The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has raised concerns that the UK Government's plan to deregulate furniture safety standards might lead to the loss of numerous lives annually.
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Under current regulations, manufacturers must subject all furniture to independent flammability testing, estimated to save 50 to 70 lives yearly. However, proposed changes to a voluntary system could erase decades of safety progress.
FBU's general secretary, Matt Wrack, highlighted the risk of allowing potentially hazardous furniture to be sold without mandatory flammability tests. The emergence of fire hazards like lithium batteries emphasises the need for more—not less—regulation. The Government appears more focused on profit than public safety.
Additionally, according to Wrack the Government's plans for the Fire and Rescue Service lack adequate resources and standards. Proposed measures, though slightly softened, still pose risks and challenge firefighter voices. Wrack emphasised the need to oppose further cuts to the Fire Service and to ensure firefighters' opinions are heard.
Source: www.fsmatters.com