Does your couch meet Federal standards?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Lucky
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Aegion
Originally posted by: digitalsm
Yes user error. Those cigarettes could have just as easily caught other things on fire as well.
Its alot harder to set a solid oak chair on fire with a cigarette, electrical shorts and other events can generate the same effect. If nothing else, certain highly flamible fabrics probably shouldn't be used on upholstered furniture. The fact is most consumers are not going to be aware which particular fabrics easily catch fire and burn, so an argument can be made the government should set in an set certain standards in this instance.

So, the gov't is supposed to once again protect us from ourselves?

Wow - it's a chair. Don't get it hot and you won't get hurt.

CkG


I agree, but there's more to it. say some idiot ignites the couch on accident and the entire apartment complex goes up in flames. bunch of people die and several hundred homeless. When it comes to fire it really affects more than just yourself.

I understand that but is it not the responsibility of the user to keep flames away from CLOTH? Why make the manufacturer responsible for the enduser's "accident". Do we really need to have regulations about this?
To me this issue is more about a need for more common sense than for more gov't regulation.

CkG
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
3
0
Originally posted by: Zebo
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Furniture Fire-Safety Rules Considered

Wild - I didn't know we needed to be protected from our own funiture like this.:p

Why am I not suprised by this: "California already has furniture-flammability rules."

Anyone here a fire resistant funiture advocate?

CkG

Sounds like something put in place to stop the little guy from making furniture.
The type of Funiture the little guy makes is already flame resistant because 9 out of 10 times it is made out of hardwood.

Frankly I don't have a problem with this.

 

rjain

Golden Member
May 1, 2003
1,475
0
0
CAD: the issue is that there is a "crime" involved, in that others are harmed by the idiot's negligence. Once the "crime" is committed, all the neighbors have already suffered greatly, and some might have even died. It's the same idea as car safety regulations. Your brakes better be designed well and certified because otherwise you might crash into the car in front of you. Sure, you shouldn't have been driving so fast that your brakes couldn't provide the power needed to stop in time, but it's a small price to pay for a lot more safety.
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: rjain
CAD: the issue is that there is a "crime" involved, in that others are harmed by the idiot's negligence. Once the "crime" is committed, all the neighbors have already suffered greatly, and some might have even died. It's the same idea as car safety regulations. Your brakes better be designed well and certified because otherwise you might crash into the car in front of you. Sure, you shouldn't have been driving so fast that your brakes couldn't provide the power needed to stop in time, but it's a small price to pay for a lot more safety.

Let's regulate and Legislate the crap out of everything.

Let's put a Law in place of the duration and depth of inhalation of air to limit the amount of hot air exhaled.

 

Fencer128

Platinum Member
Jun 18, 2001
2,700
1
91
Hi,

Afraid I couldn't read the article as I didn't fill in all the details, etc. but as a side point, we've had furniture regs in the UK for many years now. Regulations on the type of materials that can be used as fillers primarily. This was in response to people dying due to toxic smoike inhalation caused by burning foam padding. It turns out that there is a cheap much safer substitute that the manufacturers switched to. So, people saved from death and manufacturers don't lose money. Couldn't see the problem with that particular piece of "nanny state" regulation - I actually applaud it.

There may well be other regs as well, many pieces of furniture are labelled fire resistant. I believe this to mean that the fabrics have been chemically treated. Again no bad thing IMHO. Is this the kind of thing talked about in the arguement? If so, why do so many of you have a problem with it, I mean fires do start accidentally (it's not like everyone who burns/suffocates to death is stupidly having a bar-b-que on their sofa).

Cheers,

Andy

EDIT: Just read it, it seems a good idea to me. Lots of accidental deaths avoided! I like the idea that my sofa will do it's best not to kill me if it sets alight - it's also good to know that every sofa I can choose from has this feature.
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
It's common sense that is lacking - not gov't regulation.

That being said - I think the gov't should issue everyone these...and just a few of these...just incase...so we don't hurt ourselves or "others" by being a forgetfull asshat who starts a fire with a candle or cigarette.

Oh, and this might be comfy smoking chair - probably should remove the flammable cushion though;)

:p:D

CkG
 

rjain

Golden Member
May 1, 2003
1,475
0
0
Originally posted by: dmcowen674
Originally posted by: rjain
CAD: the issue is that there is a "crime" involved, in that others are harmed by the idiot's negligence. Once the "crime" is committed, all the neighbors have already suffered greatly, and some might have even died. It's the same idea as car safety regulations. Your brakes better be designed well and certified because otherwise you might crash into the car in front of you. Sure, you shouldn't have been driving so fast that your brakes couldn't provide the power needed to stop in time, but it's a small price to pay for a lot more safety.
Let's regulate and Legislate the crap out of everything.

Let's put a Law in place of the duration and depth of inhalation of air to limit the amount of hot air exhaled.
So do you oppose safety regulations or are you just making a ridiculous comment because you can't think of anything helpful to say? If one person can do something that harms another, isn't it a good idea to try to prevent that from happening? Is gun safety regulation bad? It's easier to kill many people by burning down a whole apartment building with a cigarette than by accidentally firing a shotgun.
 

