PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE VERSION OF EXERCISE BELOW

The fire resistant symbol is attached to furnishings and fittings that have passed a scientific control test showing that they are resistant to fire. Some of the fabrics/textiles have been chemically treated to resist fire or have materials that naturally resist fire. Textile materials vary in their resistance to fire but even the most resistant will catch fire eventually.
The symbol shows a smoldering cigarette and a match. Many household fires take place due to smouldering cigarettes setting furnishings alight and many deaths and serious injuries have been the result. Fire resistant furnishings and textile materials give the house occupier vital time to escape a fire.

This symbol means that the material is fire resistant. This must not be confused with fire proof.
In the UK the ‘Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations set the standard with regards to fire resistance for domestic upholstered furnishings. All furnishings / textiles should be tested to ensure that they have a resistance to cigarette burns and consequently fire.

It is the furniture manufacturers who are responsible for ensuring that any textile material used in their furniture provides the required level of fire resistance and passes the control test.

According to the Law, textile and filling materials must be ‘match’ tested. This consists of carrying out a controlled scientific test. Matches are left burning on the fabric and the time it takes for fire to take hold and spread is monitored. Materials with a resistance to fire are allowed have the symbol attached.

Furniture and fabric can be ruined if liquids such as black current juice is split.

1. Design a symbol that represents stain resistance. Draw a rough version and a final colour rendered version in the boxes below.

2. Devise a simple control test for determining the level of stain resistance of a variety of fabrics. Draw a diagram and add notes explaining the test .

The symbol shown opposite is a sample ‘stain resistance’ symbol. In theory this could only be attached to fabric and furnishings that repel liquids such as black current juice. The symbol is based on a face. The nose is a droplet of liquid, dropping on to a piece of fabric. The droplet is not absorbed by the fabric but roles/runs off it, dripping of either end.

What do you think of this sample symbol?