1. home and garden
2. home furnishings

ANNUAL
REVIEW
2014-2015
World leaders in research
and innovation for the
furniture industry
www.fira.co.uk
Chairman’s Introduction
Contents
03
Chairman’s Introduction
4-5
The Council and Members
6-7
Flammability - the hot topic for 2014
8-9 Working on behalf of the industry
10-11 30 years of FIRA Gold
12
British Furniture
Confederation
13-14 Standards Update
15
Making the most of your membership
03
I have the enviable role of leading one of the world’s
leading furniture associations. In 2014, the Furniture
Industry Research Association marked its 65th
year and has continued to demonstrate its value
to the industry by providing technical support and
knowledge to the entire furniture supply chain.
Event at The
House of Lords
– September 2014
Our ability to be able to react as well as forward plan has been of the utmost
importance this year with the industry requiring immediate support following both
the Fake Britain ‘exposé’ on furniture flammability, plus the launch of a proposed
amendment into the UK’s Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations
(FFFSR).
The Association was heavily involved with both of these initiatives; delivering two
key research programmes on flammability and a third already underway. As well as
carrying out research, we took an active role in trying to ensure the industry was
fully conversant with the proposed changes, attending or holding meetings with a
number of other organisations.
Away from flammability, we have also produced a guide to CE Marking,
appropriate to furniture that may be classed as medical devices (such as beds for
the disabled) or machines (such as electrically height adjustable desks). This guide
will be published in January 2015. Alongside our research projects, the Association
continues to represent the industry on all relevant committees, ensuring its views
are heard and that any decisions are effectively communicated. We also
remain a key member of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) and 2014 has
seen us developing closer working relationships with other industry organisations.
I am pleased to announce that in 2015 we will be linking forces with the Worshipful
Company of Furniture Makers to undertake a major survey of the furniture
industry’s training needs. We plan to talk to as much of the industry as possible
to discover what skills it really needs and identify any gaps with current training
provision.
I believe that, through the work I have outlined, the Furniture Industry Research
Association delivers essential knowledge, not just to our members, but also to the
whole industry. Without the Association it is difficult to see where this knowledge
would come from and the industry would be at a considerable disadvantage,
particularly in an ever-increasing global market. We can, however, only do this with
the backing of our members, to whom I would like thank for their ongoing support.
Talking to fellow Association members I do know that they value the work we are
doing and this is evidenced by our ongoing growth.
In 2015 I am hoping to see a stronger furniture industry driving forward and
you can rest assured that the Furniture Industry Research Association is
there to provide the support that is needed to help sustain future growth.
Michael Powell - Chairman
Furniture Industry Research Association
www.fira.co.uk
www.fira.co.uk
05
The Council and Members
In 2014 we welcomed 35 new members
CHAIRMAN
Michael Powell
formerly MD of Blum UK Limited
VICE CHAIRMAN
Mark Richardson
Blum UK Limited
Jessica Alexander
National Bed Federation Limited
Rodney McMahon
Morgan Contract Furniture Limited
Steve Barton
Raventree Limited t/a The Premiere
Kitchen Company
Richard Ranklin
Association of Master Upholsterers
& Soft Furnishers
Dr Peter Beele
FIRA International Limited
Margaret Miller
Knightsbridge Furniture Productions Limited
Eric Catton
Amaryllis Limited
Anne Barber
Co-opted Member
Andy Corbett
Vita Cellular Foams UK Limited
Phil Reynolds
FIRA International Limited
Paul Critchley
Home Retail Group plc
Richard Stevenson
Wellman International Limited
Hayden Davies
BM TRADA Group Limited
Charles Vernon
Gloster Furniture Limited
Jeff Gwilliam
Burbidge & Sons Limited
Colin Watson
British Contract Furnishing Association
Graham Hirst
Ministry of Furniture
Rob Jones
ScS
Artmatrix Technology Sdn. Bhd.