Red Dawn

Elite Member
Jun 4, 2001
57,529
3
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
It's common sense that is lacking - not gov't regulation.

That being said - I think the gov't should issue everyone these...and just a few of these...just incase...so we don't hurt ourselves or "others" by being a forgetfull asshat who starts a fire with a candle or cigarette.

Oh, and this might be comfy smoking chair - probably should remove the flammable cushion though;)

:p:D

CkG
Well dude if we could regulate common sense then we wouldn't need these other regulations but unfortunately (or fortunately) we can't. I sure don't want to burn to death because some drunk fscktard in the Downstairs APT fell asleep in his recliner with a lit Smoke! I think you are chipping your teeth over nothing
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: Red Dawn
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
It's common sense that is lacking - not gov't regulation.

That being said - I think the gov't should issue everyone these...and just a few of these...just incase...so we don't hurt ourselves or "others" by being a forgetfull asshat who starts a fire with a candle or cigarette.

Oh, and this might be comfy smoking chair - probably should remove the flammable cushion though;)

:p:D

CkG
Well dude if we could regulate common sense then we wouldn't need these other regulations but unfortunately (or fortunately) we can't. I sure don't want to burn to death because some drunk fscktard in the Downstairs APT fell asleep in his recliner with a lit Smoke! I think you are chipping your teeth over nothing


No, I'm just saying that with all this regulation isn't going to promote common sense. People will still burn down their apts because they are stupid or whatnot - regardless of this new regulation. I don't oppose safety standards but enough's enough already.

I just spent all day yesterday putting colored fscking tape around all of our extention cords and electrical equipment here at work(in the shop) because of stupid ass regulatory "safety" commisions. Whoo hoo, so all my stuff has orange, brown, or some other color tape on it so we inspect it on the correct month according to the color code chart
rolleye.gif
Hey I got an idea - when it's broken - fix it! If a cord got some insulation cut - fix it. Oh wait - that might be common sense.
Also - this assinine MSDS book. IT's an OFFICE for cripes sakes. Why do I need a spec sheet for my white-out? For the shop - I don't see a problem(because there is paint, cutting oils, and the like) , but for here in the office too? It's crap like this that is so absolutely assine it makes me sick.
If they'd make better laws - then I wouldn't bitch as much but this on top of all the rest just riles me up. People need to take more responsibility for themselves. Yes we could possibly save people from a dumbass - but at what cost? Do we regulate everything that might affect you because of a dumbass?

CkG
 

rjain

Golden Member
May 1, 2003
1,475
0
0
At least we can make it harder for them to burn down other peoples' homes through their stupidity. We do the same thing with building codes. Do you want to have to inspect all the aspects of your apartment building to make sure it's actually halfway safe to live in? Do you want to have to inspect all the cars you see on the road to make sure they won't just blow up when they're passing you?
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: rjain
At least we can make it harder for them to burn down other peoples' homes through their stupidity. We do the same thing with building codes. Do you want to have to inspect all the aspects of your apartment building to make sure it's actually halfway safe to live in? Do you want to have to inspect all the cars you see on the road to make sure they won't just blow up when they're passing you?

Yep - more extremes to try to excuse over-regulation.

Hey - my cloths are pretty burnable - maybe the clothing industry should make all of our clothes flame-resistant too. I'm sure the silk shirt wearers:)Q) won't like that too much;)

I already see WAY too much regulation - this furniture one just adds to the pile.

CkG
 

rbV5

Lifer
Dec 10, 2000
12,632
0
0
Seems reasonable to me, especially concerning imports. I suppose some of you all were opposed to sprinkler systems in apartment buildings and flamability rules for childrens clothing too?
 

rjain

Golden Member
May 1, 2003
1,475
0
0
clothing is hardly a huge fire hazard to those who don't wear it. we're talking about burning down a building here, not burning your shirt.
 

Ldir

Platinum Member
Jul 23, 2003
2,184
0
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: rjain
At least we can make it harder for them to burn down other peoples' homes through their stupidity. We do the same thing with building codes. Do you want to have to inspect all the aspects of your apartment building to make sure it's actually halfway safe to live in? Do you want to have to inspect all the cars you see on the road to make sure they won't just blow up when they're passing you?

Yep - more extremes to try to excuse over-regulation.

Hey - my cloths are pretty burnable - maybe the clothing industry should make all of our clothes flame-resistant too. I'm sure the silk shirt wearers:)Q) won't like that too much;)

I already see WAY too much regulation - this furniture one just adds to the pile.

CkG

When business commits to providing safe products on their own we will not need so many regulations.
 

Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
19
81
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: rjain
At least we can make it harder for them to burn down other peoples' homes through their stupidity. We do the same thing with building codes. Do you want to have to inspect all the aspects of your apartment building to make sure it's actually halfway safe to live in? Do you want to have to inspect all the cars you see on the road to make sure they won't just blow up when they're passing you?

Yep - more extremes to try to excuse over-regulation.

Hey - my cloths are pretty burnable - maybe the clothing industry should make all of our clothes flame-resistant too. I'm sure the silk shirt wearers:)Q) won't like that too much;)

I already see WAY too much regulation - this furniture one just adds to the pile.

