A major change in textile fire retardant specifications is imminent and is likely to have important implications for the contract sector.  Currently in the UK FR requirements are normally determined by BS5867 part 2 - Specification for fabrics for Curtains and Drapes - Flammability requirements.

Without getting too technical, this is a relatively simple test for fabric ignition utilising a small gas flame applied to a vertical fabric surface for 15 seconds and observation of the presence or absence of fabric ignition. Provision is allowed for short ignition times provided the flame self extinguishes before it reaches any edge of the test specimen.

Fabrics supplied into the Healthcare Sector (normally curtaining) have more stringent ignition and durability requirements to ensure higher safety and continued performance throughout the product lifetime. In addition, fabrics supplied from European sources often have M1 certification from France, and B1 from Germany. These European standards are derived from building materials requirements for the construction industry and are not strictly suitable for textile materials. They have been applied by default, as there is less history of textile flammability testing in Europe compared with the UK, and commercial blinds are often regarded as structural parts of the building. 

In the mid 1990s a series of EU directives established a new harmonised Building Materials Classification Scheme to replace M1, B1 and BS 476 for construction products and at the same time introduced a parallel classification scheme for textile products.

2003 saw the publication of EN13773 - Textile and textile Products - Burning behaviour - Curtains and Drapes - Classification scheme which is applicable to all textile window coverings including blinds. As an 'EN' this standard is mandatory throughout the EU and takes precedence over national standards. This new scheme utilises a series of ignition and rate of flame spread tests using the radiant panel used in the M1 test, which go far beyond the simple ignition test of BS5767 part2. Fabrics are classified from Class 1 (no ignition and essentially no flame spread) to class 5 (effectively not FR).

In theory this change should be beneficial to both suppliers and users; unified test methods and results acceptable throughout Europe with no hidden supply issues. In practice there are a number of serious problems coming to light. The test protocol is complex and time consuming leading to greatly increased testing costs. There are confusing issues regarding frequency of testing and durability requirements for the Healthcare sector.

Since the necessary equipment to carry out the tests has only just started to appear on the market actual testing of materials, and more particularly comparative testing with current standards has been limited. However, it is already obvious that major market distortions are likely to occur. It has already been established that durably treated FR cotton fabrics, which easily pass the most stringent current requirements, do not reach the higher classes specified in EN13773, nor do fabrics made from modified acrylic yarns. The danger is that specifiers will ask for class 1 as routine, thus barring products that have proved to be safe over a long time.

While this is not of primary concern to blind makers, it may well force the use of more expensive materials or limit choice; never ideal. Those people also involved in curtain making or soft blind manufacture or who use cotton based blind fabrics may be affected and should be aware of potential problems. At present, most materials used for blinds have not been assessed by the new scheme so potential problems are still unknown.

The BSI has charged its Technical Committee TC63 with a review of BS5867 part2 to bring it in line with EN13773. The BBSA have representation on this committee along with the Textile Finishers Association who are representing the curtaining material suppliers. 

I would be grateful for any comments or feedback from BBSA members to take to the next BSI committee meeting to be held on Tuesday May 16th. I would especially like to hear from companies working in the contract sector. Please note that the BSI committee will only accept input from Trade Associations or committee representatives, and not from individuals or companies. Anyone wishing to have their views expressed to the committee should contact the BBSA, myself as BBSA representative, the TFA or any other trade association who may be able have an input to BSI.

• Adrian Whitaker at Eclipse Blinds Ltd, Inchinnan Business Park, Renfrewshire PA4 9RE,
• T:0141 814 3545,
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