Fire Safety of Furniture & Fittings (Contents of Buildings) The Latent Risk. Contents of this Presentation

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1 Fire Safety of Furniture & Fittings (Contents of Buildings) The Latent Risk Presented as part of the NSAI Fire Safety Standards Seminar December Presented as part of the NSAI Fire Safety Standards Seminar December Context Related to [Personal] fire test research Responsibility: Fire Consultant Owner Fire Authority FM Manager Supplier Fire Test Laboratory Manufacturer Insurer Contents of this Presentation Legislation Guidance Provide Basic Information Outline Testing Background EU seeking the removal of FFR fire test requirements. UK revising FFR regulations to introduce new match test. 1

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4 Fire research conducted in 31 countries with 2.3 billion inhabitants. 37,000 deaths With 10 times the associated injuries Cost of 1% of GDP Property loss, replacement, medical services etc. Source (CTIF) Overwhelming case for the development of improved technologies for flame retardancy of inherently flammable materials. The most significant risk in any premises is posed by the Contents These may be in the form of furnishings and are usually the Item first ignited or mainly responsible for the fire [Dr S Christian] Statistical Studies of the flammability of soft furnishings and contents have shown that this class of items is typically among the items first ignited and most heavily associated with Fire Fatalities [sic] [S Bourbigot] It becomes obvious that flame retardency of textiles is (or should be ) required dependant upon risk and regulatory demand. [S. Bourbigot] 4

5 Areas of Fire Testing Fire Resistance: Well covered under Building regulations concerned with the ability of an element of structure to resist fire for a given period of time. Reaction to Fire: is concerned with flammability and ignitability and how they will contribute to fire growth. Fire Toxicity: major cause of fire death is the inhalation of incapacitating and toxic gasses. (Source T.R.Hull) Mass Transportation Aircraft Shipping Trains Buses Light Rail Automobile Industry (The above are known as closed systems as the possibility of escape is restricted). Ignitability Why UK and Irish Furniture Flammability Regulations introduced Figure 2.3 Building materials and fire growth 1. Ignitability the ease at which a material can be ignited when subjected to flame. 2. Combustibility whether or not a material will burn when subjected to heat from an already existing fire. 3. Fire propagation the degree to which a material will contribute to the spread of a fire through heat release when it is itself heated; this is concerned with the level of heat emission and the rate of heat release. 4. Surface spread of flame whether a material will support the spread of flame across its surfaces. 5. Potential for smoke obscuration the degree to which the material when burning will produce smoke that leads to reduced visibility. 6. Fire Resistance whether or not a component. Or assembly of components, will resist fire by retaining their loadbearing capacity, integrity and their insulating properties. Source Paul Stollard Deaths from UK home fires deaths rose from 400 per year at the start of 1960 to 700 by the end of the decade; further increases in the 1970s In all: pre 88 Furniture 7.5% of home fires but 35% of deaths PU foam seen as a main contributor to rise Woolworth s store fire 1979, 10 killed trigger Government lobbied by MPs, fire services, media to introduce flammability provisions No European provision Source: T Edge & S. Owen 5

6 Guidance Standards Irish Standard IS 419:2011 Fire safety requirements for components of furniture NSAI 2011 No copying without NSAI permission except as permitted by copyright law Setting the scene Video Hazards associated with Furnishings and Fabrics: Separate set of terms and tests relating to fabrics and furnishings. Fabrics are classified by their flame retardancy. Hazards arising from burning furniture and fittings depend on their construction and padding used; there is no truly flameproof material. (P Stoppard). Hazard of toxic gasses. Artificial fabrics described as flame retardant melt away to leave a hole which exposes the foam or filler. 6

7 Approaches to Reduce Flammability of Textiles 1. Use of flame retarded textiles comprising high performance fabrics. 2. Chemically modify existing textiles. 3. Incorporate flame retardants in synthetic fibres and / or make specific surface treatments. Flammability Behaviour of Polymers and Textiles Is defined on the basis of: Burning Rate (Solid degradation and heat release rate [HRR]). Flame Spread Rates (Flame, Pyrolysis burn out, smoulder) Ignition Characteristics (delay time, Ignition temperature, critical heat flux for ignition) Product Distribution (Toxic emissions, smoke production) Objective Inhibit or suppress the combustion process acting chemically or physically in the solid liquid or gas phases Fire Toxicity Majority of fire deaths attributed to inhalation of fire effluent Asphyxiant gasses CO, CO 2, HCN (HO HO 2 ) Fire Toxicity was recognised as a serious problem. There has been a resurgence of interest in the problem. a) Replacement of prescriptive codes by performance based design approaches. b) The development of tools to make meaningful assessments of fire toxicity. c) The gradual recognition the problem has not been addressed by emphasis to HRR, PHRR, LOI etc. in Fire Engineering. Apart from incapacitation, injury and death fire effluent is also harmful to the environment. Flame Retardant Treatments Halogens aka Halon Halon 104 CTC Halon 1211 BCF Halon 1301 BTM Bromine, Chlorine, Flourine, Methane Flame retardants based on Halogen, particularly Bromine, continue to be important in flame retardancy End of Life / Sustainability / Disposal have led to concerns over the use of existing and new flame retardant treatments 7

