Boston City Fire Code – Upholstered Flammability Regulations

July 8, 2016

As you know, BIFMA has been working with other stakeholders to recommend that Boston amend its fire code, which mandates the use of TB-133 (open flame test method) for sprinkled and un-sprinkled occupancies.  The city of Boston has been the largest market for TB-133 seating products.

Per a previous memo, we shared that on March 23 the Boston City Council voted unanimously to amend their city fire code to align with the majority of the country which permits the use of TB-117-2013 (smolder test method) for sprinkled occupancies.  We have now been informed that on April 8, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh signed the ordinance amendment that will become effective in 90 days (July 7).

Members of the BIFMA Flammability Subcommittee offer the following information to assist you and your Boston customers in understanding the latest flammability requirements for upholstered furniture.  As noted above, Boston revised its Fire Prevention Code which now aligns with the State of Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code 527 CMR 1.00, Section 12.6.3.  The change allows for the use of upholstered furniture that complies with California Technical Bulletin 117-2013 (TB 117-2013) in all regulated occupancies (Use Groups) that have approved sprinkler protection.

There are still some regulated Use Groups that require compliance with Cal TB133 if the building is not protected by approved sprinklers.  This is consistent with Massachusetts and many other jurisdictions’ regulations.

The following occupancies, without approved sprinkler protection, would require upholstered furniture to meet Cal TB133:

•     ASSEMBLIES – any occupancy used for the gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation or similar uses.

  • EDUCATIONAL – any occupancy used for purposes up through the 12th grade.
  • HEALTH CARE
  • RESIDENTIAL BOARD AND CARE
  • DORMITORIES
  • HOTELS

•     DETENTION AND CORRECTIONAL - This list is not all inclusive.  It can be complex and confusing determining all the requirements of the regulations.  We always recommend that you check with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (Boston FD) to determine the exact requirements for your occupancy/use group.

While the code has now changed, it is still up to the discretion of the local code officials to enforce as they see fit and that designers should always check with the official having jurisdiction for questions or clarifications.