This British Standard specifies a method for the assessment of the visible soiling of upholstery fabrics which occurs in those areas which come into direct contact with the body during use, e.g. upholstered arms, the tops of the backs of some chairs and settees and the lower front edge of seats. Upholstery fabrics the use-surface of which is coated with a plastics material are excluded, as are airborne soiling and staining from other causes.
BS 4948:1994 history
1994BS 4948:1994 Method for assessment of the visible soiling by body contact of upholstery fabrics