On the 14 September the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), launched a long awaited consultation into a potential revision of the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. The Regulations cover the whole of the UK and set fire safety requirements for a range of upholstered furniture items intended for use in the home, including sofas, armchairs, beds, divans, sofa-beds, children’s furniture, pushchairs, prams, cots, mattresses, pillows and cushions
The proposals include:
• Scope – A revised definition of furniture and specific list of exclusions; various clarifications on what is in scope of the Regulations; the removal of certain childcare products from scope.
|
Item |
1988 Regulations |
This consultation |
|
Sleeping bags and mattress protectors |
Unclear, but generally accepted to be excluded |
Excluded if suitable for washing in a washing machine |
|
Cushions and seat pads |
In scope (filling only), but not clearly defined |
In scope (filling only), definition clarified based on product dimensions |
|
Outdoor furniture |
Excluded if not suitable for use in a dwelling |
Excluded if not suitable for use in a dwelling and clearly marked as non-compliant with the Regulations |
|
Pushchairs, prams and carry cots |
In scope (cover and filling) |
Excluded |
|
Padded playpens |
In scope, but definition unclear |
In scope, filling only |
|
Other children’s furniture |
In scope |
In scope |
• Testing – A revised match test for covers (building on previous proposals); a new match test for components to be used in certain circumstances; removal of the cigarette test for most covers;
• Traceability and enforcement – A new requirement for manufacturers to hold a technical file; a revised approach to the permanent label including the introduction of information on the use of flame retardants; the removal of the requirement for temporary display labels; more time for Trading Standards to bring a prosecution.
The stated aims of the proposed changes are to:
• allow industry to reduce its use of flame retardants in response to concerns about the impact of these chemicals on health and the environment;
• leave room for innovation and the development of new technology – particularly new barrier technology that would allow fire resistance to be achieved without the use of chemicals – and also innovation as to the materials used in furniture;
• give industry choices for adapting to change
• enable enforcement by Trading Standards.
The consultation document is available at:
Furniture and furnishings fire safety regulations: proposed changes - consultation document
Ref: BEIS/16/11PDF, 883KB, 57 pages
The closing date for responses is midnight on: 11 November 2016 and you can reply to this consultation online at:https://beisgovuk.citizenspace.com/er/proposal-to-revise-1988-furniture-....