California Repeals TB 133 for Seating Furniture Used in Public Spaces

GENEVA - Feb. 19, 2019 - PRLog -- California's furniture flammability regulations were amended, as of January 22, 2019, with the repeal of Technical Bulletin 133 (TB 133). The repeal was issued by the Californian Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI).

TB 133 was enacted in 1991. It established flammability requirements for upholstered seating used in public settings. For example:

·         - Hospitals

·         - Nursing homes

·         - Jails

·         - Children's day care centers

·         - Public auditoriums and stadiums

·         - Assembly areas

The repeal follows industry criticism for its mandated "open flame" test. This was deemed too severe because it encouraged the use of flame retardants – something many manufacturers resist due to high costs and possible health implications.

After the repeal, upholstered seating used in public areas must now comply with:

·         - Technical Bulletin 116 (TB 116)

·         - Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117)

Stakeholders should be aware these technical bulletins require compliant furniture to include a permanently attached label, visible in plain view. Its minimum size must be 2 x 3 inches, with a typeface made of capital letters and no less than one-eighth of an inch in height.

SGS Furniture Services

SGS helps you deliver well-designed, functional, durable and safe products to your customers. We have the furniture industry, regulatory and technical expertise to check your products' compliance against relevant standards and/or your own specifications. Learn more about SGS's Furniture (http://www.sgs.com/furniture) Services.

For further information contact:

Piyush Shah

Technical Director (Hardlines)

Tel: +1 (973) 461-7953

Email: crs.media@sgs.com

Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines

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