FIRE
RESISTANCE REGULATIONS
FIRE RESISTANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION
Questions and Answers
What
are the regulations?
Under
the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations
1988 (as amended in 1989 and 1993) it is an offence
to "supply" furniture as part of a rented furnished
accommodation which does not comply with the Fire Resistance
Requirements contained in Regulation 14.
Must I change all of my furniture?
Since
1996 your furniture and furnishings must comply with
the regulations.
Are there any exemptions to the regulations?
Yes,
all furniture manufactured before 1 January 1950 is
exempt.
Which of my furniture and furnishings fall within these regulations?
All
upholstered furniture and loose fittings, upholstery,
permanent and loose covers, beds, mattresses, pillows,
scatter cushions and bean bags.
Are curtains and carpets included?
No.
Under the current regulations there is no requirement
for them to carry a fire resistance certificate.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
If
found guilty this offence carries a punishment of six
months imprisonment or a "level 5" fine, currently
£5,000 or both.
How do I know if my furniture and furnishings comply?
You
must check all your receipts. Furniture bought before
1988 may well not comply. Furniture bought after this
date from reputable manufactures should meet with the
requirements. If in doubt at all the furniture should
be replaced.
All
new furnishings should display the following swing tickets
depending on their ratings. They are also required to
be fitted with permanent labels which must be securely
attached to the furniture. Each affected piece of furniture
must have an attached label.
The
permanent label must display the following information.
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