Consultation
Furniture Fire Regulations Consultation
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
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Consultation is closed
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, is seeking views from interested parties on the suitability of SI No 316/1995 Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1995 and Irish Standard IS 419:2011 (both instruments collectively known as the Furniture Fire Regulations).
The Furniture Fire Regulations have been on the statute book for over 25 years and since then there have been a number of developments that may have a bearing on their current suitability, including changes in consumer expectations and in furniture manufacturing practices.
The Furniture Fire Regulations Ireland - SI No 316/1995 Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1995 - and [external-link https://www.nsai.ie/images/uploads/standards/I.S.419-2011 pdf | Irish Standard IS 419:2011 (PDF, 424KB)) ] set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings and other products containing upholstery in the interest of fire safety. This is to ensure that furniture placed on the domestic market is designed, manufactured and constructed to a particular standard in order to reduce potential harm to persons or property.
When the Furniture Fire Regulations were introduced, domestic upholstered furniture could present a significant threat to safety in the home, if set alight. The natural, fire-resistant materials used in furniture making for centuries, such as wool, cotton and horsehair, had been replaced during the second half of the twentieth century with cheaper foam fillings, making new furniture more affordable. Unfortunately, these new man-made materials could be extremely flammable with a subsequent danger to life resulting from house fires. The Furniture Fire Regulations strengthened existing requirements for cover fabrics to be resistant to ignition and introduced a new flammability requirement for foam fillings.
The consultation will examine the scope of the Regulations, their enforceability, and the effectiveness of the testing regime.
The closing date for receipt of submissions is close of business 30 April 2020.
