BS5867 Part 2 is the retardancy test carried out on blinds and curtains and is divided into three categories based on flammability: Type A, B and C.
.jpg?width=688&height=459&name=EARNEST%20YOUNG_COMMERCIAL_INTERNAL%20BLINDS-SOLAIRE-ROLLER_STD_MANCHESTER_4STAR%20(5).jpg)
In a nutshell:
- The British Standards Institution set out flammability standards for internal shading to ensure safety across all industries.
- The BS5867 Part 2 is split into three levels of retardancy: Type A, B and C.
- Type A provides the baseline standard and fabrics must be able to withstand a 10-second flame to pass.
- Type B fabrics undergo the most rigorous testing due to their use in healthcare environments
- Type C fabrics undergo the most rigorous testing due to their use in healthcare environments.
The British Standards Institution set out flammability standards for fabrics used in internal shading (commercial blinds, curtains and drapes) to ensure fire safety across all industries. These standards are regulated by the BS5867 Part 2 which categorises different fabrics into three levels of retardancy: Type A, B and C. These categories help industries choose which fabrics are most suitable for their business.
Type A
Type A is the minimum standard for fabrics to pass. To achieve Type A, the material must withstand exposure to a flame for 10 seconds, during which the flame must not spread to the edges, nor should any burning debris fall from the fabric.
Type B
The Type B category is where the regulations become more stringent, as this classification is designed for fabrics used in public internal spaces such as hotels, schools and offices.
To test Type B fabrics, the material is exposed to a 15-second flame and the result must be the same as the Type A test. This process is then repeated after cleaning to check that its retardant properties have not been affected by laundering.
Type C
Type C provides the most thorough testing conditions as the fabrics are used in healthcare environments. Spaces such as hospitals and care homes undergo frequent cleaning therefore the fabrics must be able to endure regular washing without it affecting their flame retardancy.
To ensure that the fireproofing is sustained throughout the fabric’s life cycle, the Type C test involves exposure to a flame for 5, 15, 20 and 30-second periods and 50 washing cycles.
Throughout this testing process, the flame and the afterglow must not exceed 2.5 seconds or spread to the edges of the fabric and produce burning debris.
All information regarding regulations and ratings were correct at time of publication. Read BS 5867-2:2008 for more information. Always consult a fire safety expert before specification