Washington, DC - Californian regulators released proposals that would eliminate the state's open-flame test for upholstered furniture.
If they go ahead, the proposal will reverse "a fire-safety standard that has provided an important layer of protection to Californians for over 35 years," said a statement from the North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA), noting that the step would be regrettable.
A number of steps, including a 45-day notice and comment period, will follow before the proposal is finalised.
NAFRA said: "Since the National Fire Protection Association reports that open-flame sources are still a major cause of upholstered furniture fires, regulators in California should propose a standard that addresses this fire safety risk."
The association adds that California is developing a regulatory process to evaluate chemicals used in consumer products, and said "any concerns about flame retardants or any other chemical should be addressed through that process."
The next step for the proposal by the Californian Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation will be a public comment period.
NAFRA comments that the move to alter Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117) and remove the "open flame" test currently required for upholstered furniture is dangerous. TB 117 requires foam cushions used in upholstered furniture to pass such an open-flame test. The association said this test helps protect Californians from fires started by candles, lighters, matches and other small flames.
Removing the "open flame" test would weaken California's fire safety standards and would compromise public safety.
NAFRA also quotes the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) facts on national fires: "Together, candles, matches and lighters were involved in 21 percent of the fires and 12 percent of the deaths." Some 28 percent of upholstered furniture fires originated from smoking materials. Data from the National Fire Protection Association also shows that upholstered furniture is often the first item ignited in home fires resulting in deaths.
