Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 26, 2024
Title 16 - Commercial Practices last revised: Nov 20, 2024
§ 1633.10 - Definitions.
(a) Standard means the Standard for the Flammability (Open-Flame) of Mattress Sets (16 CFR part 1633, subpart A).
(b) The definition of terms set forth in the § 1633.2 of the Standard shall also apply to this section.
§ 1633.11 - Records.
(a) Test and manufacturing records C general. Every manufacturer and any other person initially introducing into commerce mattress sets subject to the standard, irrespective of whether guarantees are issued relative thereto, shall maintain the following records in English at a location in the United States:
(1) Test results and details of each test performed by or for that manufacturer (including failures), whether for qualification, confirmation, or production, in accordance with § 1633.7. Details shall include: name and complete physical address of test facility, type of test room, test room conditions, time that sample spent out of conditioning area before starting test, prototype or production identification number, and test data including the peak rate of heat release, total heat release in first 10 minutes, a graphic depiction of the peak rate of heat release and total heat release over time. These records shall include the name and signature of person conducting the test, the date of the test, and a certification by the person overseeing the testing as to the test results and that the test was carried out in accordance with the Standard. For confirmation tests, the identification number must be that of the prototype tested.
(2) Video and/or a minimum of eight photographs of the testing of each mattress set, in accordance with § 1633.7 (one taken before the test starts, one taken within 45 seconds of the start of the test, and the remaining six taken at five minute intervals, starting at 5 minutes and ending at 30 minutes), with the prototype identification number or production lot identification number of the mattress set, date and time of test, and name and location of testing facility clearly displayed.
(b) Prototype records. In addition to the records specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the following records shall be maintained for each qualified, confirmed and subordinate prototype:
(1) Unique identification number for the qualified or confirmed prototype and a list of the unique identification numbers of each subordinate prototype based on the qualified or confirmed prototype. Subordinate prototypes that differ from each other only be length or width may share the same identification number.
(2) A detailed description of all materials, components, and methods of assembly for each qualified, confirmed and subordinate prototype. Such description shall include the specifications of all materials and components, and the name and complete physical address of each material and component supplier.
(3) A list of which models and production lots of mattress sets are represented by each qualified, confirmed and/or subordinate prototype identification number.
(4) For subordinate prototypes, the prototype identification number of the qualified or confirmed prototype on which the mattress set is based, and, at a minimum, the manufacturing specifications and a description of the materials substituted, photographs or physical specimens of the substituted materials, and documentation based on objectively reasonable criteria that the change in any component, material, or method of assembly will not cause the subordinate prototype to exceed the test criteria specified in § 1633.3(b).
(5) Identification, composition, and details of the application of any flame retardant treatments and/or inherently flame resistant fibers or other materials employed in mattress components.
(c) Pooling confirmation test records. In addition to the test and prototype records specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the following records shall be maintained:
(1) The prototype identification number assigned by the qualified prototype manufacturer;
(2) Name and complete physical address of the qualified prototype manufacturer;
(3) Copy of qualified prototype test records, and records required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and
(4) In the case of imported mattress sets, the importer shall be responsible for maintaining the records specified in paragraph (b) of this section for confirmation testing that has been performed with respect to mattress sets produced by each foreign manufacturing facility whose mattress sets that importer is importing.
(d) Quality assurance records. In addition to the records required by paragraph (a) of this section, the following quality assurance records shall be maintained:
(1) A written copy of the manufacturer's quality assurance procedures;
(2) Records of any production tests performed. Production test records must be maintained and shall include, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, an assigned production lot identification number and the identification number of the qualified, confirmed or subordinate prototype associated with the specimen tested;
(3) For each qualified, confirmed and subordinate prototype, the number of mattress sets in each production lot based on that prototype;
(4) The start and end dates of production of that lot; and
(5) Component, material and assembly records. Every manufacturer conducting tests and/or technical evaluations of components and materials and/or methods of assembly must maintain detailed records of such tests and evaluations.
(e) Record retention requirements. The records required under this Section shall be maintained by the manufacturer (including importers) for as long as mattress sets based on the prototype in question are in production and shall be retained for 3 years thereafter. Records shall be available upon the request of Commission staff.
(f) Record location requirements. (1) For mattress sets produced in the United States, all records required by this section must be maintained at the plant or factory at which the mattress sets are manufactured or assembled.
