Fire Safety

FPF and Fire Safety

An organic material, like wool, cotton, nylon and polyester, FPF is flammable. It should be kept away from open flames and heat sources such as burning cigarettes, lighters, matches, space heaters or any other potential ignition source, because if ignited, FPF can burn rapidly. Since the 1960s, PFA members have been researching and improving the combustion characteristics of FPF cushion components to help reduce the ignition and combustion properties of furniture.

However, even with the addition of fire retardant additives, there is no way to protect a sofa or chair completely from accidental or deliberate ignition. The PFA has long supported fire prevention and safety education and participated in the development of flammability standards. In addition, the PFA is an active partner with the Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes, the Fire Prevention Alliance, and the U.S. Fire Administration.

In February 2006, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved a new standard that set mandatory national fire performance criteria for all mattresses. The PFA actively supported the new standard and worked with the CPSC, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), the Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) and other industry groups in its development. On July 1, 2007, the new Federal Open-Flame Mattress Standard (16 CFR Part 1633) took effect.

The PFA’s proactive research and responsibility continues, supporting the efforts of upholstered furniture and mattress producers to reduce the incidence of fire. In addition, the PFA plays a key role by educating regulators, fire officials, furniture and mattress manufacturers, home furnishings retailers and consumers about the safe handling and use of FPF.

Be Proactive on Fire Prevention

PFA is a partner of the United States Fire Administration and NFPA.
Please use these downloadable education materials to be proactive on fire prevention within your company and your community:

Escape Planning
Less than 75% of American families have an esacpe plan in case of fire. Fewer than half of those families with escape plans have ever practiced it. Help your family, employees and neighbors plan ahead. Everyone needs to know what to do and where to go in case of fire. Please download and distribute this important escape planning reminder.

Smoking and Home Fires
Every year, almost 1,000 smokers and non-smokers are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. The U.S. Fire Administration is working to help prevent home fire deaths and injuries caused by smoking materials. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are preventable.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smoking/

Install. Inspect. Protect.
The Install. Inspect. Protect. Campaign is part of the U.S. Fire Administration’s effort to reduce fire deaths and injuries across the nation by urging residents to install smoke alarms in their homes and inspect and maintain them on a regular basis. Working smoke alarms and sprinklers save lives.
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/campaigns/smokealarms/

12 Ways You Can Be Proactive on Fire Prevention


Fire Performance

Please choose your destination from the links below:

Facts on Flammability

Position Statement on Flammability Testing of Home Furnishings

Slide Show: Effects of Combustion Modifying Additives on FPF Physical Properties

PFA Statement on Furniture and Fillings Flammability for CBS News, Feb. 17, 2004

Position Statement on Residential Mattress Flammability

Basics of Polyurethane Foam and the Use of Combustion Modifying Additives

News Release Announcing Conversion from PBDE Combustion Modifying Additives, Jan. 17, 2005

April 2003 Presentation to Calif. EFC 9:
Use of Combustion Modifying Additives in Flexible Polyurethane Foam (25K PDF)