8 Are we getting what it says on the tin? At a recent International conference contributors noted; that on investigating a serious fire in Dubai they were presented with false certification from non existent test laboratories Crib Test Explained The Crib 5 Test Unique to UK and Ireland (EU has similar Match/Cigarette tests) For fillings Large ignition source wooden crib (Scots pine) with crumpled paper, over test cover fabric Failure: flame after 10 mins; smoke or heat after 60 mins Argument: it s not a direct ignition source vs. It replicates life and it works! The objective of the standard is to measure the ignitability of upholstered furniture material. According to BS 5852, the ignition sources for some of the tests include: Ignition source 0 A smouldering cigarette is used as an ignition source Ignition source 1 A match or equivalent gas flame, using 45ml of butane gas from a burner, is used as the ignition source. Ignition source 3 A gas flame, using 350ml of butane gas fro a burner, is used as the ignition source. Ignition source 5 A wooded crib, made of dry wood stacked in a lattice formation weighing 17g is used as the ignition source Figure 1: Ignited wooden crib ignition source 5 or Crib 5 Source: T Edge & S. Owen Credit: 8

9 Ignition Sources BREXIT? Direct application: Smouldering cigarette Flame In direct application: Crib tests. Radiant heaters Other ignition sources; Electrical? Mobile devices? Science of ignition prevention? Orientation of species The publication of the new UK FFR appears to be delayed due to BREXIT. Therefore there will be no change to Irish FFRs in the short term. What will BREXIT mean for Irish FF Regulations in any event? Is it reasonable to rely on current regulations and standards? FFRs in Europe Generally not allowed because they re a barrier to EU trade However, the EU Treaty allows exceptions on safety grounds Member State has to prove it has a safety case to answer: UK national statistics for deaths in furniture fires convinced Member states recognise the contribution to the risk of fire of such products and have introduced National Regulations covering upholstered furniture. UK. EU The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) Safety Regulations 1988, S1 1324, 1988 Source: T Edge & S. Owen NSAI Forum 2016 Furniture & Fittings 9

10 UK Standards 5.3 BS 5867: Part 2:2008 Fabrics for curtains, drapes and widow blinds. Flammability requirements. Specification. BS 5867 was updated and republished in The Standard sets requirements for different ignition levels of fabrics and fabric combinations for use as curtains, drapes and window blinds including combinations of curtains and linings. The Standard assists those involved in the supply chain to specify required fire safety levels in different non domestic end use environments. Compliance with the Standard involves three key elements: Early UK Furniture Flammability Legislation The Upholstered Furniture (safety) Regulations 1980 optional match and cigarette test; then The Upholstered Furniture (safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1983 compulsory cig, optional match test Meeting technical requirements for ignition resistance Frequency of testing Product labelling Source: T Edge & S. Owen Legislation: Ireland Legislation Ireland Concerned with new and second hand furniture SI No. 298/1980 Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety Requirements for Upholstered Furniture) Order, 1980 SI No. 336/1988 Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1988 SI 316/1995 Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1995 SI 215/1979 (Children s night dress) Labelling e.g. Carelessness causes fires Unlawful to sell unless item passes match and cigarette test Specified person Referenced Standards: IS 419 : 1988 (cigarette test), (amendment no1 1994) IS 5244 : 1980 (ignition test/match test). Source S Christian NSAI Forum 2016 Furniture & Fittings Source S Christian 10