CkG


The other day I was welding some some angle iron to fix my gate and my shirt did catch fire!!! Good idea!!! Yo 1-800- Burnstein;)
rolleye.gif
 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
My problem with all the Regulation is that it regulates stupidity factors...or attempts to. If a product is made(or built) so that it is safe under normal conditions and uses - I don't have a problem with those sorts of Regulations. The Regulations that do annoy me are the ones that take something and regulate something that is abnormal. Like in this case - fire. Fire isn't normally part of what a piece of furniture has to deal with - it is most definately an abnormality. Sure - it'll possibly save people's lives and what not, but where does it end? Do we regulate the sharpness of a knife that is being sold(stole this from one of my other posts). When someone uses a knife for it's intended purpose -the way it is supposed to be used - it doesn't cut or kill people. How far do we Regulate things?

I'm not really taking issue with this particular one - even though I'm having fun making fun of it.:D It's just that I had to waste my whole day yesterday putting colored tape on sh!t because "the gov't" says so. I also found out that I have to sit through more BS meetings and crap on "safety" and regulations. Both a total waste of my time, as I've already sat through these things but since they didn't record when and who sat in on them - we all have to do it again - just because some regulation now requires the documentation. This article popped up at precisely the wrong time for me to embrace it - no matter what it's supposed intent is.

CkG
 

DealMonkey

Lifer
Nov 25, 2001
13,136
1
0
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
My problem with all the Regulation is that it regulates stupidity factors...or attempts to. If a product is made(or built) so that it is safe under normal conditions and uses - I don't have a problem with those sorts of Regulations. The Regulations that do annoy me are the ones that take something and regulate something that is abnormal. Like in this case - fire. Fire isn't normally part of what a piece of furniture has to deal with - it is most definately an abnormality. Sure - it'll possibly save people's lives and what not, but where does it end? Do we regulate the sharpness of a knife that is being sold(stole this from one of my other posts). When someone uses a knife for it's intended purpose -the way it is supposed to be used - it doesn't cut or kill people. How far do we Regulate things?

I'm not really taking issue with this particular one - even though I'm having fun making fun of it.:D It's just that I had to waste my whole day yesterday putting colored tape on sh!t because "the gov't" says so. I also found out that I have to sit through more BS meetings and crap on "safety" and regulations. Both a total waste of my time, as I've already sat through these things but since they didn't record when and who sat in on them - we all have to do it again - just because some regulation now requires the documentation. This article popped up at precisely the wrong time for me to embrace it - no matter what it's supposed intent is.

CkG

So, what's the "real" solution then Cad? Just let all the stupid people die? Or get 3rd degree burns all over their bodies? I mean, they are stupid, right?

 

CADsortaGUY

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
25,162
1
76
www.ShawCAD.com
Originally posted by: DealMonkey
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
My problem with all the Regulation is that it regulates stupidity factors...or attempts to. If a product is made(or built) so that it is safe under normal conditions and uses - I don't have a problem with those sorts of Regulations. The Regulations that do annoy me are the ones that take something and regulate something that is abnormal. Like in this case - fire. Fire isn't normally part of what a piece of furniture has to deal with - it is most definately an abnormality. Sure - it'll possibly save people's lives and what not, but where does it end? Do we regulate the sharpness of a knife that is being sold(stole this from one of my other posts). When someone uses a knife for it's intended purpose -the way it is supposed to be used - it doesn't cut or kill people. How far do we Regulate things?

I'm not really taking issue with this particular one - even though I'm having fun making fun of it.:D It's just that I had to waste my whole day yesterday putting colored tape on sh!t because "the gov't" says so. I also found out that I have to sit through more BS meetings and crap on "safety" and regulations. Both a total waste of my time, as I've already sat through these things but since they didn't record when and who sat in on them - we all have to do it again - just because some regulation now requires the documentation. This article popped up at precisely the wrong time for me to embrace it - no matter what it's supposed intent is.

CkG

So, what's the "real" solution then Cad? Just let all the stupid people die? Or get 3rd degree burns all over their bodies? I mean, they are stupid, right?

Yep stupid people are rewarded by their own stupidity. Funny how that works some times.;)

But yes -there are public safety considerations on some things - but shouldn't be on EVERYTHING.

So again, I ask - How far is too far for you guys? It's already gone too far for my liking. Everything I do or touch is regulated...except for my comfy flammable recliner;) The gov't just needs to take a step back and look at how deep they have gotten in our lives.

CkG
 

CaptnKirk

Lifer
Jul 25, 2002
10,053
0
71
On the darked side of this we actually did loose a family member to a furniture fire.
Young boy, senior in high school, football team, ect. - the whole nine yards.

Wife's Stepfather - his Daughters son.
Fell asleep in a chair and dropped a cigarette.
(Don't know why he'd want to smoke - peer pressure ?)
Smoldering fire, smoke inhalation.
He never knew.
 

rjain

Golden Member
May 1, 2003
1,475
0
0
It's not the stupid people we are protecting with fire safety regulations. Fire does spread, you know.