CERTIFICATIONS
For over half a century, FIRA has driven the need for higher standards through testing, research and innovation for the furniture and allied industries. New and better materials, improved processes and appropriate standards have been developed to enhance the quality of furniture and assist manufacturers and retailers to become more competitive. Information on our members' products can be found on this site in the 'search' section. A non-government funded organisation, FIRA is supported by all sections of the industry through the furniture industry research association, ensuring ongoing research programmes , which bring benefits to all. With unrivalled support from across the whole industry, FIRA also has the influence and capability to help shape legislation and regulations. FIRA is recognised internationally as being at the leading edge, with world-class technology and unparalleled industry knowledge. The FIRA Ergonomics Unit carries out risk assessments to help companies comply with health and safety regulations. Identifying problems and offering ergonomics solutions not only ensures regulatory compliance but also increases efficiency and productivity. Ergonomics advice in furniture specification and selection and the planning of office layouts is also available. Last year the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence award was introduced to give specifiers confidence that products marketed as 'ergonomic' meet genuine criteria. To gain the award, products must be appropriately designed in terms of safety, comfort and well-being. They must also comply with health and safety regulations and meet or exceed the minimum European, British and FIRA standards on ergonomics. In addition, the manufacturer must have a quality management system and an environmental policy.
Furntech services, standards and certification capabilities include products in the range of: commercial and office furniture, chairs, swivel chairs, desks, workstation and storage furniture, domestic bedding, bunk beds, cots, plastic chairs, recliner chairs, fabric flammability, finishes and foams.
British Standards pioneered the development of these, along with BS 5750,, which has become ISO 9000, the world's most popular management system series. British Standards is the National Standards Body of the UK, responsible for facilitating, drafting, publishing and marketing British Standards and other guidelines. With collaborative ventures and a strong national and international profile, British Standards is at the heart of the world of standardization. British Standards provides UK industry and other stakeholders with their major access to and influence on standardization, both in the European arena (with CEN, CENELEC and ETSI) and internationally (with ISO and IEC).
Reference must be made to all relevant and associated standards. BS6396: 2002 Electrical systems in office furniture and office screens. BS7671: 2001 Requirements for Electrical Installation (IEE Wiring Regulations 16th edition) Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 Health and Safety Legislation Below is a brief outline of the main criteria within the standards: BS6396: 2002 was published with regard to the use of electrical equipment within general office furniture and screens. This standard sets out in its scope the use and testing of electrical socket outlets and associated wiring when used together with a 13A fused plug and makes provision for the routing of cables through furniture. Equipment having a rating above 5A must be supplied separately from the buildings main supply. For safety and compliance with this standard please see below for socket configurations, which must not be exceeded.
ACID is actively involved in lobbying at national and international levels to improve legal protection
In addition to the following patents: GB2230700, GB2330955, SA98/9678, Rotasoc has achieved International recognition, having received prestigious design awards.
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FIRA
The
Rotasoc System took first place in the 'Best Office Accessory,
Fixture or Fitting' category at the FX award ceremony at Grosvenor
House, Park Lane, London in November 2001. In addition, Rotasoc
was judged 'head to head' with all other product category winners
and was named runner-up for the Best Interior Design Product
of the year. A fantastic accolade from the judges who hail
from the design, specifier and architect fraternity who considered
the Rotasoc System to be technically advanced yet outstandingly
useful and practical in all workplace applications. 
In
2001, The Rotasoc power distribution system won the Plastics
Consumer Product Design Award at the Society of Plastic Engineers
Best Design Products Awards 2001 in Dallas, Texas. "The
products most outstanding feature of the design was the ability
of the sockets to rotate freely in any direction, allowing
easier cable management." 
Rotasoc
was judged runner up for the best new product at the Workplace
01 Awards, the UK's premier office furniture, environment and
technology exhibition. Consideration in judging the award was
given to functionality, design and numerous benefits offered. 
The
Rotasoc power distribution system won the prestigious PRW Interplas
1999 Award for Excellence, in the Electronics / Electrical
section, and runner up in the Plastic Products section. The
judges were impressed by the high standard of product design
and the degree of flexibility available to the user.