AHFA seeks modifications to FR proposal
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, June 9, 2008
HIGH POINT — The American Home Furnishings Alliance has requested that the Consumer Product Safety Commission make several modifications to its proposed rule on upholstered furniture flammability.
In comments filed with the federal agency, the AHFA commended the CPSC staff for focusing the proposed standard on smoldering ignition risks — which the association said is the predominant fire risk associated with upholstery.
Changes suggested by the AHFA included the use of reduced ignition propensity cigarettes for testing, additional compliance methods, and an effective date 18 months from publication of the rule in order to give manufacturers adequate time to solve various compliance challenges.
Although its focus is on smolder ignition, the proposed rule does provide for the use of barriers that would be resistant to both smoldering ignition and open flame.
The AHFA also commended the CPSC staff for developing a standard to minimize the home furnishings industry's reliance on flame retardant chemicals. Upholstery flammability rules proposed previously by the CPSC all called for the application of FR chemicals to furniture components.
The AHFA has opposed regulations that would require increased use of FR chemicals that may be harmful to humans.
The alliance requested changes intended to limit the impact on fabric suppliers.
The CPSC proposal still has many hurdles to go through before it becomes a final rule. The AHFA continues to work closely with industry suppliers during this process.
