2003 Advisories and Alerts
Mattress and Upholstery Flammability Update
A number of hospitals have received a notice regarding flammability requirements for mattresses and upholstery. The notice cites specific sections of the NFPA Life Safety Code (LSC) pertaining to this issue. It is important that you thoroughly review these LSC sections to assist your administrator and/or purchasing professionals in appropriately meeting all fire safety requirements. ASHE has developed the following talking points to assist you in your review. You should also assess if there are additional state or local requirements for mattresses and upholstery.
- The 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code was adopted by CMS in 2003. CMS surveys facilities for fire safety as a part of the Conditions of Participation (COP). Specific assessment items are known as "K tags". K74 addresses mattresses and upholstered furniture - it pertains to "Newly introduced upholstered furniture and mattresses" and states "Newly introduced upholstered furniture and mattresses means purchased since March, 2003". So, first, this is not retroactive - it is for new purchases after March 2003.
- K74 goes on to say for mattresses and upholstered furniture purchased after 3/03 - it must meet the LSC criteria in sections 10.3.2 (3) and 10.3.4, as well as occupancy chapters' 18.7.5.3 and 19.7.5.3.
- The criteria for the burn testing is in section 10.3.3 - 10.3.4 - this gives the specific testing standards that must be met "unless the furniture is located in a room or space protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system" (same language for mattress)
- Section 19.7.5 deals with these items - but provides an exception for nursing homes provided that the items are patient owned and the sleeping room has a smoke detector.