Prior to 1950 most upholstered furniture was covered with a woollen
fabric, very often a moquette. The filling used was often a variety
of natural fibres and wadding with a final covering of horse hair. This
combination of wool and horsehair provided excellent flame resistance.
Increasingly after the fifties, polyurethane foam was used as a filling
often in conjunction with covers containing synthetic fibres. These
modern materials produced a deadly combination as far as flammability
and toxic fume emission were concerned. The foam in particular was discovered
to be the number one hazard.
 With a soaring death
rate from domestic fires, the DTI introduced the 'Furniture and Furnishings
(Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988' making it a criminal offence to "sell
or supply" after March 1st 1990, furniture that did not comply
with certain British Standards. These standards are often referred to
as: "Resistance to Cigarette and Match after a Water Soaking Procedure."
The legislation now applies to upholstered furniture supplied new or
second hand in rented or self catering holiday accommodation. This does
not apply to furniture produced before 1950. The 'Furniture and Furnishing
(Fire) (Safety) Regulations also required the flame resistance of the
fabric to be retained after a thirty minute water soak.
 In
addition to the flame resistance of the fabric, the foam had to be flame
resistant. The foam manufacturers developed combustion modified, high
resilience (CMHR) foam to comply with the regulations. The ability of
the fabric to retain flame resistance after water soaking, was to a
large extent achieved by the application of flame retardant chemicals
to the fabric. Screen printing and foam application were methods used
to apply the compound to the back of the material. Additionally washable
treatments can be used if the material is suitable for this. We also
use a 'Clear Coat' system on fabrics made up of a high natural
fibre content. The 'Clear Coat' method is proving extremely successful,
as well as passing the water soak test, it is durable to dry cleaning;
this makes the process ideal for loose covers.
DOES YOUR "SCHEDULE THREE INTERLINER" MEET THE CURRENT LEGISLATION?
Not all do, particularly following the Cleansing and Wetting procedure of
BS:5651 using the line drying method as requested by UKAS.
Use of a material that does not reach the required standard, could result in
a complete recall of twelve months production and a hefty fine.
Please get in touch with us for a sample of our "Safegard Interliner"
which does meet BS 5852 : 1990 Ignition Source 5 (Crib 5). Following the
water soaking procedure set out in Clause 4 of BS 5651 : 1978 Line dried.
Gort Services would love to hear from you.
As mentioned previously, cover fabrics for Domestic Upholstered Furniture
must conform to BS 5852 : Part 1, 1979, Ignition Sources 0 & 1 (Cigarette
& Match), following the water soaking procedure set out in clauses
4.2 to 4.5 of BS 5651 : 1978.
Non-compliant fabrics may be upholstered in conjunction with a Schedule
3 Flame Retardant Interliner, but only if
- the fabric passes BS5852 : Part 1, 1979 Ignition Source 0, (Cigarette),
and
- the fabric contains at least 75% by weight of cotton, flax, viscose,
modal, silk or wool. (Ref Statutory Instrument No. 1324, Section 8).
Any foam used in filling must be Combustion Modified, High Resilience.
If you have a fabric that must conform to British Standards of flame
retardancy for domestic upholstery and you are not sure about it. Why
not send us a sample and we will give you
an honest appraisal?
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