Union warns that plan could lead to deaths annually if implemented.

The devastating effects of house fires can be seen in the burnt out remains of a home. The Fire Brigades Union has voiced their alarm as the government is considering plans to scrap furniture safety tests, citing they could risk dozens of lives each year.

Under the current regulations, home furnishings must undergo independent testing for flammability. These rules are estimated to save between 50 to 70 lives annually, yet the government has proposed scrapping these rules for a voluntary regime instead.

The Fire Brigades Union have suggested this shift is an act of deregulation and warned of the potential consequences of doing so. General Secretary Matt Wrack said: “As members of the public shop for furniture in this year’s Boxing Day sales, they should be aware the UK government is planning to scrap crucial safety regulations on furniture. The Westminster government wants to scrap mandatory flammability tests for furniture, opening the door for manufacturers to sell furniture that may be hazardous. Research shows that the current regulations save 50 to 70 lives every single year. The Fire Brigades Union fought for decades to put them in place.”

During the winter months, homes can present a number of potential fire hazards. It is important to ensure that all electrical sockets are not overloaded and that any open fireplaces, gas and electric heaters are turned off before bed. Faulty appliances can also pose a risk, as can candles if they are easily knocked over.

A number of tragic events have shown how deadly house fires can be. Earlier this year a house fire in Hounslow killed six people, and the Grenfell Tower disaster claimed the lives of over 70 people in June 2017.

It is vital that the government seriously consider the potential consequences of scrapping furniture safety tests. Matt Wrack concluded: “The arrival of lithium batteries and other hazards points to the need for more regulation, not less. But the UK government is putting the interests of profit and big business over the safety of the rest of us. We had hoped that the Grenfell Tower disaster would make ministers wake up to the dangers of profit driven de-regulation. It seems they have learned nothing. Ministers must think again.”

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]