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Why Fire Labels Matter

04 October 2024

Fire safety is a critical consideration in every household and commercial space. Amongst the various safety measures, fire labels on upholstered soft furnishings play an essential role. These labels are not just regulatory requirements; they are vital indicators of the fire-resistant properties relating to a particular piece of furniture. In this article, we’ll discuss why fire labels matter, the importance of these labels and how they can significantly enhance safety and preparedness in the event of a fire.

Resistant Label

What Are the Fire Label Legislations?

Fire labels have been present on furniture since 1988 and for very good reason. To comply with British Fire Safety Regulations, the UK Government created “The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988”, which ensures the presence of a fire label on upholstered soft furniture such as sofas and mattresses. With the fire label attached, each piece of upholstered furniture must meet the specific ignition requirements, and with these regulations in place, the manufacturers are legally prevented from making soft furniture which could potentially cause a fire to spread easily. 

As stated by the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), upholstered soft furnishings which are sold in the UK must comply with the following safety standards:

  • Filling materials must meet specified ignition requirement
  • Upholstery composites must be cigarette-resistant
  • Covers must be match-resistant (with certain exceptions)
  • A permanent label must be fitted to every item of new furniture (not mattresses and bed-bases)
  • A display label must be fitted to every item of new furniture at the point of sale (except mattresses, bed-bases, divans, pillows, scatter cushions, seat pads, loose covers sold separately from the furniture and stretch covers)

Adhering to these regulations helps ensure that sofas are safer and less likely to contribute to the rapid spread of fire, thereby protecting consumers and their households. A separate legislation covers the flammability of mattresses, bed bases and divans, titled “BS 7177”; these items are regularly tested for their resistance to cigarettes and matches, and achieve a “Low Hazard” rating if they pass the test. 

Where Can You Find a Fire Label?

Fire labels are often found sewn under a cushion cover, on the edges of an item, or attached underneath a piece of upholstered furniture. The biggest giveaway for a fire label are the words “CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE”, found at the top of the label in bold letters. These labels are designed to be easily found, so if you’re having trouble locating them, it’s likely the label has been removed, which would make the item non-compliant. 

How Can You Check If a Fire Label is Legally Compliant?

There are several things you should be checking on a fire label to ensure it is compliant. There are two types of fire information labels for sofas and similar furniture:

Fire Label Example 1

Fire Label Example 2

Images provided by FIRA

Why Are Fire Labels Important?

Due to the risks that fires pose to domestic and commercial settings, the presence of a fire label on upholstered furniture is crucial for many reasons:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensures furniture meets legal safety standards.
  • Consumer Safety: Indicates that the furniture has been tested for fire resistance, reducing the risk of a fire spreading easily.
  • Informed Choices: Allows consumers to make educated decisions about the safety of their purchases.
  • Risk Reduction: Helps buyers choose legal, non-flammable furniture, preventing small fires from becoming major incidents, and potentially saving lives and property.
  • Insurance Requirements: Compliant furniture can affect insurance premiums and claims.
  • Traceability: Provides information about the manufacturer and batch, aiding in recalls and safety checks.
  • Market Value: Enhances the resale value of furniture by proving it meets safety standards.
  • Peace of Mind: Reassures consumers that their furniture is safer in the event of a fire.

What Happens If Second-Hand Furniture Is Missing a Fire Label?

Under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988, second-hand upholstered furniture can only be sold or donated if it contains a fire label; otherwise, there are significant safety and legal challenges which can arise. By selling or donating a piece of furniture that has had a label removed, you are breaking this regulation. Charities or donation centres that collect soft furniture without an attached fire label are also breaking the law; the donated furniture must be sent to a waste recycling centre instead. 

Visit Our Second-Hand Furniture Shop

At Cullens of Surrey, we stock a large range of second-hand furniture (all of which feature fire labels). You can visit us (by appointment only) at Builders Yard, 365 Croydon Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 7NY. Alternatively, you can buy pre-loved furniture directly via our online eBay store.

Any Queries? Get in Touch!