Fire Resistance Regulations

All upholstered furniture provided in rental accommodation has to pass fire-resistance tests. These tests and other requirements are detailed in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

Type of furniture that needs to comply

The safety of the following types of upholstered furniture and fittings is controlled by the Regulations:

• Furniture intended for private use in a dwelling e.g. chairs, sofas.
• Beds, headboards and mattresses
• Cushions and seat pads
• Pillows
• Nursery and children’s furniture

The regulations do not apply to furniture made before 1950.

How you will know that furniture complies

As a general rule, only furniture manufactured since 1988 is likely to comply with the regulations.

Check all furniture in your property, and ensure there is a permanent label fixed to it.

This label will show the following information:

FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE
A N Other Ltd, AB1 2XY
AB 1234
1st March 1990
This article contains CM Foam, which passes the specified test. All upholstery is cigarette resistant. All cover fabric is cotton, and is match resistant.  This article does not include a Schedule 3 interliner.

or

CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE
Batch/ID No. OF 1234
To comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)
Regulations:
This article does not include a schedule 3 interliner All foams, fillings and composites have been tested to ensure compliance with the relevant ignitability test. All covers and fillings have been tested to ensure that they are cigarette resistant. All covers have been tested to ensure that they are match resistant. Further details are available from your retailer.

Further Information

Further information can be on the Firesafe website.