When specifying furniture for public spaces, a critical question arises: Do your outdoor benches meet specific fire safety ratings? The answer is nuanced. While not all outdoor benches are automatically fire-rated, many manufacturers offer products that comply with stringent standards, particularly for high-risk areas like transit stations, stadiums, or venues near building exits.
Key standards include ASTM E84, which measures surface burning characteristics, and NFPA 130 for rail transit systems. Benches meeting these ratings are constructed from materials that resist ignition, slow flame spread, and generate minimal smoke. Common choices include fire-retardant treated wood, certain metals, and specially formulated plastics or composites.
It is not a one-size-fits-all requirement. Local building codes and project specifications ultimately dictate the necessity for fire-rated furniture. Therefore, when procuring benches, always consult with your supplier. Provide them with your project's specific fire safety requirements to ensure the selected products are tested, certified, and compliant, ensuring safety and peace of mind for your commercial or municipal application.