recently published a draft screening report which has identified potential risks to children from exposure to the flame retardants used in polyurethane foams.

Summary of the British Furniture Confederation’s Proposed Revision of Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations

On 11 April The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) released a statement about the use of fire retardant chemicals in furniture

FIRA was informed yesterday that the Government has re-started the consultation into a potential revision of the fire safety regulations for upholstered furniture. FIRA is currently analysing the proposals and will be arranging some workshops to discuss this further and to define the Furniture Industry Research Association’s response to the proposals.

This report investigates the impact of the presence of flame retardants on the furniture industry in relation to the disposal of upholstery and furnishings