According to Lacors guidance:-
29. Floor coverings
29.1 Floor coverings throughout the protected route
(i.e. stairways, hallways, landings and lobbies) of all
categories of HMO should conform to low radius of
fire spread (up to 35mm) when tested in accordance
with BS 4790 or the European equivalent. It is good
practice to adhere to this in all categories of HMO,
although in lower risk shared houses this requirement
may be relaxed.
29.2 BS 5287 Specification for assessment and labelling of
textile floor coverings tested to BS 4790 specifies how
these tested floor coverings should be labelled.
29.3 It is, of course, difficult to assess existing floor
coverings in HMOs unless the supplier/manufacturer
can be traced. As a general guide for existing carpets,
those comprising a mix of 80% wool and 20%
synthetic fibre (commonly referred to as 80/20 carpets)
will comply. Many vinyl, linoleum and laminate floor
coverings may not be suitable and will need replacing.
29.4 When considering the suitability of new floor
coverings for protected routes it is sufficient to
ensure they are labelled to BS 5287 or the European
equivalent as low radius of fire spread (up to 35mm).
Suppliers/manufacturers will be able to verify this (or
otherwise).
BS9999
E.3.6 Furnishings, fabrics and decorative features
d) Textile floor coverings, together with any underlay, should, when tested in accordance with BS 4790,
using the test procedure reflecting the method used for securing the floor covering to the floor, either:
1) not ignite; or
2) have effects of ignition on both the use-surfaces and under-surfaces not extending beyond a circle of
radius 35 mm centred on the central point of application of the nut.
