AFHA petitions CPSC to adopt California upholstered furniture standard

American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) petitioned the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Oct. 30 to adopt the upholstered furniture performance standards and flammability test methods prescribed by California’s Technical Bulletin 117-2013.

The petition, filed on behalf of a Joint Industry Coalition, proposes that the standards and test methods in TB 117-2013 be adopted as a national and mandatory flammability standard for residential upholstered furniture under the Flammable Fabrics Act.

Groups participating in the coalition include: the American Fiber Producers Association, Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association, International Association of Fire Fighters, National Cotton Council of America, National Council of Textile Organizations, North American Home Furnishings Association, Polyurethane Foam Association and Upholstered Furniture Action Council.

Adoption of the standard combined with a labeling program that attests to a manufacturer’s compliance, required test methods and performance standards would create a national standard that addresses the issue of smolder ignition for residential upholstered furniture, save lives and reduce losses.