Do you require flame retardant curtains in a care home

When deciding whether you require flame retardant curtains for your care home, it is imperative that you establish the risk in the centre. A fire officer needs to review the fire safety risk assessment and understand what present significant risks. The HM Government review covers areas of significant risks. Particularly noted are flame retardant curtains which states that soft furnishings can cause fire to travel vertical and spread fire.

Full HM Government report can be viewed at the link below.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/14885/fsra-residential-care.pdf

Key Points from the Document

“Upholstered furniture, soft furnishings and textiles which are easily ignited or have rapid spread of flame characteristics should, where practicable, be avoided in any type of care home and all such products should meet a recognised fire performance standard”

“Flammability of fabrics for curtains and drapes (including nets and linings, blackout curtains and roller blinds): BS 5867-2,62 Type, Type B .”

For a further understanding of BS5867 Part2B and 2C please read the information here.

Overview Summary https://www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/blog/bs-5867-part-2-b-c/

BS5867 - British standard for drapery including curtains and blinds.

This standard covers everything that you require for fire retardant curtains in the United Kingdom.

The standard is broken up into 2 sections; Part2B which is 10 washes whilst staying flame retardant. Part2C which is 50 washes / inherently flame retardant.

Should a care home complete all changes

“In some existing premises you may not be able to achieve appropriate fire performance standards immediately, but they should be applied to all new or replacement items. Where your fire risk assessment identifies significant quantities of furniture and furnishings that do not meet an appropriate standard of fire performance you will need to consider what alternative fire precautions may need to be put in place to compensate.”

The government guidelines are that any commercial environment in the UK is required to have flame retardant soft furnishings in order to be compliant. There are different grades and whether looking after people of care. As the responsible person for premises providing residential care you should be fully aware of the need to manage your premises well to ensure the safety and well-being of your residents from fire at all times. Your staff must be trained to prevent or limit the risk of fire, recognise and neutralise potential fire hazards, and know how to respond to an emergency individually and collectively by actions and communications.

You should keep your staff up to date on any issues that might cause a potential hazard or risk, and expect them to keep you informed when they spot problems. Where appropriate, you should also keep residents informed about hazards and risks and how to avoid them.

IF you are looking for flame retardant curtains and blinds for your care home please review our website.

https://www.direct-fabrics.co.uk/flame-retardant/curtains

click here for more details or to contact Direct Fabrics