FLAME-RESISTANT TENT MATERIALS; STANDARDS S.B. 262 (S-1):
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 262 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Fire Prevention Code to modify the standards that flame-resistant materials used for camping tentage must meet.
The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.
Section 7b of the Code requires the following items, excluding a net or tent used for recreational camping, to meet the appropriate requirements for resistance to fire prescribed in the Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Resistant Textiles, Films, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) No. 701-1969:
-- A tent that may be occupied or furnished for public assembly by 50 or more people.
-- A tent in which animals are stabled for public exhibition or sale.
-- A tent located within a building used by the public.
-- All tarpaulins and decorative material used in connection with any of the above.
Instead, under the bill, all camping tentage listed above, excluding a safety net or tent used for recreational camping, would have to comply with either the NFPA-701 (2023), "Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films" or another standard that was determined, in rules promulgated by the Bureau of Fire Services (BFS), to be equivalent to the NFPA-701 (2023) Standard. The bill would delete references to NFPA No. 701-1969 and would refer to NFPA-701 (2023).
BRIEF RATIONALE
Michigan enacted flammability standards for tents in the 1970's when most tents were made from waxed or oiled canvas and had a high flammability rate. To meet these standards tents are treated with flame-retardant additives which have been found to be toxic.[1] Now, tents are made from less flammable materials and ultimately treatment is counterproductive. It has been suggested the Code be modified to modernize the flammability standards for tents.
Legislative Analyst: Eleni Lionas
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 5-18-23 Fiscal Analyst: Jonah Houtz
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
[1] "Flame Retardant Applications in Camping Tents and Potential Exposure", NCBI, retrieved 5-18-23.