Flammability workshop set March 5
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 18, 2002
HIGH POINT — Upholstered furniture makers and materials suppliers can learn about the latest flammability issues at a workshop offered by the American Furniture Manufacturers Assn. on March 5 in Greensboro, N.C.
In addition to talks by leading authorities, the seminar will feature exhibits of products and materials. A cocktail reception on March 4 will welcome early arrivers.
Speakers include Dale Ray of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which continues to move toward possible mandatory regulations for small open flame ignition of upholstery. The CPSC recently issued a 922-page briefing protocol for upholstery fabrics and fire-blocker interliners.
Pamela Rivette, bureau chief for the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, and John McCormack, the bureau's manager of research and development, will review current activity and possible draft proposals for fabrics, foams and battings.
Ed Gerken, chairman of the Upholstered Furniture Action Council, will describe UFAC's work, and Kurt Reimann of BASF will review small-scale upholstered furniture flammability tests. Lou Peters of the Polyurethane Foam Assn. will review tests on the effect of fire-retardant additives on foam.
The 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. workshop costs $185 for AFMA members and $250 for non-members. For information, call Bettie Thompson at (336) 884-5000, ext. 114.
