For which fibres can and cannot be FR treated, see our FR treatment and fibre compatibility guide. For how dye type affects FR treatment, see our dye types and FR treatment guide. For a complete guide to BS 5852 Crib 5 and how to specify fire-rated fabrics for contract interiors, see: BS 5852 Crib 5: A Complete Guide for Interior Designers and Specifiers.
No fabric company can self-certify the fire retardancy of their fabrics. Certification can only be issued by a UKAS-accredited test laboratory. The following is a summary of fire retardancy requirements by application.
1. Domestic
Curtains. No fire treatment is required.
Upholstery. The fabric must pass the match test (BS 5852 Source 1). The designer must first confirm the fabric passes the cigarette test (BS 5852 Source 0). The cigarette test meets the equivalent European standard BS EN 1021-1. The match test meets BS EN 1021-2. Fabrics containing at least 75% natural fibre content do not usually require treating for the cigarette test, but a Schedule 3 fire-retardant interliner must be used.
2. Contract
Curtains. The fabric must be treated to BS 5867 Part 2 Type B. Some fabrics meet this standard inherently; most require treatment. Some fabrics cannot be treated to this standard.
Upholstery. The fabric must be treated to BS 5852 Source 5 (Crib 5). This typically involves the fabric being back-coated, and most fabrics can be treated in this way. BS 7176 covers BS 5852 and additionally includes the cigarette and match tests and a water-soak requirement.
3. Other Applications
Headboards, bed covers, wall coverings, yacht interiors, and aviation interiors may have differing requirements. Confirm the applicable standard with the relevant authority before specifying.
There is broad equivalence between British and European standards. Standards for the United States are different and should be confirmed separately for any project with US compliance requirements.
For fabric sustainability certifications — GOTS, Oeko-Tex, and the Responsible Wool Standard — see our fabric sustainability certifications guide.
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Oh, a good information I have read. I like furniture. I will buy some for my house
I am a curtain maker and have been asked to supply curtains for a university hall of residence but the contact said she did not wish to have FR treated fabric for the curtains just an FR treated lining. Is this ok or do I need to specify the FR treatment It is all so confusing and I dont seem to be able to find any info on google at all.
You need to do what the regulations and what the fire officer says.
If your client wants you to do something else then you should get something in writing to absolve you of responsibility.
Talk to Textiles FR in Bradford or TEK Treatment in Bedford or Essex Flameproofing. They are the experts.