Fire retardant cert for furniture - is it a LEGAL requirement??

[David]

I own a restaurant which contains lots of old and reclaimed furniture.  is it a legal requirement to hold a fire resistance certificate?

It has been mentioned in a recent FRA and that the risk was 'tolerable'.

thanks

[Tom Sutton]

There is no specific legislation to cover this situation and no legal requirement to hold a fire resistance certificate but article 4 sub article of The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which states "measures to reduce the risk of fire on the premises and the risk of the spread of fire on the premises" As the Responsible Person you are required to implement this and the best way to achieve this is to when purchasing upholstered furniture is to require it meets  BS7176: 2007 medium hazard with documented proof.

In your case the upholstered furniture needs to be assessed regarding the fire risk and decide if the risk can be eliminated, reduced or acceptable, also have document proof if possible. It seems to have been assess by a fire risk assessor but I do not understand what is meant by 'tolerable' can be eliminated, reduced or is it acceptable?

Check out  Fire safety of furniture and furnishings in the contract and non-domestic sectors