National Textile Association Testifies on Flammability Legislation
BOSTON, July 13, 2004--The National Textile Association's Textile Bedding Committee filed written comments with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on July 14 opposing the American Home Fire Safety Act (S. 1798). The AHFSA would require that filled bedding products, like comforters and pillows, resist burning by passing a flammability test that is still under development at California's Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation. The regulation would become effective 90 days after passage of the bill.
NTA's comments point out the constructive work that has taken place between California and textile bedding manufacturers, and clarifies that it is not opposed to science-based, reasonable flammability regulations as illustrated by the positive work with California's Office of Consumer Affairs.
NTA's Upholstery Fabrics Committee provided supportive testimony at the hearing through a statement presented by the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. The committee supports the draft mandatory furniture flammability regulation under development by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is also included in the bill.
The Upholstery Fabrics Committee will continue to be an active participant as the furniture flammability rule is being formally developed later this year. The committee recently completed a round robin evaluation of a fabric classification test method, which is a vital part of the draft regulation and plans to present the results of the study to the commission later this summer.
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