International
Banner Business Services Limited
Associate
BathstoreFull/Retailer
BMA Ergonomics B.V.
International
Classic Furniture (Binbrook) Limited Full
Clinchplain Limited
Full/Supplier
Comfortex Limited
Full/Supplier
D&O Solutions Limited
Full/Retailer
David Phillips Furniture Limited
Full/Retailer
Direct Wholesale Furniture Limited
Full/Retailer
Divania International
Full/Supplier
Dormeo UK
Full/Retailer
Duresta Upholstery Limited
Full
- Contracts Division
EEF Retail Limited
Full/Retailer
Furniture Resource Centre
Independent Retailer
GFW Limited
Full/Retailer
Glencraft (Aberdeen) Limited
Full
Hettich UK Limited
Full/Supplier
Hille Educational Products Limited
Full
“The issue of safety standards and best practice is
rightly becoming increasingly more important for
both retailers and consumers. Having always taken a
lead in these areas we were keen for all of our Group
companies to join the Furniture Industry Research
Association. Membership offers both retailers and
consumers the reassurance which the Association’s
position as a world leader brings to the products that
we supply. It also gives the Group access to extremely
useful information such as market intelligence and
technical and innovation reports via FIRA’s website.”
Hog Furnishing Limited
HTL Furniture (China) Co. Limited
Independent Quality Solutions
Limited
Kirton Healthcare Group Limited
Linak UK Limited
Ministry of Furniture Limited
Mountrose Limited
Nu-Look Bathrooms Limited
t/a Nu-Look Bathrooms & Kitchens
Onhing International Limited
Richard Stamp Agencies Limited
Studio Moderna
The Kitchen Store
Time Living (UK)
TPS Office Furniture Limited
Trent Pottery Co. Limited
Woodson Kitchen Contractors
Limited t/a Offplan Kitchens Limited
Full
International
Associate
Full
Full/Supplier
Full
Full
Full
International
Full
Full/Retailer
Independent Retailer
Full
Full
Full
Full/Retailer
Council Meeting
– 4th December 2014
Tony Lisanti
CEO of Airsprung Group
www.fira.co.uk
www.fira.co.uk
07
Flammability - the hot topic for 2014
Fake Britain, a BBC consumer
affairs programme, first aired
its ‘Furniture Inferno’ episode.
The BBC had carried out an investigation
into sofas and mattresses on sale in
the UK and found several products
that did not comply with the fire safety
regulations. FIRA’s testing team were
involved in testing the mattress products.
Following the programme, FIRA’s testing
department received an increased
number of calls from retailers and
manufacturers, as well as concerned
members of the public.
JANUARY
FIRA’s testing department
receives double the expected
amount of foam and fabric for
flammability testing.
Joint FRQG and FRETWORK meeting
held to enable the whole supply chain to
discuss any potential issues together.
FEBRUARY
A technical flammability
seminar, aimed at
manufacturers and jointly
run by the Furniture Industry
Research Association
and British Furniture
Manufacturers (BFM)...
... was held to discuss the Fake Britain
investigation and proposed changes to
the flammability regulations.
Interim results of the Association’s testing
project released to BIS.
APRIL
Following the launch of the public consultation and
the BIS open day, several enquiries were received
from both manufacturers and retailers wanting a better
understanding of the new proposed changes.
Therefore another joint seminar was held with Association partners,
BFM, to ensure that members of both Associations fully understood the
proposed changes before the consultation deadline.
Full report of testing project
provided to Association
members.
JULY
A Furniture Retail Quality Group seminar was also held.
FIRA created additional flow charts to help explain the proposed new
routes to compliance.
SEPTEMBER
2014
2014
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
MARCH
JUNE
AUGUST
OCTOBER
A meeting of the Furniture
Retail Quality Group (FRQG)
meeting was held in January...
Launch of testing project
to validate the proposed
new amendments
to the Furniture &
Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)
Regulations...
