Fire requirement | Johanson Design

Your guide to choosing the right fire protection for furniture

Fire safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating safe, responsible, and sustainable interiors. With different regulations worldwide, making the right choice for fire-resistant furniture can feel complex. This guide breaks it down, helping you navigate fire protection standards while making environmentally conscious decisions.

1. Start with the Essentials

Before choosing fire protection, ask yourself:

Have you received specific fire safety instructions? Local fire departments or property owners may have mandatory guidelines.
In what country will the furniture be used? Different countries have different fire regulations.

Understanding the difference between loose vs. fixed regulations

One of the key distinctions in fire safety is the difference between fixed structures and loose furniture.
Fixed structures, which are part of the building’s construction, must comply with different fire standards. In Scandinavia and across Europe, fixed structures typically need to meet the B1 fire regulation, which ensures materials have a low flammability and contribute minimally to fire spread.
Loose furniture—such as sofas, chairs, and tables—are often subject to specific fire regulations. Always ensure you are considering the correct classification when reviewing fire safety requirements.

2. What can we offer?

At Johanson, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, fire-safe, and sustainable furniture solutions. Our standard High Resilience (HR) foam, which has a minimum density of 40 kg/m³, is rigorously tested according to Cal TB 117, an industry-recognized benchmark for foam fire safety.
For projects with stricter fire criteria, we also offer CMHR foam (price on quotation).

3. Choosing the right fabric for your space

The most crucial aspect of fire safety in furniture is using the right fabric.
Here are some simple guidelines to help you make the best choice:

Fire safety levels based on space usage

Offices, waiting areas & lower-traffic environments: Typically require EN 1021-1 (resistance to smoldering cigarette).
Hotels, restaurants & public venues: Often require EN 1021-2 (resistance to open flame, such as a match).
High-risk areas (ships, hospitals, prisons): May require IMO FTP Code 2010: Part 8 or BS 5852 CRIB-5.

If you have country-specific fire requirements for the fabric, contact our customer support for assistance. They will help you select the right fabric for your project, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

CMHR: What Is It?

CMHR (Combustion Modified High Resilience) foam is a type of polyurethane foam treated with chemical flame retardants to enhance fire resistance. The production process involves mixing polyurethane chemicals with solid fillers, which are essential for achieving the fire retardancy effect.

When do you need CMHR foam?

CMHR foam is often required for specific markets, particularly in the UK and Ireland where BS 5852 CRIB-5 fire regulation applies.

Regional requirements: Outside the UK and Ireland, CMHR is rarely required, making other solutions both sustainable and cost-effective.
In most cases, our standard polyurethane foam together with fire-rated fabrics provide sufficient protection.

Alternative fire-safe solutions

Instead of CMHR, consider these options for extra protection:

Trevira CS - is a brand of flame-retardant textiles that offers long-term, built-in safety without the need for chemical finishes.
Interliners (fire barriers): Adds a protective layer between fabric and foam to enhance fire resistance. (price on quotation).
Flame-retardant treated fabrics: Some fabrics can receive additional treatment to enhance their fire-retardancy. (price on quotation).

By carefully considering these factors, you can make informed decisions that balance fire safety with environmental responsibility. If you have country-specific fire requirements, contact our customer support for assistance. They will help you select the right adjustments for your project, ensuring compliance with the regulations.