BS 5867-2 Standard: Flammability Rules for Non-Domestic Curtains

Standard Scope and UK Legislative Context

BS 5867-2 is the benchmark British standard governing flammability requirements for curtains, drapes, window blinds, and lining assemblies installed in non-domestic buildings [1]. For textiles specified in public facilities, hotels, hospitals, and commercial properties, flame-retardant performance is directly tied to the intended occupancy and formal fire risk assessments [1, 2]. The standard defines ignition criteria for drapery and lining materials tested either independently or in composite configurations [1]. Within UK non-domestic risk evaluations, drapes passing the BS 5867-2 Type B evaluation are routinely deemed compliant and adequate for installation [2].

While EN 13773 serves as the continental European reference for curtain combustion classification, BS 5867-2 remains the operational focal point within UK procurement tenders [1, 4]. For exporting manufacturers preparing contract bids, accurately identifying project risk tiers and mandatory specifications is essential [1, 2]. Fire risk assessments structured around building layout, operational purpose, and internal activities determine the exact performance grade required in project documentation [2].

Testing Methodology and Evaluation Criteria

Under this standard, the fabric specimen is hung vertically and the flame source is directed toward the fabric face rather than the bottom hem [1, 2]. Applied consistently across all classification tiers, this vertical surface ignition method measures flame propagation and combustion behavior over the textile [1, 2]. Suspending the specimen vertically with direct surface flame impingement reproduces the thermal contact that hanging drapes encounter during actual fire scenarios [1, 2]. Primary parameters evaluated during the procedure comprise [2]:
- The extent of flame spread across the specimen surface and duration of combustion [1, 2],
- The occurrence of flaming debris or droplets detaching from the fabric [2].

Because flaming debris increases the hazard of secondary fire ignition across flooring textiles and furnishings, droplet formation is strictly monitored and constrained in test appraisals [2]. When modified polyester yarns such as inherently flame-retardant Trevira CS are incorporated into fabric construction, flame resistance withstands laundering and does not degrade with aging or intensive contract service [3]. Chemical integration of protection within the polymer matrix ensures the textile preserves its flame-retardant properties throughout its usable lifespan [3].

Type A, Type B, and Type C Performance Levels

BS 5867-2 defines three distinct performance classifications based on test severity [2]:
- Type A Level: Represents the baseline tier of the standard [2]. Evaluated using the BS EN ISO 6941 procedure, it involves a 10-second flame application to the fabric surface [1, 2]. Fabric resistance against this initial ignition exposure is assessed [2].
- Type B Level: Constitutes the standard intermediate tier most commonly specified for non-domestic drapes [2]. Conducted pursuant to BS EN ISO 15025, it applies flame to the specimen face for 15 seconds [1, 2]. In this tier, samples are tested independently prior to and following the designated cleaning procedure [2].
- Type C Level: Enforces the most rigorous performance mandate within the standard [2]. Textiles are subjected to flame evaluation after completing 50 commercial wash cycles specified in BS EN ISO 10528 [1, 2]. Strict limits on flame spread and zero allowable flaming debris must be maintained even after 50 wash cycles [2].