HFPA concludes phase 1 of testing

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 3/26/2001 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK -The first phase of testing bed coverings for flammability has been completed, and the second phase is expected to be completed by May, according to Robert Leo, counsel to the Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA).

As part of the process, the American Textile Manufacturers Institute (ATMI) is assisting in funding the tests being developed by the National Institute of Standards at the request of the Consumer Products Safety Commission. CPSC requested the tests after the mattress industry's trade group, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), asked for bed coverings tests in relation to its own CPSC regulations, Leo explained.

At the same time, Leo added, CPSC has rejected the petition for bed coverings regulations from the National Association of Fire Marshals. CPSC also is working on regulations for open flame standards for mattresses, Leo added.

On a separate issue, Leo cautioned HFPA members that the Federal Trade Commission is stepping up enforcement of Care Label regulations including correct care symbols, country of origin and percentage of fibers used in each product.

The HFPA members elected Park B. Smith as president, succeeding Carl Goldstein of S. Lichtenberg. Other new officers are Julie Brady, Croscill, vp/ president-elect, Bob Dale, secretary and Thomas O'Connor, Springs, treasurer.

Newly elected to the board was Bob Levitt, Hollander Home Fashions. Re-elected to terms ending in 2003, were Smith, Brady, Dale, Dianne Morris, Bay Linens and Frank Foley, CHF Industries.