The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has released a progress update from the Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets regarding the Government's review of fire safety regulations for domestic upholstered furniture. The policy paper outlines initial amendments to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (FFRs) and highlights ongoing plans for reform.
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The FFRs were originally established to address the rising number of fatalities due to furniture fires. However, the OPSS asserts that these regulations require updating to align with modern product innovations. It notes, 'Since 1988, evidence has also emerged of the risks associated with chemical flame retardants used to pass flammability tests.'
The proposed regulatory changes aim to improve safety while addressing concerns surrounding chemical flame retardants, particularly in products for babies and children. MP Justin Madders states, 'Our reforms must be ambitious and reconcile complex and competing challenges, to keep consumers safe.'
Immediate actions include removing certain baby and children's products from the scope of the FFRs to reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, eliminating the requirement for a display label on new products, and extending the legal proceedings timeframe from six to twelve months.
The OPSS will collaborate with businesses and stakeholders to finalise the policy elements and implement further changes later this year. The amendments to the existing legislation will take effect six months after parliamentary approval, adhering to the UK's World Trade Organisation commitments.
Source: www.furniturenews.net