A quick guide to understanding regulations for different ignition levels of fabrics for use as curtains, curtain lining, drapes and window blinds.

Flame retardant, Fire Resistant, Fire Retardancy, Flame Retardancy, FR Fabrics, FR Textiles, Fire Resistant Textiles, Flame Retardant Fabrics – whichever and whatever terminology you choose to use, it’s critically important you understand the British Standards you must adhere to. To help, we’ve noted some quick information below which cover our range of flame retardant curtain lining and curtain heading tapes.

What is the BS5867 Regulations?

The BS5867 regulations were created with core focus of safety and updated in 2008. The regulation set requirements for different ignition levels of fabrics for use as curtains, curtain lining, drapes and window blinds. Applicable to non-domestic environments, the regulation supports those within the supply chain identify the ‘protection’ within a fabric.

Naked flames or different heat sources can create fire hazards within any building and fabrics which adorn windows, due to their vertical suspension and nature within rooms, cause a great risk if non-treated allowing fire to spread. To prevent this within commercial/public spaces, ‘FR’ or flame retardant fabrics are used due to their resistance to ignition and reduction in which the rate of a fire can spread. 

What is the British Standard BS5867 Type B?

When a product conforms and is marked BS 5867 – 2: 2008 this significes the product has passed the test standards for curtains, drapes and fabrics which are used in commercial buildings. The test itself refers to material on a metal fire being exposed to a naked flame for 15 seconds. The test is only passed if fire does not spread across the fabric edges and no burning debris is released from the fabric.

What is the British Standard BS5867 Type C?

Type C relates to a more stringent test standard for fabrics which are often used in more clinical environments where safety is of paramount importance such as hospitals. The fabric undergoes a similar test as Type B but has several testing stages.

Washing Flame Retardant Fabrics

Flame retardant properties can be impacted by laundering therefore standards are highlighted for their longevity.
•    Part 2 B means that an item can be washed 12 times and still pass the fire retardancy test.
•    Part 2C relates to inherently flame retardant fabrics which can be washed up to 50 times and continue to be fire resistant.

Evans Textiles have a wide range of flame retardant linings and voiles suitable for various contract environments.