11 Where is the legislation covering the non domestic market? Fire Services Act 1981 Sec 18:2 Reasonable measures to guard against the outbreak of fire (Ignitability? Flammability?) Guidance Department of Environment Guide Series Hotels, Guest Houses and similar premises Pre schools Flats Guest accommodation Sec 19:00 (D) Potentially dangerous building, flammable nature of the furniture, furnishings and fittings. Upholstered Furniture All upholstered furniture should meet ignition sources 0 (smouldering cigarette) and 5 (timber crib, 20g newspaper equivalent) When tested with Clause 4 BS 5852:1990 Beds and Bedding Standards for testing mattresses, upholstered bed bases, are contained in BS EN 597 ie, BS EN (partially replaced by BS 6867:1990 The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 Compulsory cigarette test Compulsory match test over PU foam Compulsory fillings ( crib 5 ) test Compulsory labelling requirements Tests based on BS & 1982 Requirements prescriptive not up to supplier to decide safe (as in GPSR) Minor amendments in 1989, 1993, 2010 Source: T Edge & S. Owen 11

12 FFRs apply to Upholstery cover fabrics and fillings: Intended for home use Mattress fillings Nursery and Children s furniture Garden furniture suitable for indoor use Furniture in new caravans Fillings of scatter cushion, seat pads and fillings GPSR European Legislation: Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General has introduced a series of Directives covering the risks (including fire) to consumers, e.g. The General Safety Product Directive (2001/95/EC) Safe Product Dangerous Product Does not cover services!!!!! Source: T Edge & S. Owen Obligations under EU Directives 89/391 & 89/654 The person responsible in complying with his or her duty in providing a Safe Environment The Responsible Person (not officially defined) The employer in relation to any premises which to any extent is under his or her control; In relation to any premises where the owner cannot for obvious reasons, be present, the person (whether the occupier or owner of the premises or not) who has overall management of the premises usually the General Manager. Dealz Stores Responsible Retailer Source: Irish Daily Mail 12

13 EU Standards One of the problems facing Designers and Persons having control over premises is the plethora of terms used to describe the fire safety of materials. It is not always possible to define a material as safe or unsafe, for it is necessary to know the conditions set in the fire testing which makes it safe. NSAI Forum 2016 Furniture & Fittings Source S Christian The fire safety of upholstered furniture supplied into the nondomestic market is complex. It is heavily influenced by the end use of the premises in which the furniture is intended to sit. Fire safety of furniture And furnishings in the contract and non domestic sectors A Guide to the UK requirements 13

