AFMA sponsors update seminar

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/5/2001 12:00:00 AM

GREENSBORO, NC -The American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA) is sponsoring an update seminar on the latest flammability regulations and programs for decorative and upholstery fabrics at the Sheraton Four Seasons here on March 5 to 6.

The regulations and proposed new regulations affect upholstered furniture manufacturing in the United States, Canada and Europe, which also affect all decorative and upholstery fabrics used for other manufactured products, retail fabric sales and interior design showrooms.

AFMA keeps abreast of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) activities as well as state and international activities concerning flammability and will present the latest information.

The roster of speakers includes Dale Ray, project manager of upholstered furniture flammability at CPSC, who will review the report by the National Academy of Sciences on the toxicity of flame retardants and CPSC activities including CPSC's testing device.

Karen Hatchel and John McCormick of California's Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation will review the state's efforts to revise its Technical Bulletin #117, the state's flammability standard. Hugh Talley of Hugh Talley Co. will explain current basic flammability tests and attempt to alleviate the confusion about which tests apply in what geographic area of the United States. In addition, Warner Fox and Michael Goldman from Hawkins & Parnell in Atlanta will address legal strategies with regard to flammability issues.

For further information, contact AFMA's Joe Ziolkowski at (336) 884-5000, extension 138.