Final results of FIRA testing
project released to BIS and
presented at FIRA technical
seminars.
Throughout 2014, the
Association has been
updating members on the
proposed changes to the UK
Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)
(Safety) Regulations...
7th October - response to the
public consultation submitted
on behalf of the Association.
...to discuss the issues raised during
the Fake Britain programme and also
the Department of Business Innovation
and Skills (BIS) proposal to amend the
UK Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)
Regulations (FFFSR).
... funded by the Furniture Industry
Research Association.
Phil Reynolds, Director of the Association, said:
“Since the Fake Britain programme aired in January, the furniture industry has
been working hard to understand how these products slipped through the net
and have tightened due diligence processes to prevent issues in the future. Our
flammability experts have been working with retailers and manufacturers to offer
support in finding practical solutions.
When the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) announced its
proposed amendment to the match test, the Association was fully involved in
helping to advise both BIS and the furniture industry. Membership funds were
allocated to allow us to undertake two projects to provide valuable information
into the practical application of any changes.
This year has been a very busy one for the Association and our members have
enabled us to help to lead the industry through a difficult time and advise on
how these issues can be prevented in the future. The Association remains at the
forefront of research for the benefit of the entire furniture industry.”
www.fira.co.uk
FRQG and FIRA/BFM seminars held
in June with BIS in attendance to help
answer any questions on the proposed
amendments.
Flammability seminar held at Trade Days
Exhibition, an event for the mobility and
independent living markets.
DECEMBER
Project investigating new fire
retardant technologies and
replacements for brominated
fire retardants is finalised.
Report to be released in early
2015.
...in order to raise awareness and
ensure that members were ready for
the forthcoming launch of the public
consultation.
7th August - BIS announces the
launch of the public consultation on the
proposed amendment to schedules
4 and 5 (cigarette and match test for
cover materials) of the UK Furniture
& Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations.
The Association informs members of the
launch of the public consultation into the
proposed amendments.
BIS also held an open day on 19th
August to discuss the proposed
amendments.
For more information about complying with the UK flammability regulations, please visit www.fira.co.uk/flammability
www.fira.co.uk
09
Working on behalf of the industry
A Guide to CE Marking
A new Guide to the CE Marking of Furniture, funded by
the Association, is set to be published in 2015. CE is an
acronym for the French ‘Conformité Européenne’ and
indicates a product’s compliance with EU legislation
regarding safety, health and environmental protection.
National Furniture Specifications
A free online guide which aims to improve the
procurement process for contract and edicational
furniture by eliminating potential misunderstandings in
the supply chain, was re-launched in June.
National Furniture Specifications (NFS), formerly named
Specifers Services, is a comprehensive, easy-to-use
guide and tool for creating specifications.
“With regular changes to British, European and
International standards and little room for error, the
knock-on effect of an incorrect specification can be
expensive and time-consuming for everyone involved.”
said Phil Reynolds, Director of the Furniture Industry
Research Association.
He continued: “This free online resource aims to support
anyone specifying, developing or reviewing tenders.
Furniture manufacturers can use it to keep up to date
with and better understand the criteria that specifiers
are looking for when selecting products. This can help to
ensure that their products meet all applicable criteria and
score highly in tender evaluations. “I would recommend it
as an excellent point of reference for both specifiers and
manufacturers.”
The NFS Guide covers everything you need to know
about procuring contract and educational furniture,
including the factors to consider at tendering stage,
what to look for in a supplier, how to evaluate bids and
shortlist products, certification schemes, preparing and
reviewing tenders, choosing your final product and a list
of current standards for furniture.
The Specification Tool allows the user to choose
the type of furniture from drop-down menus. It then
accesses a regularly updated database of all relevant
standards to create a specification in the form of a PDF.
