CPSC Final Rule Establishes a Flammability Standard for "Mattress Sets
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a final rule to add a new Part 1633 to 16 CFR in order to establish flammability (open flame) requirements that all "mattress sets" must meet before sale or introduction into commerce. The purpose of the flammability standard is to reduce deaths and injuries associated with mattress fires by limiting the size of the fire generated by a mattress set during a thirty-minute test.
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(The CPSC explains that a "mattress set" refers to either (1) a mattress and foundation, or (2) a mattress without any foundation.)
According to the CPSC, this final rule will become effective on July 1, 2007 and will apply to mattress sets manufactured, imported, or renovated on or after that date.
The CPSC notes that 16 CFR Part 1632 is an existing flammability standard directed toward cigarette ignition of mattresses whereas the new 16 CFR Part 1633 will cover mattress fires ignited by open flame sources, including matches, candles, lighters, and other related scenarios.
Mattress Sets Must Meet Two Test Criteria to Comply with Standard
With certain exceptions, the flammability standard requires manufacturers to test specimens of each of their mattress prototypes (designs) before mattresses based on that prototype may be introduced into commerce. The flammability standard prescribes a full-scale test using a pair of T-shaped gas burners designed to represent burning bedclothes.
The CPSC states that the mattress set (i) must not exceed a peak heat release rate of 200 kW at any time during a 30-minute test, and (ii) the total heat release for the first 10 minutes of the test must not exceed 15 megajoules.
The CPSC explains that mattresses that meet the flammability standard's criteria will make only a limited contribution to a fire, especially in the early stages of the fire-thus, allowing occupants more time to discover the fire and escape.
Scope and Definitions Concerning Mattress Sets
Among other things, the CPSC provides the following definitions in 16 CFR 1633.2 (partial list):
Mattress. Mattress means a resilient material or combination of materials enclosed by a ticking (used alone or in combination with other products) intended or promoted for sleeping upon. This includes mattresses that have undergone renovation as defined in CPSC's regulations. Mattress also includes, but is not limited to, adult mattresses, youth mattresses, crib mattresses (including portable crib mattresses), bunk bed mattresses, futons, flip chairs without a permanent back or arms, sleeper chairs, and water beds or air mattresses if they contain upholstery material between the ticking and the mattress core. Mattresses used in or as part of upholstered furniture are also included; examples are convertible sofa bed mattresses, corner group mattresses, day bed mattresses, roll-away bed mattresses, high risers, and trundle bed mattresses. (See CPSC's final rule for 16 CFR 1633.9 "Glossary of terms," for definitions of these items.)
Exclusions from definition of mattress. Mattress excludes mattress pads, mattress toppers (items with resilient filling, with or without ticking, intended to be used with or on top of a mattress), sleeping bags, pillows, liquid and gaseous filled tickings, such as water beds and air mattresses that contain no upholstery material between the ticking and the mattress core, upholstered furniture which does not contain a mattress, and juvenile product pads such as car bed pads, carriage pads, basket pads, infant carrier and lounge pads, dressing table pads, stroller pads, crib bumpers, and playpen pads. (See CPSC's final rule for 16 CFR 1633.9 "Glossary of terms", for definitions of these items.)
Foundation. Foundation means a ticking covered structure used to support a mattress or sleep surface. The structure may include constructed frames, foam, box springs, or other materials, used alone or in combination.
Mattress set. Means either a mattress and foundation labeled by the manufacturer for sale as a set, or a mattress labeled by the manufacturer for sale without any foundation.
(See CPSC's final rule for further information including definitions of renovation, ticking, prototype pooling; prototype testing requirements, quality assurance requirements, mattress test procedure, labeling requirements, etc.)
See ITT's Online Archives or 01/25/05 news, 05012520, for BP summary of the proposed rule on the flammability (open flame) standard for mattress sets.)
CPSC contact - Jason Hartman (301) 504-7591
CPSC final rule (FR Pub 03/15/06) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-2206.pdf
CPSC press release (06-091, dated 02/16/06) available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06091.html