The U.K.’s FIRA International has amended two furniture and mattress flammability standards, both addressing the flame–resistant polyester fabric that covers filling materials.
The revised standards are:
- BS 7177: 2008 + A1: 2011, specification for the resistance to ignition of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases. This is the main U.K. standard for assessing the FR properties of complete mattresses for all applications, domestic and contract use.
- BS 7176: 2007 + A1: 2011, specification for the resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for nondomestic seating by testing composites. This is the main U.K. standard for assessing the FR properties of contract furniture.
The amendments were made to ensure that the fabric specification is identical to that contained within the U.K.’s Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended in 1989, 1993 and 2010.
“This is a relatively minor amendment and should have no effect on any test results already achieved,” said Phil Reynolds, principal technical manager for FIRA, a testing and certification organization based in Stevenage, England. “The update has been made to ensure consistency across testing approaches and to maintain the highest standard in fire safety testing.”
The amendments went into effect Aug. 1 and are available for purchase at www.fira.co.uk/standards–plus–database. For more information, contact FIRA at
44–1438–777–700 or [email protected].