For more information and to watch the online tutorial,
visit www.nfs.uk.com, call 01438 777 700 or email
[email protected].
www.fira.co.uk
CE marking is mandatory for certain products sold within
the European Economic Area, including an increasing
number of furniture products by virtue of their design and
functionality, such as items:
comprising electrical components and subject to
the Low Voltage Directive
comprising electrical components and subject to
the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
with mechanisms subject to the Machinery
Directive
classified as Medical Devices
furniture and any issues they have with it. Pressure mapping
was used to observe where the weight and pressure points
are distributed when seated.
Lorna continued: “All of the information we gathered has
shown us that we have to design furniture differently for
plus-sized people. It needs to have added strength and
be carefully designed so that dimensionally it is suitable.
In some data, we have observed seated dimensions
of individuals range from 51cm to 119cm. This shows
that furniture must be designed to enable it to be used
comfortably by as many people as possible. Features such
as foldable arm rests are useful as some individuals may
use them to aid themselves getting in and out of the chair,
whereas others may find them too constricting and so can
fold them down and out of the way.”
The new bariatric standard can be used to test furniture
both structurally and dimensionally. It also includes
design considerations that were gathered from
interviews and meetings with plus-sized individuals who
encounter issues with different types of furniture on a
daily basis.
Responsibility lies with the first placer of a product on
the European market and the Guide highlights the types
of product that fall under the CE marking banner. It also
explains how to carry out testing and assessment regimes
for inclusion within a product’s Technical File and the rules
for affixing CE marks.
Statistics Digest
Worked examples and case studies are included to
help clarify the processes involved. A limited number
of copies are available to members on request and the
book is also available through the BM TRADA Group
Bookshop.
Compiled using the latest available data sourced from
a range of websites, it is an essential read for anyone
operating in the furniture sector.
The first standard for bariatric
seating
A project to develop the first standard for bariatric
seating has now been completed and the guidance for
manufacturers and specifiers will be available in early 2015.
FIRA Ergonomist, Lorna Reed, explains:
“Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the
causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. In a nonmedical sense, these individuals are often referred to as
‘plus-sized’. This can be anywhere from around 150kg to
300kg with many differences in body shape and where
the weight is distributed on the body. For example, some
individuals may have most of their weight around their
stomach and hips, whereas others may have a larger
percentage on their bottom. This is often referred to as a
‘gluteus shelf’ and can dramatically range in size.”
The project was researched by FIRA’s Ergonomics
Department and involved interviewing a number of plussized individuals in order to discuss how they use their
With the UK’s economy on the up and an overall increase
in consumer spending, there is a positive tone to this year’s
Statistics Digest, which contains facts and figures specific
to the furniture and furnishings industry from 2010 - 2013.
Increased retail sales of furniture and furnishings in 2013 were
reflected in UK manufacturer turnover which rose to in excess
of £7 billion (the first time this level has been reached since
2010). Whilst exports also increased to £842 million, this
improvement was negligible compared to the value attributed
to imports (£4.4 billion), the consequence being a widening of
the negative trade gap with the rest of the world.
The digest further segments the furniture and furnishings
sector and notable improved manufacturing performances
are evident in relation to beds and mattresses, kitchens and
office and shop furniture.
Provisional figures for 2014 won’t be released by
government until the latter half of 2015. However, anecdotal
evidence suggests that this year has also been a good
one for UK furniture manufacturers. Recently published
trade data also hints at a continued improvement in export
performance, but ever increasing imports sit menacingly on
the horizon.
In summary, the statistics suggest that there is room
for optimism within the UK, although the Chancellor’s
Autumn Statement warns of continued global instability
which will clearly impact on UK manufacturing,
particularly in relation to exports.
www.fira.co.uk
11
30 Years of FIRA Gold
This year we celebrated thirty years since
the initial launch of our accreditation
scheme, FIRA Gold. Backed by the
Furniture Industry Research Association,
the scheme signifies excellence in
furniture products and installations and is
the only accreditation scheme recognised
by the furniture industry and audited by an
independent third party.
