Fire risks of upholstered products
An independent research report.
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This report was commissioned by the Office for Product Safety and Standards from researchers at Oakdene Hollins, University of Birmingham, University of Central Lancashire and Whaley Research. It summarises key evidence that can be used to inform policy proposals relating to the revision of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. It presents information on fire statistics, fire-retardant strategies, the chemical flame retardants (CFRs) currently adopted for making furniture compliant with the regulations, and the potential contribution of furniture-derived CFRs to the high background levels of those compounds found in UK indoor environments. It describes the methodology created to determine whether certain upholstered articles or products represent a significant fire risk. It applies this methodology to a systematic review of products, identifying holistic hazards and risks associated with the fire safety of furniture, and assessing the risk factors and weighting criteria for product types to be considered for inclusion or exclusion in the policy proposals.