A new guide to the regulations on the fire safety of furniture and furnishings has been published by the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA). This year is the 21st anniversary of the introduction Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations.
The guide was compiled by FIRA’s flammability specialists with input from British Furniture Confederation (BFC) members and other industry experts. It covers the flammability requirements for all upholstered domestic products including sofas, armchairs, beds, mattresses, mattress toppers and some outdoor furniture. It provides advice on the requirements for manufacturers of fabrics and foams, as well as the manufacturer or retailer of the final product.
Government research has estimated that in the first ten years of their implementation, the furniture regulations have saved between 710 and 1860 lives and avoided thousands of injuries.
Besides the clarifications and updates on new technology, there is a Frequently Asked Questions segment, together with sections on individual products. Also included are summaries of the regulations, current practices and changes in the industry, reasons for misinterpretation of the regulations, and outlines of the responsibilities of different organisations throughout the supply chain.
The Guide will be freely available either as a limited edition document or as a download from FIRA’s website (www.askfira.co.uk)
Martin Jourdan, chairman of the BFC, said: “It’s become clear to us that after many years of living with the UK’s complex regulations on flammability, companies still need expert help and advice in understanding and complying with these regulations, and we hope that this updated guide will help clarify the many aspects of this subject.”
Download the Fire Safety in 2023 eBook, keeping you up to date with the biggest news and prosecution stories from around the industry. Chapters include important updates such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and an overview of the new British Standard for the digital management of fire safety information.
Plus, we explore the growing risks of lithium-ion battery fires and hear from experts in disability evacuation and social housing.