Broadstock
The scheme was first launched in 1984 for kitchen units to meet
demand from manufacturers for a quality mark for furniture
tested to industry standards. It expanded to cover installation
services in the early 90s,
then office and bedroom
furniture in 2002. Today,
most major kitchen retailers
and manufacturers hold
FIRA Gold, as well as
many independents. Most
recently, Broadstock
achieved Installation
Certification for workplace,
educational and catering
furniture and Chaucer
Furniture Logistics for
contract furniture.
Current Gold Certification
holders, Bushboard and Paula Rosa gained FIRA Gold for their
kitchen products in 1989 and continue to hold the accolade
twenty-five years later. Salice, a component supplier, and
Magnet joined the scheme in 1990.
Panorama Kitchens
www.fira.co.uk
Manhattan achieved FIRA Gold for kitchen and bathroom
installation in 1990 and B&Q first gained Certification for fitting
kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms in 1997. In the office furniture
sector, the manufacturer, Lee and Plumpton, has held the
accolade for nearly ten years for a range of desking and storage.
Phil Reynolds, Director of the Association, said: “First
introduced in the 80s, FIRA Gold is a way for businesses
to provide independent evidence that their products and
installation services meet the highest standards in the industry.
To achieve FIRA Gold a product or service will undergo
thorough testing and/or auditing to ensure excellence is
maintained. As years have gone by we have moved with the
industry to expand the remit of FIRA Gold to meet demand
from consumers and organisations specifying furniture on
tender documents. We are proud to be celebrating that as
the only recognised mark
of quality for furniture,
FIRA Gold has been able
to provide reassurance to
customers for thirty years.”
To receive the FIRA Gold
Installation Certification a
company must to go through a
rigorous annual audit, ensuring all
staff work to the highest standards
and follow agreed industry practices.
Product Certification is awarded
following stringent assessment of the
products to ensure they fulfil all relevant
industry standards. The accreditation
means that the production processes used
have passed a rigorous series of tests to ensure that products
are made to the highest standards each and every time.
FIRA Gold Certification is awarded by FIRA International.
To find out more about FIRA Gold, call 01438 777 700,
email [email protected] or visit the website www.fira.co.uk.
Regal Kitchens
www.fira.co.uk
British Furniture Confederation
13
Standards Update
Our work through the British Furniture Confederation
(BFC) ensures that the furniture industry sustains effective
dialogue with Government and the All Party Parliamentary
Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG), chaired by Stevenage
MP, Stephen McPartland.
The Association has two representatives on the BFC Executive Board,
with Phil Reynolds being a Director and Peter Beele undertaking the
Secretariat.
Highlights from 2014 include:
Furniture experts (from left to right) Phil Reynolds, Tristine Hargreaves, Sue Calver and Levent çaglar
Flammability Regulations
2014 will be remembered as the ‘year of the match test’. The Department
for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) is determined to introduce a
new flammability match test and the BFC’s role, supported by in-depth
technical expertise at FIRA, has been to ensure that this test does not
have a negative effect on the competitiveness of the furniture industry.
To this effect it has made representations to a number of ministers and
Whitehall officials to try to ensure that the consultation process is fair and
that the eventual outcome truly reflects industry opinion.
Lobbying in Europe
The BFC Executive recognised that many of its legislative challenges only
came to light after they had passed through the European Commission.
In effect decisions had already been made. A dialogue with European
politicians and civil servants seemed essential and a team visited Brussels
in February to address:
EU Timber Regulation
REACH and Flammability
Recycling and Re-use
General Product Safety Regulations
The meetings proved to be beneficial and, subsequent to recent European
Parliamentary elections, the plan is to follow up on this initiative in 2015.
Exports, Design and the GREAT campaign
The BFC invested considerable effort in building links with United Kingdom
Trade and Investment (UKTI) to encourage greater investment in export
support for furniture manufacturers.
