The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has provided a progress update from the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets on the Government’s review of the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture.
The policy paper sets out initial changes it will make to amend the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (the FFRs), and its ongoing plans.
While the FFRs were introduced in response to the increasing number of furniture fire-related deaths, they require updating to keep pace with product innovation. Since 1988, evidence has also emerged of the risks associated with chemical flame retardants used to pass flammability tests.
The policy paper outlines the Government’s proposed new regulatory approach, highlights areas of broad stakeholder consensus and provides an update on outstanding challenges.
OPSS states: “This paper addresses six themes within the furniture fire safety policy space. It sets out the Government’s intentions for the implementation of a new regulatory approach. It highlights the challenges to address over the next 12 months, in order to finalise the reforms that will continue to protect consumers and provide the certainty businesses need to invest in this important sector.
“It extends to action the Government intends to take immediately, by amending the FFRs, to ensure some benefits can be delivered while decisions are taken about future policy direction.”
OPSS will work with businesses, trade associations and other key stakeholders to finalise key elements of the policy.
Read the policy paper on the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture.
