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Flammability and Fire Resistance Testing of Mattresses and Bedding Articles

IFS Laboratories has over 20 years’ experience in testing mattresses and bedding articles. As a fully UKAS accredited testing laboratory we offer the full range of testing services covering both Domestic and Commercial use.

 

Assessment and Test Methods

British, European and International Standards (BS EN ISO) British Standard (BS)

 

The following methods of test are used to assess the fire resistance level of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases. BS 7177: 2008+A1: 2011 – Specification for resistance to ignition of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases. This standard can help manufacturers, importers and those responsible for compliance with the fire safety of mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases. The levels of ignition have been set after careful consideration of the fire risk of the particular end-use environment. It also gives examples of labels which can be used to mark products in compliance with the standard. The most widely used category in the bed industry relates to domestic use, deemed as ‘Low Hazard’ and materials must conform to smouldering and flaming sources of ignition.

BS EN 597-1: 1995 – Assessment of the ignitibility of mattresses and upholstered bed bases – Part 1: Ignition source smouldering cigarette.

BS EN 597-2: 1995 – Assessment of the ignitibility of mattresses and upholstered bed bases – Part 2: Match flame equivalent.

BS 6807: 2006 – Methods of test for the assessment of the ignitibility of mattresses, upholstered divans and upholstered bed bases with flaming types of primary and secondary sources of ignition.

Filling material (Foam or non-foam) contained in mattresses, mattress pads, divans and bed bases must comply with ‘The UK Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amended) Regulations 1988’ using the following test methods.

BS 5852 Part 2: 1982 – Methods of test for the assessment of the ignitibility of upholstered seating by smouldering and flaming ignition sources.

BS 6807: 1986 – Methods of test for the ignitability of mattresses, with primary and secondary sources of ignition.
Bedding Articles

The focus of existing and proposed flammability requirements for mattresses and bedding fires is on those started by either smoking materials or small open flames.

The use of smoking materials (eg cigars, cigarettes) are the leading cause of mattress fires and deaths. Fires started by lighters, candles and matches were found to be a less common occurrence.

The UK F&F Regulations do not apply to ‘Bedding Articles’, however, there are test methods suitable to assess the ignitibility of these items.

BS 7175: 1989 – Methods of test for the ignitibility of bedcovers and pillows by smouldering and flaming ignition sources.

BS EN ISO 12952-1: 2010 – Assessment of the ignitibility of bedding items. Ignition source smouldering cigarette.

BS EN ISO 12952-2: 2010 – Assessment of the ignitibility of bedding items. Ignition source match equivalent.

 

 

Mattress Covers and Ticking

The General product Safety Regulations which implement the EC Directive on general product safety, place a general duty on suppliers of consumer products to supply only products which are safe. The GPS Regulations specify that aspects of safety of products which are not subject to specific regulations will be assessed taking into account published standards of safety relating to those products.

 

BS 7177 – Methods of test provides specifications for the cigarette and match resistance of bed bases and mattresses is an appropriate standard for this purpose, alternatively, any of the above methods of tests are equally suitable.

Types of Flammability Testing