One of the Government’s recent export initiatives has been to develop
a single ‘export brand’ for UK businesses under the banner ‘Britain is
GREAT’.
Brand protection resides within Downing Street and, as such, approval to
adapt the campaign to suit an industry’s specific needs is a lengthy and
challenging process. After over a year of planning and negotiating it is now
possible to use the slogan ‘Design is GREAT’ in combination with furniture
and furnishings images.
The brand is widely recognised within potential export markets and many UK
icons have lent their names to the campaign including British Airways, BBC,
Jaguar, Land Rover, the Beckhams, Richard Branson, Andy Murray and
Vivienne Westwood, to name but a few.
www.fira.co.uk
This imagery can be used by UK companies (subject to certain rules) who
will benefit from large across brand investment and association with the
above famous names.
MP networking lunch
In October, the BFC organised a lunch in the Houses of Parliament to
create an informal environment for senior industry executives to build
relationships, and discuss key issues, with MPs and Lords.
The lunch was enhanced by Lord Digby Jones’ attendance and attendees
were treated to his forthright views on a number of subjects.
Intellectual Property Act
The BFC has supported ACID (Anti-Copying in Design) in its campaign for
better protection rights for designers. The new Intellectual Property Act
became law on 1st October 2014 and it is now a crime to intentionally
infringe a registered design. Individual Board Directors will also be held
accountable.
Intentionally infringing a registered design and producing a copy that differs
from an original in only immaterial respects now becomes a criminal offence
punishable by up to ten years in prison.
Biomass
The issue of unfair subsidies for the large scale burning of virgin wood has
been a long standing issue for the BFC and a joint All Party Parliamentary
meeting of the wood panel and furniture industries was held in October to
discuss latest developments.
Despite these manufacturing industries’ representations, subsidies for
energy generation from woody biomass continue to be awarded. One of
the frustrations highlighted at the meeting was the discrepancy between
industry statistics and those used by Government. It was made clear by
MPs that, unless these discrepancies are ironed out, it will be extremely
difficult to influence policy.
Wood panel and furniture manufacturers are not against using woody
biomass for energy. It has its place at a local level when burning ‘factory
and harvesting waste’. However, Government subsidies for large power
plants are being used to help pay for imported and home grown virgin
wood, thus distorting raw material costs which impacts on other UK wood
using industries.
The BFC intends to ensure that these concerns are articulated clearly to
Government and will continue to make representations when it reviews its
energy and renewables policies.
The Association’s experts committed to an unusually
frenetic European and International Standards
programme in 2014, culminating towards year end with
CEN (European) meetings in Berlin and Paris and an ISO
(International) meeting in China.
Seating
This article summarises the status for documents relating to a number
of key standards as of December 2014, many of which will be subject
to further review and amendment over the coming year.
Storage units
Fire resistance of upholstered furniture
The consultation for the proposed amendment of the Furniture &
Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations relating to a new match test
finished on 7th October 2014. It is anticipated that the results will be
published by BIS in January 2015.
Beds
The International Standard working group ISO/TC 136/WG 4 has
established a team of experts to look at test methods for beds:
ISO/NP 19833 Furniture - Beds - Test methods for the
determination of strength and durability
A new work item has also been approved by Europe for the revision of:
EN 1725:1998. Requirements for domestic furniture. Domestic
furniture - Beds and mattresses - Safety requirements and test
methods
This European Standard specifies mechanical safety requirements
and testing for all types of fully erected domestic adult beds including
all component elements such as bed frame, bed base, mattress and
mattress pads (when they form a unit with the mattress). It does not apply
to foldaway beds, bunk beds, children cots, waterbeds, airbeds and
adjustable beds for disabled persons where a separate Standard exists.
