Understanding Fire Retardant Curtains for UK businesses
Fire safety is an important consideration in all buildings, especially in places where large numbers of people congregate such as hotels, schools, and care homes. In the UK, there are specific regulations in place regarding the fire retardancy of curtains in these types of buildings.
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises, including hotels, schools, and care homes, must have adequate fire safety measures in place to protect occupants in the event of a fire. This includes the installation of fire-resistant curtains or other forms of fire separation.
The requirements for fire-resistant curtains vary depending on the specific type of building and the use of the room in which they are installed. In general, however, curtains in hotels, schools, and care homes must meet the following requirements:
They must be made of fire-resistant materials that are capable of resisting the spread of fire.
They must be properly installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
They must be tested and certified to a recognized standard, such as BS5867 Part 2 Type B and C.
The BS5867 standard was modified and republished in 2008 as : BSI - BS 5867-2. Fabrics for curtains, drapes and window blinds - Part 2: Flammability Requirements - Specification
The responsibility of ensuring correctly certified products are used lies with the business owner, advice and further information is available from local fire services.
Different public environments are classified at different risk levels and it is always worth checking with your fire officer.
If it all seems a little daunting we are happy to help!
With our service, you get the best fire protection for your care home, hotel or other public settings with our experienced team, who are fully trained on the latest safety legislation and ready to help you.
Take an in-depth look at our fire retardant curtains by clicking here.
Ready to stay informed and ensure your safety from fire? Discover all you need to know about fire retardant curtains and fabrics with us below. We provide all the information you need to meet regulations and choose the best fire protection for your care home, hotel or other public settings.
What parts of the curtain need to be fire retardant?
When it comes to fire retardant curtains, quality is key. At WL Interiors, we only use fabrics, linings and interlinings that meet the BS5867 specification for fire safety.
We carefully select the right fire-resistant materials based on your project requirements so you can rest assured that your space is safe and compliant with regulations. Our commitment to quality means you get peace of mind that your curtains are up to the highest standards of protection.
Understanding BS5867 for linings and interlinings
When it comes to fire retardant curtains, the quality of materials used is essential for compliance. That's why we only use fabrics, linings and interlinings certified to BS5867 standards.
In order for the item to pass the standard, both the curtain face fabric and lining must meet or exceed the BS5867 requirements – even if one of them is rated at a lower standard than the other, they still need to adhere to that lower standard. Our commitment to quality means you can feel safe knowing your curtains are up to code.
What are flame-retardant fabrics?
Flame-retardant fabrics can be an invaluable tool when it comes to fire safety. Not only do these specially treated fabrics help resist or slow the spread of a fire, but their durable and long-lasting nature make them a cost effective way to protect your home or business from potential fire damage.
These fabrics are often used in upholstery, curtains, clothing, and bedding – and by choosing the right materials for your project, you can ensure optimal safety and peace of mind.
The fabrics are either inherently fire retardant or treated to achieve fire retardancy to the correct standards.
Inherently fire-retardant fabrics
Rather than relying on treatments to make the fabric fire-resistant, inherent flame-retardant material provides natural protection using traits inherent in the raw materials.
Of all materials, Wool is the most widely used, but other fabrics such as cotton, silk, nylon and rayon can also be inherently fire-proof when processed in certain ways.
One of the benefits of inherent flame-retardant fabrics is that you don't have to worry about shrinking and fading, plus they're more cost-effective than treated fabrics – making them the perfect choice for your home or business.
Treated fabrics
These fabrics are typically made from polyester, nylon, or acrylic and are treated with a flame-retardant finish to make them more resistant to fire than their inherent counterparts.
They're often more expensive than untreated fire retardant fabrics, but they can also be more durable and longer lasting – making them the perfect investment for those looking for extra peace of mind.
Another benefit of treated fabrics is that almost any furnishing fabric can be treated and so the number of treated fabrics available is much greater than inherent ones.
The treatment of fabrics to make them flame-resistant can sometimes affect their appearance or feel. The extent to which this occurs will depend on the specific method of treatment used.
For example, chemical treatments may cause fabrics to feel stiffer or have a different hand (feel) than untreated fabrics. They may also cause the fabric to change colour or fade over time. Coatings, on the other hand, may make the fabric feel thicker or heavier and may affect the way the fabric drapes.
Laminating fabrics may also affect their appearance or feel. Laminates may be slightly thicker and stiffer than untreated fabrics, and they may not drape as well.
Weaving flame-resistant fibres into the fabric during the manufacturing process may also affect the appearance or feel of the fabric. Flame-resistant fibres may be stiffer or have a different hand than other fibres, which can affect the way the fabric feels and drapes.
Overall, the extent to which the treatment of fabrics to make them flame-resistant affects their appearance and feel will depend on the specific method used and the properties of the fabric itself.
It's important to note that no fabric is completely fireproof. All fabrics will burn if exposed to sufficient heat and flame, but some fabrics are more resistant to ignition and the spread of fire than others. In general, fabrics that are inherently flame-resistant or have been treated with chemicals or other methods to make them flame-resistant are more resistant to ignition and the spread of fire than untreated fabrics.
In summary, it is important to consider the environment the fire retardant curtains are for before choosing your material, once you know the specification you require you can select the curtain fabric, lining and any interlinings or trims.
This material can be inherent or treated along with other features such as easy cleaning, antimicrobial and anti-fungal.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact our helpful team who will guide you through the process from design to install and aftercare.