February 2015

Flame Retardant Science and the Furniture Industry:

A Success Story

BIFMA Overview Flammability Trends

BIFMA Position California TB-117-2013 Smolder Standard

SB-1019 Labeling California TB-133 Open Flame Standard

Agenda

• Founded in 1973

• Nearly 300 members are producers, suppliers, and other service providers of office and institutional furniture

• Develops voluntary product and industry standards

• Advocates for legislation and government regulation of the industry

• Publishes key industry statistics

BIFMA

We develop voluntary product and industry standards that support safe, healthy and sustainable environments; publish key industry statistics; advocate for legislation and government regulation that have a direct impact on the health of the industry; and facilitate meaningful dialog and education to support our core services and the industry we serve.

BIFMA

Historically we have heard:

• Men • Alcohol • Smoking

“Cooking is, and has long been, the leading cause of home structure fires and civilian home fire injuries.” “Several studies have found that frying dominated the cooking fire problem.” NFPA Journal March/April 2013 “More than one in every four office property fires were caused by cooking equipment…” NFPA Journal Sept./Oct. 2013

What are Leading Causes of Fires?

Trends: Why the Drop in Fires? Smoking-related fires have fallen 66% from 1980 to 2008. NFPA Journal – Nov/Dec 2010

• Fewer people smoking. • Bans on smoking. • Technology – detectors / sprinklers • “Fire-safe” cigarette legislation.

“Fire-safe cigarette laws have contributed to a 30% decline in smoking-material fire deaths from 2003 to 2011.” NFPA Journal Nov/Dec 2013

Residential fires per hour: 43.5 Public Assembly fires per hour: 1.4 Educational fires per hour: 0.6 Institutional fires per hour: 0.7 Stores / Offices fires per hour: 2.0 (no deaths per day listed for the above non-residential) Source: NFPA

2012 U.S. Fire Rates

NFPA Fire Loss in the U.S. September 2013 Report

1. Fire Safety Education 2. Smoke Detectors 3. Residential Sprinklers 4. Fire Safe Products

• Child-resistant lighters • Fire-safe cigarettes • Electronic cigarettes • Resistant to cigarette ignitions

5. Address Needs of High-Risk Groups

Fire Safety Strategy – Big Picture

Initial Position Papers prior to 2012 spoke of fire safety and environmental safety regarding flame retardant chemicals. After workshops with the Green Science Policy Institute and market pressure, the BIFMA Flammability Subcommittee added emphasis to environmental safety in March of 2012. “…BIFMA strongly supports the elimination of fire retardant chemicals of concern in all manufactured products.” Aligns with the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard

BIFMA Position Paper

Customers are aware of concerns with Fire Retardant Chemicals. For Example – Chicago Tribune - May 6, 2012 – “Playing with fire.” Leading-edge clients are asking manufacturers to not use Fire Retardant Chemicals of Concern. Reference ANSI/BIFMA e3-2014 Furniture Sustainability – Annex B. Some are now proposing boycotts of furniture containing Fire Retardant Chemicals. “Healthcare Giants Boycott Furniture Containing Flame Retardants.” (EBN)

Commercial Furniture Customers

BIFMA supported development of the revision from TB-117 to TB-117-2013. We worked with Californian’s and other stakeholder Associations in 2012 and 2013. The transition period of one year was reasonable for our industry. We understand members have or are transitioning to remove Fire Retardant chemicals from foam and textile materials.

TB-117-2013 Smolder Standard

BIFMA desired that only those continuing to use Fire Retardant chemicals should label. The transition time allowed of only 3 months for SB-1019 created issues within the furniture industry. We looked forward to improved clarity regarding what constitutes a Fire Retardant chemical.

SB-1019 Label Law

A smaller percentage of the market as compared to TB-117-2013, however, generally more Fire-Retardant chemicals are necessary to meet this standard. The allowance for sprinkled facilities to use TB-117-2013 we believe to be appropriate. Some jurisdictions do not permit this allowance. Boston is a primary example. Given the safe commercial environments, some think this standard may be unnecessary. This is not a manufacturing nor customer friendly solution.

TB-133 Open Flame Standard

Office environments are safe with respect to flammability Open flame test TB-133 limits designs and materials Open flame test TB-133 typically requires the use of fire retardant chemicals of concern

• Manufacturers seek to minimize / eliminate chemicals of concern • BIFMA Position Paper and ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard

A barrier solution for a mattress is very different than for furniture TB-133 costs 10% to 100% more Full scale testing to TB-133 is very expensive at approx. $1,000 per test (product + testing) BIFMA supports the TB-117-2013 smolder standard

BIFMA Comments on Open Flame Proposals

• Fire statistics are becoming more favorable and the office environment is considered safe with respect to fire danger.

• Office Furniture customers are requesting furniture without flame retardant chemicals of concern. This is generally compatible with TB-117-2013; and not compatible with TB-133.

• BIFMA supports a ‘smolder’ ignition standard for upholstered furniture such as TB-117-2013.

Summary

BIFMA 678 Front Avenue NW, Suite 150

Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 285-3963

www.bifma.org

Thank You