Bunk beds
Formal voting has now taken place on the following European standards:
EN 747-1 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds. Safety, strength
and durability requirements
EN 747-2 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds. Test methods
Domestic furniture
Tables
The following International Standard is open currently for public comment:
ISO DIS 19682 Furniture - Tables - Test methods for the
determination of stability, strength and durability
The following International Standard is also open currently for
public comment:
BS ISO DIS 7173 Furniture - Seating - Test methods for the
determination of strength and durability
The following International Standards are currently under review:
ISO 7170 Furniture -- Storage units -- Determination of
strength and durability
ISO 7171 Furniture -- Storage units -- Determination of
stability
Kitchens
The International Standards Committee ISO/TC 136/WG 5 has
established a team of experts to look at “Kitchen furniture and
kitchen equipment - coordinating sizes”. It is hoped that these will
be based on the current European Standard EN 1116. Kitchen
furniture. Storage units. Co-ordinating sizes for kitchen furniture
and kitchen appliances.
A revised text for prEN 14749 Domestic and kitchen storage
units and worktops. Safety requirements and test methods has
undergone a first enquiry. The comments have been discussed
and the new document will be subject to a second enquiry over a
period of 3 months:
Outdoor furniture
Work is still taking place on the following Standards at European
level:
prEN 581-1 Outdoor furniture - Seating and tables for
camping, domestic and contract use - Part 1: General safety
requirements
It was initially decided to work on this document as a proposal on
gaps, sheer and squeeze points and to send to the CEN TC207
working group as a proposal for adoption as the harmonised
Standard for these requirements (see later under “Other
Standards”). However, as work progressed on the document,
it was decided that good work had taken place during the
meeting in terms of definitions and requirements and the revised
document would be sent for second enquiry.
prEN 581-2 Outdoor furniture - Seating and tables for
camping, domestic and contract use - Part 2: Safety,
strength and durability requirements for seating
www.fira.co.uk
Documents have been sent for first enquiry and all comments received
were discussed and resolved. The new documents will be circulated to
members for one month editorial review before sending for formal vote.
prEN 581-3 Outdoor furniture - Seating and tables for camping,
domestic and contract use - Part 3: Safety, strength and
durability requirements for tables
Documents have been sent for first enquiry and all comments
resolved. The new documents will be circulated to members for one
month editorial review before sending for second enquiry.
There is also a proposal for a new work item entitled: prEN
581-4 Outdoor furniture - Seating and tables for camping,
domestic and contract use - Part 4: Behaviour at high and low
temperature
Street furniture
Two countries within “CEN TC 207, Working Group 4, Outdoor
Furniture” have national Standards for street furniture (Italy & France).
These two countries plan to translate the technical parts of their
Standards into English and circulate to members for review before the
next meeting to form a basis for discussion with regards to any future
requirements.
Children’s furniture
Two new work items have been approved at International Standards
level entitled:
ISO/CD 9221 – 1 Furniture. Children’s high chairs -Part 1: Safety requirements
ISO/CD 9221 – 2 Furniture. Children’s high chairs -Part 2: Test methods
Office furniture
The following International Standard is currently being worked on:
ISO/NP 24496 Office furniture -- Office work chairs -- Methods
for the determination of dimensions
This is running concurrently with the review of the European Standard
EN 1335-1 Office furniture. Office work chair. Dimensions.
Determination of dimensions
Dimensions, along with supporting documentation, are being finalised
subsequent to the results of comparative measurement trials by 3
European organisations.
In addition Europe has agreed a potential new work item for the safety
of office chairs:
School and educational furniture
It was originally anticipated that the following European Standard would
be completed by May 2014 but it has gone through a series of revisions
and a new draft has been submitted for a 2-month-long 2nd enquiry:
prEN 1729-1 Furniture -Chairs and tables for educational
institutions - Part 1: Functional dimensions
CEN/TS 16611 Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance
to microscratching
Germany has requested a technical revision. The current CEN/TS
16611:2014 should be revised by a new edition where, in clause 8.2.2.1,
“2 or 3” is replaced by “3 or 4”.
This has been confirmed as a new work item by Europe.
