New European Standard Issued on Flammability of Children’s Nightwear
August 2007 (07B-143)
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EN 14878:2007 “Textiles – Burning Behaviour of Children’s Nightwear – Specification” is a new standard that addresses the fire safety hazards associated with children’s nightwear.
Although this is a voluntary standard in the EU, it is currently under review for publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) under the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC). If this happens, manufacturers/retailers will need to comply with the standard to fulfil the general product safety requirement. Prior to publication in the OJEU, this standard may still be used by enforcement authorities (see implementation of the standard below).
The standard covers all types of nightwear, including nightdresses, nightshirts, pyjamas, dressing gowns, and bath robes. It provides requirements for the maximum burn rate acceptable for different categories of nightwear garments (see more detail below), and also places responsibility on the manufacturer to ensure that any flame retardant chemicals used are effective throughout the life of the garment and do not present a health hazard. |
Behind the Standard
Accident statistics show that children particularly are at risk of burning, especially when wearing loose fitting garments such as nightdresses and dressing gowns. Common causes of accidents are use of cooking appliances, sitting too close to a fire, use of matches or smoking materials, and proximity to candles. The flammability standard was prepared under a mandate given to the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) by the European Commission to regulate adult’s nightwear as well as children’s nightwear.
Flammability Requirements of the Standard
The testing methods required by EN 14878 are based upon EN 1103, Textiles Fabrics for Apparel – Detailed Procedure to Determining the Burning Behaviour, but without any prior washing. Under the new standard there are different Classes with specific requirements for each type of nightwear as follows:
Class A – All nightwear (except pyjamas)
 There shall be no surface flash
The 3rd marker thread (520 mm) must not be severed in less than 15 seconds.
Class B – Pyjamas
There shall be no surface flash.
Either the 3rd marker thread (529 mm) must not be severed in less than 10 seconds, plus design criteria must be met (including hem circumference, sleeve cuff, and bottom trouser width dimension);
Or the burn rate from Class A is applicable without the design criteria.
Class C – Babies’ nightwear (up to 6 months)
No criteria
Implementation of the Standard
Member States have up until November 2007 to publish this standard nationally, and from this point it may be called up by enforcement authorities. Any conflicting national standard has to be withdrawn by November 2008.
Existing legislation in any EU country must still be complied with (e.g., UK, Ireland) and the requirements of these legislations are more stringent with regards to burn rate, washing before testing and labelling. There are, however, additional aspects covered by the new standard, including: no surface flash, and requirements for terry towelling bathrobes and pyjamas and children’s nightwear from age 13-14.
How to Comply with EN 14878
Bureau Veritas offers full testing and advisory services on the new standard, the existing UK and Irish Nightwear (Fire)(Safety) Regulations, and implications of these requirements for your business.
In addition, we may be able to arrange training/demonstrations covering the new standard and many other aspects of apparel standards and testing. Please contact us directly for details.
Bureau Veritas: An Industry Leader in Apparel Flammability Testing
With experienced technical professionals in the area of flammability testing, we are committed to assisting industry in reducing the hazards and risks associated with the flammability of nightwear and other textile items.
As an active member of the BS Committee for Textiles and Apparel, Bureau Veritas has participated in the development of this new standard along with other members of the group which included suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors.
Bureau Veritas continues to be involved in the development of future standards relating to the flammability of apparel and textiles including home furnishings.
Comprehensive Flammability Testing Services Available
In addition to testing for this new standard and existing regulations in the UK and Ireland, we test to many other flammability standards including:
16 CFR 1610, Flammability of Clothing Textiles
16 CFR 1615/16, Flammability of Children’s Sleepwear
ISO 6940 and 6941, Ease of Ignition, Flame Spread Rate
EN 1103, Flammability of Fabrics for Apparel
EN 12952 Parts 1-4, Ignitability of Bedding Items
EN 13772/EN 13773, Curtains Tests and Classification
EN 597, Mattresses and Bed Bases
BS 4790, Hot Metal Nut Test for Carpets
All tests required by the UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations (BS 5852)
Please contact us directly for details.
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ON THE HORIZON:
Revision of BS 7907: Mechanical Safety of Children's Clothing
Bureau Veritas have been closely involved in the revision of this standard aiming to make it more user-friendly, unambiguous, and helpful to customers in meeting the requirements of the General Product Safety Directive for their products. The standard is currently out for public comment and publication is expected towards the end of 2007.
Key points include:
New sections on hazards and risk.
Test methods for security of attachment of components/
Embellishments.
Recommendations for levels of security of attachment.
Clarification of requirements for different age groups.
For more information, contact your Program Manager or Anne Whineray on: +(44) 116 278 5514 or anne.whineray@ uk.bureauveritas.com |
Contact Information
Please contact your program manager or Natu Dhokia, Flammability Technologist, at + (44) 116-278-5514 or natu.dholkia@uk.bureauveritas.com
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