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All furniture manufactures should adhere to safety regulations...unfortunately not all do!

The Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations 1988 (amended 1989 and 1993), governing the safety of furniture, have been in place for many years. Most responsible manufacturers adhere to these regulations, which were drawn up to ensure that furniture does not cause injury or harm to those using it. In the case of upholstered items, such as sofas or mattresses, there are stringent guidelines to be followed in their manufacture. Each item must have a sewn-in label in place declaring that the product complies with fire safety standards. The materials used should be fire-resistant and should not give off dangerous fumes and gases which, in furniture of the past, were responsible for most deaths in house fires.

When buying a sofa, choosing a well-known reliable supplier is crucial. They will have ensured that every sofa they have for sale complies with the current fire safety standards. Check that the item has a sewn-in label; in the case of a sofa, this will usually be found under every seat cushion. Do not purchase second-hand furniture unless it carries the sewn-in label. Older furniture may not comply with the latest safety guidelines and may not seem such a bargain in the event of a fire. Avoid buying any sofas that have been made abroad; there are many rogue manufacturers offering cheap furniture which has not been tested for fire safety, let alone met the high standards required. In some countries, standards may not exist at all.

Auction sites that have evolved due to the advent of the internet sell many items of furniture, both second-hand and new. Most sellers will act responsibly and describe the item honestly. Always ask if it complies with fire safety standards, and ask to see a photo of the sewn-in label. It’s a good idea to ask for the manufacturer’s name so that you can check that they are bona-fide and operate under the current guidelines.

The safety of the materials used in the manufacture of items such as beds and sofas are of utmost importance. Those materials that do not comply can, in the case of fire, emit dangerous deadly fumes, and gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide. In many house fires, victims have succumbed to these fumes long before the actual fire became a danger to them.

When choosing a sofa, it’s a good idea to make safety a paramount condition. By choosing a reputable manufacturer and supplier, you will ensure that, along with comfort and style, your new sofa will not put you and your family in harm’s way. Here at sofasofa, we guarantee to always consider our customer safety and well being first!