Citizens for Fire Safety Institute Calls for New Fire Safety Standard

Asks Governor and Legislature to Update and Toughen 70’s Era Test and include Tough Measure to Block Illegal Imports

SACRAMENTO – On the eve of a legislative hearing on California’s fire safety standard, Citizens for Fire Safety Institute (CFFSI) has joined a host of environmental and business groups in calling for the review and updating of TB 117, the flammability standard. 

“This standard which was created in the late 1970’s is due for a review,” says a representative from CFFSI. “We believe that tough standards for fire safety must be maintained, and it’s our hope that the Governor and his administration will seek to find any and all safe and effective options to meet or exceed the current standard. We look forward to participating in the process.”

The group, which will be testifying on June 26thbefore the California State Assembly also called upon the legislature to address the growing problem of importation of illegal fire retardant products that are prohibited in the US.  Every year illegal and banned substances used in furniture and other products sold by major retailers come in from foreign countries.  These banned products have been shown to be in the environment and since US-based manufacturers have not produced them for many years, they can only be traced to illegal importation.

TB 117 has been shown by numerous studies to be an effective fire safety tool, and we support its use and realize that tough safety standards must be maintained.   We encourage the state agencies and Governor to look at other rigorous standards including the standard in Great Britain to protect the state's citizens.  How manufacturers meet the existing or a new standard is not at issue, in fact we encourage the State of California to look at all effective options during the review process.

Citizens For Fire Safety Institute
(877) 603-2337
info@cffsi.org

Tags: