Requirements for glass in furniture: putting the record straight
I read with interest the recent article in the 4/12/09 issue of Cabinet Maker regarding the requirements for glass in furniture. As the chair of the UK Standards committee covering this area, and the convenor of the European group developing standards for domestic tables, I would like to draw your attention to some technical inaccuracies in the information being given.
Firstly it should be made clear that the requirements quoted are only for glass products intended for domestic use – there are different requirements, and standards for contract/office applications. For information on this area it is recommended that you contact FIRA International Ltd
While the article does cover a lot of the areas well it is misleading in the area of glass tables. In November 2009 a new European Standard – EN 12521 was published.
This standard covers the safety, strength and durability requirements for all types of domestic tables, including those with glass. The publication of this standard has forced the withdrawal of BS 7376: 2009, which is no longer an active standard.
The advice for manufacturers, importers and retailers is therefore that all new designs should comply to EN 12521 and not BS 7376 as stated in the article. It is obviously impractical and impossible for enforcement bodies to require that all products on the market immediately require certification to the new standard, and therefore product that has been certified to BS 7376: 2009 (or indeed the 2004 version) should be considered safe. However, as new products are introduced, or as existing products are reviewed, compliance to the new standard should be sought over the next 12 – 18 months.
FIRA’s involvement with the development of furniture standards means that it is best placed to give the most accurate, up to the minute advise on current, and impending standards, to ensure that manufacturers, retailers and importers are able to make the best decisions regarding the safety of the products they are selling.
Phil Reynolds
Senior Manager - Technical Services
FIRA International Ltd
