AFMA Workshop To Cover Latest Flammability Developments

Furniture World Magazine

The American Furniture Manufacturers Association’s annual update on flammability regulations and programs impacting upholstered furniture production is slated for March 18 in Greensboro. The seminar, at the Sheraton Four Seasons, is a not-to-be-missed educational opportunity for all manufacturers of upholstered furniture and suppliers of upholstery materials, such as batting, foam and fabrics. In addition to talks from leading authorities on flammability, the seminar will offer tabletop exhibits featuring products and materials. A cocktail reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on March 17 will welcome early arrivers. Dale Ray, project manager for upholstered furniture flammability at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, will review the commission’s latest activities related to a mandatory small open flame regulation for upholstered furniture. The CPSC has issued a 922-page briefing package that includes a draft small open flame testing protocol for upholstery fabrics and fire blocker interliners. Also, representatives from the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation will review the continuing efforts to revise California Technical Bulletin 117, the required flammability standard for upholstered furniture sold in California. Speakers are Lynn Morris, bureau chief, and John McCormack, manager of research and development. A new mattress standard that will impact all mattresses used in sofa-sleepers and futons also will be reviewed. Additional sessions include a review of inter-laboratory test results from the Alliance for the Polyurethane Industry and an update on fire blocker barrier development. The latter sessions feature a panel discussion with representatives from companies that are pursuing technology for fire blocker barriers, including Carpenter, DuPont, Hickory Springs, Intek, Jones Fiber Products and Leggett & Platt. The all-day workshop is $195 for AFMA members and $275 for non-members. The fee includes the reception on March 17, as well as lunch and breaks on March 18. For more information, call Bettie Thompson at AFMA, 336/884-5000, ext. 114.