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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Fire Safety => Topic started by: Gary Howe on March 11, 2004, 01:58:20 PM

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Gary Howe on March 11, 2004, 01:58:20 PM

:? Is there an industry standard labelling system in place for the recognising that (as part of a fire risk assessment of a place of public entertainment):

curtains/drapes are constructed of a durable flame retarded fabric or inherently flame retarded fabric?

upholstery coverings have the required minimum standards of ignition resistance?

I have noticed a guidance document entitled: furniture and furnshings (fire safety) regs 1988, amended 1989, I assume this is available from the stationary office.

Many Thanks

Gary.

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Peter Wilkinson on March 11, 2004, 10:02:21 PM

You will find what you are looking for at

http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1988/Uksi_19881324_en_1.htm

with a handy guide at

http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/guide/furnitureguide.pdf

(page 11 of this guide answers your questions regarding labelling)

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Peter Wilkinson on March 11, 2004, 10:04:49 PM

Oh- and the 1993 amendment is here...

http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1993/Uksi_19930207_en_1.htm

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: wee brian on March 12, 2004, 02:06:10 PM

I dont think the The Furniture and Furnishings Regs cover curtains and drapes in public ents buildings. Theres a BS spec which is normally used (If I get a chance I'll look it up) I dont think theres a standard label for it though. Test certs is all you get. They will refer to the number of washes before the fabric needs re-treating.

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Peter Wilkinson on March 12, 2004, 05:43:20 PM

Yes, quite right Wee Brian.  I didn’t read Gary’s post correctly.  The furniture and furnishing regs covers domestic items.

I think the Home Office guide Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places of Entertainment and Like Premises would be useful, and the British Standards to which you refer include BS5837-2 Specification for fabrics for curtains and drapes- Flammability requirements and BS EN 13772/13773, the latter describes a classification scheme for curtains and drapes.

I hope this helps.

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Gary Howe on March 12, 2004, 06:30:51 PM

Peter/wee brian

thank you for the information so far, it has been very useful. If any body else has some useful tips on identification of non-flame retardent
curtains/drapes/furniture in public entertainment premises (from a risk point of view) then I would be most grateful.

I do not want to do what peter kaye did in phoenix nights to see if the bonsi tree was combustible!!

thanks again


Gary.

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: wee brian on March 14, 2004, 07:47:28 PM

I do remeber a story of a slightly over keen FPO who decided he would do a quick flame retardency test on a curtain. You can guess what happened (not a good career move)

The only way to check is to ask to see the relevant certificates.

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Ian Currie on March 16, 2004, 01:57:55 PM

Peter
Would that be BS 5867 - 2, 1997?

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Ian Currie on March 16, 2004, 02:05:27 PM

I meant of course BS 5867 - 2, 1980...... :oops:  

(Finger-induced errors must be contagious!)

Title: fire retardent curtains
Post by: Peter Wilkinson on March 16, 2004, 02:24:09 PM

Well spotted Ian.  Your prize is in the post.