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Written question asked by Baroness Berger (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 August 2026. It was answered by Baroness Sherlock (Labour) on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Health Hazards: Fire Resistant Materials

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect upholsterers and furniture sector workers from sustained exposure to chemical flame retardants.

Answer

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) outline specific duties on employers to protect workers from harmful substances, such as foams and flame retardants, which may be contained in soft furnishings such as mattresses and sofas. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides practical advice and guidance on the basics of COSHH, completing COSHH assessments and links to industry specific information and guidance to prevent and control workplace exposure to harmful substances at Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) - HSE.

Guidance which covers both the initial manufacture and any secondary processing of finished fabrics (such as upholstery) can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/textiles/fabric-finishes.htm.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2284
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Chemicals Health hazards Furniture Skilled workers Fire resistant materials
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk