Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the health risks to upholsterers and furniture sector workers from the handling of flame retardant treated materials.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recognised the risks to textile workers who routinely handle finished fabrics, including those treated with fire-resistant finishes. HSE has produced a specific guidance page on its website which covers both the initial manufacture and any secondary processing of finished fabrics (such as upholstery). The guidance page can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/textiles/fabric-finishes.htm.