Press releases
23 November 2006
Dangerous Furniture
Trading Standards Institute presses for tighter control on dangerous furniture.
The Trading Standards Institute announced today it is to hold talks with the Government and the Polish Embassy to try and stop potentially lethal furniture from flooding into Britain.
Much of the cut-price furniture ends up being sold on the black market but the public could be at serious risk because many of the sofas fail to meet strict UK safety standards.
David Hedley, Trading Standards Manager, at Newcastle City Council said: 'Always buy from a reputable dealer, never buy from someone cold calling.
Buying upholstered furniture from the back of a van or at car boot sale can cause serious problems for consumers. The furniture may not satisfy minimum safety requirements, and can be potentially very dangerous. If consumers realise there is a problem with the furniture, they will often find it difficult to track down trader to get their money back.'
Until there is an improvement, the sale of the furniture remains a worry for trading standards officers around the country.
Much of the furniture is being sold on the black market, exposing the most vulnerable members of society to the greatest risk.
Trading standards officers estimate that as many as half the sofas seized in the UK would fail the Furniture and Furnishing Fire Safety Regulations introduced in 1988.
Latest UK fire statistics show that in 2005, 348 people died in house fires, with 14,000 injured. In many of these cases burning furniture is thought to have been a major contributory factor.
Just how dangerous the furniture can be was graphically illustrated when a consignment of Polish sofas seized by trading standards officers in Havering was set on fire under controlled conditions.
The sofas burned within seconds of contact with a naked flame and just minutes later became a blazing inferno, emitting toxic smoke and fumes.
Under current UK legislation, new and second-hand upholstered furniture must be made of materials that resist fire. In most cases the furniture should have a swing tag showing a lighted match and cigarette, plus a permanent label giving production details.
ENDS
- The 37 sofas were seized at a warehouse in Rainham when trading standards officers from the London Borough of Havering followed up a complaint from a member of the public.
- The warehouse was issued with a suspension notice and the sofas were sent for testing. The samples failed the requirements for both filling and covering.
Consumer Direct North East's Top Tips for Buying Furniture
- If you notice a fault, contact the trader straight away to report the problem. It is the trader's responsibility to resolve the problem, not the manufacturer.
- If you visit the trader, take any proof of purchase with you. If you haven't got a receipt, you can use a copy of a credit card or bank statement as proof of purchase instead.
- If there is a problem with new furniture you've bought you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund depending on how long you've had the item.
- If you buy furniture or appliances on a credit agreement and there is something wrong with it, it is always a good idea to tell the finance company as well as the trader, as you may have additional protection.
- If the furniture or household appliance is damaged on delivery, write something on the delivery note and request the driver signs it. Although this isn't essential, it can help if the trader denies the damage was there. Take photos of any damage as well.
- All upholstered furniture, including second-hand items, must meet fire resistance standards.
- You are not legally entitled to a refund if you choose the wrong size or give the wrong measurements or simply change your mind about an item of furniture you've bought. So choose carefully!
- Many people order new three-piece suites in time for Christmas, check the delivery date will be in time.
