IS UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE A FLAMMABLE SOLID?

摘要

Fire codes regulate locations containing large amounts of flammable solids as hazardous locations. Hazardous locations must comply with severe requirements in terms of construction, compartmentation and sprinkler protection. A little-known fire test, administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is used to determine whether or not a material is a flammable solid. This test was used to assess the fire performance of a number of polyurethane foams. Results of the fire testing indicate that non fire retarded polyurethane foam is a flammable solid. This has led to considerations as to the appropriate fire protection for furniture showrooms and warehouses, as well as to code proposals. Alternate options include requirements that all polyurethane foams used in upholstered furniture be fire retarded. The present work discusses recent developments.