TB 133 has been repealed by California’s Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, effective January 22, 2019.
The California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) amended California’s furniture flammability regulations with the repeal of Technical Bulletin 133 (TB 133), effective January 22, 2019.
Enacted in1991, TB 133 established flammability requirements for upholstered seating used in public occupancies including hospitals, nursing homes jails, children’s day care centers, public auditoriums and stadiums, and assembly areas.
In recent years TB 133 was criticized by the industry for its mandated “open flame” test procedure. Deemed too severe, many manufactures reluctantly utilized flame retardants; a practice generally discouraged due to higher costs and possible health impacts.
With the repeal of TB 133, upholstered public occupancy seating shall meet the requirements of California’s other flammability standards, Technical Bulletin 116 (TB 116) and Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117).
Note, upholstered furniture conforming to the requirements of Section TB 116 and TB 117 shall have a label permanently attached to the article, in plain view. The minimum size of the label shall be 2 x 3 inches and the minimum size of the type shall be one-eighth of an inch in height. All type shall be in capital letters.
Next step:
Open flame test for upholstered furniture (TB 133) is no longer needed. However, upholstered furniture still need to meet applicable requirements of TB 116 and TB 117.
Throughout our global network of laboratories, we are able to provide a range of services, including analytical testing and consultancy for flame retardants in consumer products for the US and international markets. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
For enquiries, please contact:
Piyush Shah
Technical Director (Hardlines)
t: +1 (973) 461-7953
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