(2) For mattress sets produced outside of the United States, a copy of all records required by this section must be maintained at a U.S. location, which must be identified on the mattress set label as specified in § 1633.12(a).
§ 1633.12 - Labeling.
(a) Each mattress set subject to the Standard shall bear a permanent, conspicuous, and legible label(s) containing the following information (and no other information) in English:
(1) Name of the manufacturer, or for imported mattress sets, the name of the foreign manufacturer and importer;
(2)(i) For mattress sets produced in the United States, the complete physical address of the manufacturer.
(ii) For imported mattress sets, the complete address of the foreign manufacturer, including country, and the complete physical address of the importer or the United States location where the required records are maintained if different from the importer;
(3) Month and year of manufacture;
(4) Model identification;
(5) Prototype identification number for the mattress set;
(6) A certification that the mattress complies with this standard.
(i) For mattresses intended to be sold without a foundation, a certification stating “This mattress meets the requirements of 16 CFR part 1633 (federal flammability (open flame) standard for mattresses) when used without a foundation”; or
(ii) For mattresses intended to be sold with a foundation, a certification stating “This mattress meets the requirements of 16 CFR part 1633 (federal flammability (open flame) standard for mattresses) when used with foundation <ID>.” Such foundation(s) shall be clearly identified by a simple and distinct name and/or number on the mattress label; or
(iii) For mattresses intended to be sold both alone and with a foundation, a certification stating “This mattress meets the requirements of 16 CFR part 1633 (federal flammability (open flame) standard for mattresses) when used without a foundation or with foundation(s) <ID>.”.Such foundation(s) shall be clearly identified by a simple and distinct name and/or number on the mattress label; and
(7) A statement identifying whether the manufacturer intends the mattress to be sold alone or with a foundation.
(i) For mattresses intended to be sold without a foundation, the label shall state “THIS MATTRESS IS INTENDED TO BE USED WITHOUT A FOUNDATION.” See Figures 16 and 17 of this part; or
(ii) For mattresses intended to be sold with a foundation, the label shall state “THIS MATTRESS IS INTENDED TO BE USED WITH FOUNDATION(S): <Foundation ID>.” See Figures 12 and 13 of this part; or
(iii) For mattresses intended to be sold both alone and with a foundation, the label shall state “THIS MATTRESS IS INTENDED TO BE USED WITHOUT A FOUNDATION OR WITH FOUNDATION(S): <Foundation ID>.” See Figures 14 and 15 of this part.
(b) The mattress label required in paragraph (a) of this section must measure 2
3/4″ in width and the length can increase as needed for varying information. The label must be white with black text. The label text shall comply with the following format requirements:
(1) All information specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this section must be in 6-point font or larger with mixed uppercase and lowercase letters. The text must be left justified and begin
1/4″ from left edge of label. See Figure 12-17 of this part.
(2) The statement specified in paragraph (a)(7)(i) of this section must be in 10-point Arial/Helvetica font or larger, uppercase letters with the words “WITHOUT A FOUNDATION” bolded and the word “WITHOUT” in italics. The text shall be centered in a text box with the width measuring 2
1/2″ and the length increasing as needed. See Figures 16 and 17 of this part.
(3) The statement specified in paragraph (a)(7)(ii) of this section must be in 10-point Arial/Helvetica font or larger in uppercase letters. The foundation identifier should be in 12-point font or larger, bolded, and underlined. The text shall be centered in a text box with the width measuring 2
1/2″ and the length increasing as needed. See Figures 12 and 13 of this part.
(4) The statement specified in paragraph (a)(7)(iii) of this section must be in 10-point or larger Arial/Helvetica font, uppercase letters with the words “WITHOUT A FOUNDATION OR” bolded and the word “WITHOUT” in italics. The foundation identifier should be in 12-point font or larger, bolded, and underlined. The text shall be centered in a text box with the width measuring 2
1/2″ and the length increasing as needed. See Figures 14 and 15 of this part.
(c) The foundation label required in paragraph (a) of this section must measure 2
3/4″ in width and the length can increase as needed for varying information. The label must be white with black text. The label shall contain the following:
(1) The information specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section; and
(2) The words “Foundation ID:” followed by a distinct name and/or number that corresponds to the name and/or number used on the mattress. This text must be in 10-point or larger bold Arial/Helvetica font, and the foundation identifier must be underlined. See Figures 12 through 15 of this part.
