Make sure your outdoor furniture follows UK fire regulations
It’s important to choose garden furniture that offers you the comfort and style that you’re looking for, but it’s not the only important thing to look out for while deciding. When purchasing furniture, whether indoor or outdoor furniture, it is vital to ensure that the products you are purchasing abide with up-to-date UK fire regulations.
UK fire regulations that control the sales of all kinds of furniture, whether brand new or second hand, were first introduced in 1988, and were last amended in 2010. The furniture and furnishings regulations legislate that all upholstered furniture must have a fire-safety label attached, which must state compliance with the regulations.
These regulations are designed to make sure that the upholstery components and composites that are used for furniture that is supplied in the UK safely meet the specified ignition resistance levels and are suitably labelled.
What kind of furniture is covered?
- All upholstered furniture, including sofas, chairs, ottomans, padded stools, sofa beds, futons, bean bags and floor cushions.
- Outdoor furniture designed for garden, balcony or patio use is also included, especially if is it multi-functional and can be used indoors as well as outdoors. Examples may be padded furniture that is often used in conservatories, outdoor sofas, or outdoor seating that uses padded cushions.
- The regulations also apply to divans, mattresses, bed bases, mattress toppers and pillows.
What kind of furniture is not covered?
- Loose covers for things such as pillows, cushions and seat pads will have a label stating ‘caution’, rather than the specific fire safety label used on other upholstery.
- Bedclothes, duvets, sleeping bags, mattress protector covers, pillow cases, curtains and carpets are also things that are not affected by the UK fire regulations.
How can I be sure my furniture meets the regulations?
To make sure your furniture meets the UK fire regulations, simply check that each item of furniture that should be covered (refer to lists above) has a ‘fire safety label’ attached. This label should clearly state compliance with the regulations.
Look out for statements that advise the following:
- Foams and fillings pass the test
- Upholstery covers and fillings are cigarette resistant
- Covers are match resistant
Ensuring your indoor and outdoor furniture adheres to UK fire safety regulations is incredibly important. Legislation has been put in place which make it illegal for anyone to supply upholstered furniture without the safety labelling. Above all, and something the team at Barbed strongly believe in, is that it’s crucial the furniture adheres to the regulations to ensure the safety of customers. As an outdoor furniture store, this is a responsibility that we take very seriously.
If you’re looking for garden furniture that strictly follows UK fire safety regulations, while offering high quality designer style and comfort, then be sure to browse through our outdoor furniture and accessory collections. If you’d like to see some of the furniture up close and personal, we have two showrooms in London, with one based in Barnes and the other in Chiswick. It would be lovely to see you!
- 23rd February 2018
