Red Thread is pleased to announce that on March 23rd the Boston City Council passed an ordinance amendment (unanimously) to bring the Boston Fire Code into agreement with Massachusetts (and the majority of the country) paving the way for hospitals, schools, colleges, and other public buildings with sprinkler systems to use furniture free of toxic flame retardant chemicals. Mayor Marty Walsh signed the amendment on April 8th and the change will become effective in 90 days (July 7).
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 instead of the previous requirement to meet CAL-133.
“This bill protects people from needless exposure to harmful flame retardants, creating a safer and healthier environment for all those who live, work, serve, and learn in our great city,” says Josh Zakim, City Councillor representing district 8, who sponsored the bill.
Red Thread CEO, Jeff Keener, testified at the public hearing and subsequent working session. He was also active with a broad group of interested parties who sought this change to the Fire Prevention Code. Jeff said, “I’m very grateful to a number of people including members of the Boston City Council, the Clean Water Action organization, Silent Spring Institute and the Boston Fire Department. Special thanks go to Councillor Zakim for his leadership on this this issue.”