(d) The statements specified in paragraphs (a)(6)(i) through (iii) and (a)(7)(i) through (iii) of this section may be translated into any other language and printed on the reverse (blank) side of the label.
(e) No person, other than the ultimate consumer, shall remove or mutilate, or cause or participate in the removal or mutilation of, any label required by this section to be affixed to any item.
[71 FR 13498, Mar. 15, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 6843, Feb. 6, 2008]
§ 1633.13 - Tests for guaranty purposes, compliance with this section, and “one of a kind” exemption.
(a) Tests for guaranty purposes. Reasonable and representative tests for the purpose of issuing a guaranty under section 8 of the Flammable Fabrics Act, 15 U.S.C. 1197,for.
(b) Compliance with this section. No person subject to the Flammable Fabrics Act shall manufacture for sale, import, distribute, or otherwise market or handle any mattress set which is not in compliance with the provisions under Subpart B.
(c) “One of a kind” exemption for physician prescribed mattresses. (1)(i) A mattress set manufactured in accordance with a physician's written prescription or manufactured in accordance with other comparable written medical therapeutic specification, to be used in connection with the treatment or management of a named individual's physical illness or injury, shall be considered a “one of a kind mattress” and shall be exempt from testing under the Standard pursuant to § 1633.7 thereof: Provided, that the mattress set bears a permanent, conspicuous and legible label which states:
WARNING: This mattress set may be subject to a large fire if exposed to an open flame. It was manufactured in accordance with a physician's prescription and has not been tested under the Federal Standard for the Flammability (Open-Flame) of Mattress Sets (16 CFR part 1633).
(ii) Such labeling must be attached to the mattress set so as to remain on or affixed thereto for the useful life of the mattress set. The label must be at least 40 square inches (250 sq. cm) with no linear dimension less than 5 inches (12.5 cm). The letters in the word “WARNING” shall be no less than 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) in height and all letters on the label shall be in a color which contrasts with the background of the label. The warning statement which appears on the label must also be conspicuously displayed on the invoice or other sales papers that accompany the mattress set in commerce from the manufacturer to the final point of sale to a consumer.
(2) The manufacturer of a mattress set exempted from testing under this paragraph (c) shall, in lieu of the records required to be kept by § 1633.10, retain a copy of the written prescription or other comparable written medical therapeutic specification for such mattress set during a period of three years, measured from the date of manufacture.
(3) For purposes of this regulation the term physician shall mean a physician, chiropractor or osteopath licensed or otherwise permitted to practice by any State of the United States.
Appendix - Figure 1 to Part 1633—Test Assembly, Shown in Furniture Calorimeter (Configuration A)
Appendix - Figure 2 to Part 1633—Test Arrangement in 3.05m × 3.66m (10 ft × 12 ft) Room (Configuration B)
Appendix - Figure 3 to Part 1633—Details of Horizontal Burner Head
Appendix - Figure 4 to Part 1633—Details of Vertical Burner Head
Appendix - Figure 5 to Part 1633—Details of Burner Stand-off
Appendix - Figure 6 to Part 1633—Burner Assembly Showing Arms and Pivots (Shoulder Screws), in Relation to, Portable Frame Allowing Burner Height Adjustment
Appendix - Figure 7 to Part 1633—Elements of Propane Flow Control for Each Burner
Appendix - Figure 8 to Part 1633—Jig for Setting Mattresses and Foundation Sides in Same Plane
Appendix - Figure 9 to Part 1633—Burner Placements on Mattress/Foundation
Appendix - Figure 10 to Part 1633—Jig for Setting Burners at Proper Distances From Mattress/Foundation
Appendix - Figure 11 to Part 1633—Diagrams for Glossary of Terms
Appendix - Figure 12 to Part 1633—Labels for Domestic Mattress With Foundation
Appendix - Figure 13 to Part 1633—Labels for Imported Mattress With Foundation
Appendix - Figures 14 and 15 to Part 1633—Label for Domestic Mattress Alone and with Foundation and Label for Imported Mattress Alone and With Foundation
Appendix - Figures 16 and 17 to Part 1633—Label for Domestic Mattress Only and Label for Imported Mattress Only
source: 71 FR 13498, Mar. 15, 2006, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 16 CFR 1633.13