The following information is relating to the British Standard BS5867 Part2b and C. 

 

What is BS5867 – “Fabrics for curtains, drapes and window blinds. Flammability requirements. Specification” taken from https://shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?pid=000000000030168543

 

Video about BS5867 – PArt2B and 2C Regulations

 

Businesses are affected by BS5867

As a business in the UK if you have drapes or blinds at the windows then you are required to have flame-retardant furnishings to reduce the risk of fire at your premises. There are some businesses potentially exempt, so it is worth checking with your local fire officer to check. However, at Curtains2bedding we recommend all businesses where possible to go to the highest standard where possible to reduce fire risk.

For curtains and blinds, you want to buy products certified by BS5867 Part 2 Type B and C. View Certified Products Here

The standard was republished in 2008. Title: BSI – BS 5867-2
Fabrics for curtains, drapes and window blinds – Part 2: Flammability Requirements – Specification

 

Table Summary of main businesses effected by BS5867

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are following the regulations for the flammability safety of soft furnishings. To ensure all products are certified for use in commercial contract environments. Simply ask your supplier for flame retardant certificates.

The table below is based on risk and the suggestion of flammability certification required for the curtains and blinds.

 

Public Environments Risk – Always Check with your Fire Officer.  
Low RiskPart 2BMedium Risk Part2C SuggestedHigh riskPart2C SuggestedVery high riskPart2C Suggested
CollegesCasinosOffshore installationsLocked psychiatric accommodation
SchoolsHospitalsSleeping accommodationPrison cells
in hospital wards & hostels
UniversitiesHostels  
MuseumsHotel bedrooms  
OfficesPlaces of entertainment  
NurseriesPublic buildings  
 Bars  
 Restaurants   

 

Lower Risk – Usually require BS5867 Part 2b

High Risk – Require BS5867 Part 2 C.

 

All fabrics supplied by Curtains2bedding which are in the flame retardant section are certified to BS5867 and have certification to show this. Other suppliers might not have the necessary information.

If you are looking to purchase flame retardant curtains then the view the range here.

 

Business Owners – How to Comply to BS5867

Need to specify the requirements for their projects to ensure that their fabrics are suitable for business use and that the Direct Fabrics team can supply the necessary flame retardant fabrics.

It is the business owners responsibility to ensure that they comply with the required standard. The table below gives an indication of risk level of your business and you can check with your fire officer which standard you require.

 

Choosing the Best Fabrics to Comply

When looking for fabrics or curtains you have a choice of part 2b certified products or 2c.

BS5867 Part2C are usually inherently flame retardant fabrics this means that you can wash them and they will not loose their flame retardancy. These are ideal for Care Homes or for centres that will be laundered regularly.  Remember to line your curtains with a lining that is also certified to this standard.

 

Curtain Lining Flame RetardantCurtain Linings and BS5867

For the item to pass the standard the curtains must have the face fabric and the curtain lining certified to the BS5867 standard. The curtain will only be to the standard of the lowest fabrics.

i.e the face fabric is certified to Part2C but the lining to Part2B, then you have to maintain to the lowest standard.

Flame Retardant Treatment of Fabrics to BS5867

Fabrics are available that are inherently flame retardant, these include polyester fabrics and other man-made material. Things like Cottons and other materials can be treated to meet the requirements.

 

How are Fabrics Tested for BS5867 – Difference Between Part B and C.

Test method

A sample of the fabric, vertically held, is exposed to a small flame.

For type B (Hotels, etc) the ease of ignition is observed. It is also noted if the flame reaches one any edge of the specimen and/or if any burning pieces of fabric fall down.

For type C (NHS / Prisons) the fabric is further analysed to see what happens once the flame stops but when the fabric still may be glowing.

NB: The fabric is tested before and after laundering
type B (12 wash cycles at 40°c)
type C (50 wash cycles at 40°c)
Test Performance Criteria

Type B Performance Criteria: The edges must remain completely intact and no burning debris should fall.

 

Flame Retardant BS5867

Discussion of Risk.

When choosing which type of furnishings to purchase for your commercial premises, you should confirm with your fire officer.

If you do not use flame retardant furnishings and you have a fire, you may be at risk of not being insured.

 

 

Getting Fabrics Tested for BS5867

Fabrics are certificated by UKAS approved testing laboratories. You can get any fabric tested to the standard and they test the material to the standard. Here is a list of some approved testing labs.

https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

 

How to Get Fabrics Treated to BS5867

Chemical TreatmentIt is possible to use non-flame retardant fabrics and apply a chemical coating to them to make them reach the standards required of BS5867 Part2B. The reason they will not reach part2C is that when washed repeatedly this chemical will come off. However, for most environments, the applied chemical should be sufficient. 

Issues with treating fabrics to BS5867 is that you will not be sure if they are still flame retardant, that is why at Curtains2bedding we recommend using flame retardant fabrics that are inherently flame retardant yarns.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Speak with the Curtains2bedding.com team to ensure that your fabrics are to the requirements required.

If you are looking to purchase flame retardant curtains then view the range here.

Location Shots of BS5867 Flame Retardant Curtains