Furniture Industry Research Association holds Compliance and Flammability event in Long Eaton

On 18 April, the Furniture Industry Research Association welcomed over 60 delegates to their Upholstery Compliance and Flammability session held in Long Eaton. The main focus of the day was the Research Association’s ‘Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture’.

The scheme aims to offer reassurance that a manufacturer, retailer, upholsterer or supplier of domestic upholstered furniture has suitable processes and procedures in place to demonstrate due diligence compliance with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended).

Once delegates had a thorough understanding of the Compliance Scheme, the session then turned its focus to the ongoing efforts of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) to kick-start the review of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations, including which parties would like to see change, as well as the pros and cons of possible updates. The day then closed with a useful workshop on the Regulations themselves, including what’s in and out of scope, the schedules and requirements, the relevant British Standards and an understanding of obligations when considering due diligence.

Following the event, Phil Reynolds, Director of the Furniture Industry Research Association, said “It was great to bring the work of the Research Association to the heartland of the upholstery industry. The response we had to the event exceeded our expectations and we received a very warm welcome from delegates.

“The event was a great platform for us to get our message across about compliance and to dispel confusion regarding the flammability Regulations. In addition we had a number of representatives from Trading Standards at the event, including our Scheme Primary Authority Partners, Hertfordshire Trading Standards. This gave good opportunities for delegates to learn first-hand how Trading Standards can offer support to the furniture sector.

“I hope this if the first of many events where we can extend our reach and meet more peers from across the furniture supply chain.”

Further details on the Furniture Industry Research Association’s new ‘Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture’ is available from www.fira.co.uk/compliance

Details of further events from the Research Association are available from www.fira.co.uk/events