Issued By Durham County Council

DEATH TRAP SUITES WARNING

People who buy bargain fake leather suites from the back of a lorry could end up sitting on a death trap.

Durham County Council's Trading Standards officers warned today that the cheap suites from Eastern Europe don't comply with UK fire safety laws and are potentially dangerous.

The suites are sold for around £500 from the back of unmarked vans and are advertised in local newspapers with only a mobile phone number to contact the seller.

"Invariably, the seller arranges to bring the suite to your home or meets you in a car park or other dubious location," said Phillip Holman, the County Council's Head of Trading Standards.

"The suites are wrapped and it's not possible for the buyer to have a good look at them until they get home - at which point it's too late.

"They have been arriving by the lorry load from Eastern Europe at ports all over the UK and the majority don't comply with UK fire safety regulations.

"Furniture classed as safe under UK legislation has swing tags but some of these unsafe suites also have labels claiming they are compliant," he said.

The suites are described as 'Italian leather' but buyers have found they are actually made from a leather look or PVC fabric. Some are marked coming from Poland as well as other countries.

"We're anxious to find the origin of these suites and prevent their sale in this country," said Mr Holman.

"If anyone has information about those responsible for importing or selling them, they should contact their local trading standards service," he said.

In 2001, there were 2,404 fires originating in furniture in homes in the UK, which resulted in 85 deaths and 887 casualties.*

Councillor Don Ross, Deputy Leader of the County Council, said: "As it gets closer to Christmas, people may be on the look-out for bargains.

"Although these suites may look like a tempting offer, they could cost the life of you and your family," he said.

Note to News Editors: For further information contact Peter Fleming, Assistant Head of Trading Standards, on 0191 383 3584, or Craig Hudson, divisional manager, on 0191 383 3707.

* Source: Fire Statistics UK ODPM 2001

Current UK legislation, The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 state furniture must -
contain fire resistant fillings
pass a test that simulates a match being placed in the furniture
pass a test that simulates a cigarette being placed on the furniture.

A guide to the regulations can be viewed and downloaded from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) website at www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/guide/furnitureguide.pdf