14 5.0 The Standards The Standards Hazard classification and typical examples of hazard end uses. There are a number of Standards which can be used to assess the ignition resistance of upholstered furniture, mattresses and furnishings. There are two types of Standards: Those that specify performance requirements Those that detail the test procedures required to meet performance levels set by the specification. Table 1 Standards that typically apply to seating, mattresses and curtains for the UK non-domestic sector In order to establish the required ignition resistance for curtains, it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the end use environment so that a suitable assessment can be made.. BS5867 does not provide guidance on the choice of hazard areas. However as with furniture and mattresses various factors should be considered when identifying risk. Among thee factors it is obviously necessary to consider the RRFSO, together with other factors such as those detailed in Section 5.1 Specification Upholstered furniture BS 7176: 2007+A1: 2011 Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating by testing composites Mattresses BS 7177: 2008+A1: 2011 Specification for resistance to ignition of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases Furnishings - Curtains and drapes BS 5867: Part 2: 2008 Fabrics for curtains, drapes and window blinds. Flammability requirements. Specification Test Procedures BS EN : 2006 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture. Ignition source smouldering cigarette BS EN : 2006 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture. Ignition source match flame equivalent BS 5852: 2006 Methods of test for assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating by smouldering and flaming ignition sources BS EN 597-1: 1995 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases. Ignition source: smouldering cigarette BS EN 597-2: 1995 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases. Ignition source: match flame equivalent BS 6807: 2006 Methods of test for assessment of ignitability of mattresses, upholstered divans and upholstered bed bases with flaming types of primary and secondary sources of ignition BS EN ISO 6941: 2003 Textile fabrics. Burning behaviour. Measurement of flame spread properties of vertically oriented specimens BS EN ISO 15025: 2002 Protective clothing. Protection against heat and flame. Method of test for limited flame spread BS EN ISO 10528: 1995 Textiles. Commercial laundering procedure for textile fabrics prior to flammability testing Source UK Guide The Standards 5.0 The Standards considered when determining a hazard area classification. 5.1 BS 7176: A1: 2011 Among these factors it is obviously necessary to consider Specification for resistance to ignition of the RRFSO. upholstered furniture for non-domestic One key factor relates to the ease with which the premises seating by testing composites could be evacuated in the case of an emergency. Whether or not people are asleep on the premises should, for example, be an BS 7176 was amended in The intention of this important consideration as should the level of occupancy. The Standard is to assist all those involved in the furniture mobility of the occupants is important. Babies, young children, seating supply chain to specify required fire safety levels for old and infirm, invalided and sick people are all likely to need upholstered seating located in a multiple assortment of nondomestic end use environments. The presence, or absence, of automatic fire detection and rescuing rather than escaping of their own accord. In broad principle, the Standard sets requirements for the alarm systems, and especially of automatic fire fighting systems, ignitability of upholstered seating for different end-use are also significant considerations in assessing hazard. So too applications, but in some respects it is not as simple and are any special hazards such as those generated by cooking, straight forward as may be expected. heating, live flame effects, smoke effects, low light levels, strobe lighting, loud music, drinking, Compliance with the Standard involves three key elements: gambling and use after dark. Meeting technical requirements for ignition resistance A further issue is the familiarity Frequency of testing of the occupants with the building and, in the case of public buildings Product labelling. particularly, whether or not the premises Hazard classification and typical examples are under the control of staff trained in of hazard end uses evacuation procedures. The number of In order to establish the required ignition resistance for an trained staff compared to numbers of users item of furniture, it is necessary to have a thorough is also a consideration. knowledge of the end use environment so that a suitable Photo courtesy of assessment can be made. Finally, the nature of the environment is Wesley-Barrell BS 7176 provides guidance on the philosophy behind the important, whether or not it is a high-rise choice of hazard areas and indicates factors that should be location, or below ground, and whether or not it has windows. 5.2 BS 7177: 2008+A1: 2011 Specification for resistance to ignition of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases BS 7177 is a parallel Standard to BS 7176 in that it generally mirrors its requirements. However, there are some important differences. BS 7177 was amended in The intention of this standard is to assist all those involved in the bedding supply chain to specify required fire safety levels for mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed-bases located in different enduse environments. Compliance with the Standard involves three key elements: Meeting technical requirements for ignition resistance Frequency of testing Product labelling Hazard classification and typical examples of hazard end use As with seating, a thorough knowledge of the end-use environment is required so that an appropriate ignition resistance can be specified. BS 7177 provides guidance on the philosophy behind the choice of hazard areas and indicates factors that should be considered when determining a hazard area classification. Among these factors it is obviously necessary to consider the RRFSO, together with other factors such as those detailed in Section Photos courtesy of Relyon Table 2 BS 7176 Typical examples of premises in each hazard category Low Hazard Medium Hazard High Hazard Very High Hazard Colleges Casinos Offshore installations Locked psychiatric accommodation Day centres Hospitals Sleeping accommodation in certain hospital wards and Prison cells in certain hostels Exhibitions Hostels Museums Hotel bedrooms Offices Places of entertainment Schools Public buildings Universities Public halls Public houses and bars Restaurants Services messes Table 2 provides typical examples of hazard categories for different premises. It is important to remember that the fire safety risk assessment may identify that a product should be assigned to either a lower or higher level. Consultation with the specifier, purchaser or Responsible Person for the premises is required to ensure furniture which meets the correct hazard category is supplied. Further details of the requirements for BS 7176 are contained in Appendix 1, Section A1. Source Brian UK Bourke Guide Table 3 BS 7177 Typical examples of premises in each hazard category Low Hazard Medium Hazard High Hazard Very High Hazard Domestic dwellings Boarding schools Certain hospital wards Locked psychiatric (including non accommodation motorised caravans) Day centres Hostels Prison cells Halls of residence at universities and colleges Hotels Holiday camp chalets Offshore installations Hospitals Old peoples homes Hostels Hostels Hotels Old Old peoples people s homes Residential schools Schools Services messes Table 3 only provides typical examples of hazard categories for different premises. It is important to remember that the fire safety risk assessment may identify that a product should be assigned to either a lower or higher level. Consultation with the specifier, purchaser or Responsible Person for the premises is required to ensure furniture which meets the correct hazard category is supplied. Further details of the requirements for BS 7177 are contained in Appendix 1, Section A2. Brian Source Bourke UK Guide

15 Table 4 only provides typical examples of risk categories for different premises. It is important to remember that the fire safety risk assessment may identify that a product should be assigned to either a lower or higher level. Consultation with the specifier, purchaser or Responsible Person for the premises is required to ensure any curtains supplied are suitable for the risk environment. Further details of the requirements for BS 5867: Part 2 are contained in Appendix 1, Section A3. Presented as part of the NSAI Fire Safety Standards Seminar December Source UK Guide 15