FHA Carpet Pad Standards HUD UM 72a

FHA Carpet Cushion Standards HUD UM 72a

FHA Capet Pad Standards HUD UM 72a. Established by the Fair Housing Administration in response to an absence of industry-wide standards. These standards serve as a control for the quality of carpet cushion.

Since its inception, UM 72a has continued as the industry-wide FHA carpet pad standards. The standards, establish minimum requirements. The test methods, determine the acceptability of carpet cushion for HUD housing.

FHA Pad Standards Administration

In response to a request from HUD, a program was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), for testing carpet and carpet pad. Standards are administered by National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).  NVLAP established the testing program for accrediting laboratories that test carpet and attached carpet cushion products. In 1994 the expanded NVLAP program was renamed the Carpet Cushion Council (CCC).

CCC is the trade association for U.S and Canadian carpet cushion manufacturers in association with the Carpet and Rug Institute. These carpet industry trade organizations entered into an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Green Label Cushion Testing Program was established by the Carpet Cushion Council. The testing program is voluntary, to monitor for low emissions on products coming out of manufacturing plants.

HUD FHA Carpet Pad Standards UM 72a Carpet Cushion