Hardware, fixtures and fastenings
The following European Standard is currently being revised as a new work
item and is the subject of lengthy technical dialogue:
EN 15939:2011+A1:2014 Hardware for furniture – Strength and
loading capacity of wall attachment devices
The Standard specifies test methods for the verification of the loading
capacity of all types of wall attachment devices for storage furniture and
their components for all fields of application. It does not apply to devices
intended to prevent the overturning of storage furniture.
There is also a lot of technical work on the following work item:
PWI 00207240 Hardware for furniture – Self-supporting energized
devices for the height adjustment in seating – Strength and
durability, test methods and requirements
Decisions have been made on the classification system. The classification
system currently used (1,2,3,4) will be retained but level one removed.
The working group wish for this Standard to be one harmonized EU
Standard, removing the need to test to DIN and BSI alternatives currently
being used. Therefore this Standard considers 24 hour use with user
weights up to 150kg.
Information regarding user weight and usage hours to assist the customer
in making the correct choice of device will be moved to the informative
Annex A.
Knowledge – Ensure products are safe, legal and fit for
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Marketing Support
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services that you can tap into free of charge. We can help you
promote your membership, products and services to a wide
audience through the following channels:
Press release about your joining the Association and what it
may mean to your customers
Use of the FIRA membership logo on all your promotional
materials
Your products and services listed on the Suppliers’ Directory
on our website
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We are happy to work with you to make sure you are making
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For more information about marketing support or for a reminder
of your login details to the Members’ Area of the website,
please call 01438 777 700 or email [email protected].
Voting on a review of the following European Standard took place:
This part of EN 1335 specifies mechanical safety requirements for
office work chairs. Requirements are based upon use for 8 hours a
day by persons weighing up to 110 kg. For more severe conditions
of use, increased requirements will be necessary. Annex A (normative)
includes loads, masses and cycles for safety tests.
All countries who voted (18) agreed to keep the Standard although only
Germany and Greece would welcome some amendments / review. On
this basis, it will probably be kept in its current form.
prEN 527-2 rev. Office furniture - Work tables - Part 2: Strength,
durability and safety requirements is still under review and the
revised version has just been voted on, with the potential for
further technical and editorial change.
Finger entrapment
Other Standards
A draft rationale on finger entrapment in furniture has been produced
at the request of Europe. The purpose of the document is to provide
guidance to all Standards working groups on safety requirements
for finger entrapment for different product types and end-uses. The
document is intended to rationalise the range of requirements currently
used in different furniture Standards, and provide a commentary on each
requirement.
EN 15372 Furniture. Strength, durability and safety.
Requirements for non-domestic tables
Requirements may need to be adapted to suit different product groups
and end-uses as necessary.
Both Standards are under revision to reflect new test methods.
First enquiry has completed and these should have been sent for
formal vote by the end of 2014, although there are a large number of
comments on both Standards.
The rationale is not intended to be used for products for use with/by
children under 3 years old where reference should be made to PD CEN/
TR 13387 2004 Child use and care articles. Safety Guidelines.
www.fira.co.uk
As a member of the Association, there
are several ways your organisation can
benefit from membership:
The term gas lift was replaced by pressure tube as this Standard only
looks at this element of the mechanism.
EN 15706 Hardware for furniture - Strength and durability of
slide fittings for sliding doors and roll fronts.
EN 12727 Furniture. Ranked seating. Requirements for safety,
strength and durability
15
Surface finishes
EN 1335-2 Office furniture - Office work chair - Part 2: Safety
requirements
Contract furniture
Making the most of your membership
Phil Reynolds, Director of the Furniture Industry
Research Association, said: “The Association aims to
support the furniture industry by providing technical
information which helps with business planning and
strategy. Our members have direct access to our
world-renowned resources and technical expertise,
both through our highly specialist experts and through
the vast amount of technical and business information
we make available on our website.”
www.fira.co.uk
All information correct at time of going to press
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