Safety officials discuss possible fire hazards of mattress foam in vehicular crashes

Jul 16, 2008

Safety officials are collecting additional comment on possible regulation for transporting polyurethane foam, a flammable material found in some mattresses.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a notice (.pdf file) in the May 7 Federal Register reopening a comment period on the merits of a possible rulemaking for the foam. At press time, the comment period remained open "until further notice in the Federal Register."

To date, more than 25 organizations and industry-related associations have commented on proposed rulemaking. In 2006, the National Association of State Fire Marshals requested a rulemaking designating polyurethane foam and certain finished products containing polyurethane foam as hazardous materials when transported in commerce. NASFM said the materials posed a safety issue for emergency responders and the general public in cases of a vehicular crash during transport because the foam, if ignited, could accelerate a fire.

According to NASFM, "serious fires involving PU foam on roads, on bridges, in garages or in tunnels pose a significant danger to the health and safety of persons, often result in the total loss of involved vehicles and can cause significant structural damage to roads, tunnels or surrounding buildings."

PHMSA received comments from 30 associations during a public comment period in 2007. Most opposed the hazardous material designation, stating transportation safety risks have not been documented and costs of increased regulation would be prohibitive.