BS 5867-2 Standard: Type A, B, C and 50 Wash Requirements

UK Fire Safety Legislation and Scope of BS 5867-2

The fire safety performance of curtains, drapes and window blinds used in the UK contract textile market is defined by the BS 5867-2 standard [1]. The BS 5867-2 specification establishes flammability requirements for curtain and drape fabrics installed in non-domestic buildings [1], [2]. Fire safety in non-domestic buildings in the United Kingdom is regulated under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 [2]. Under this statutory framework, operators of hotels, hospitals, workplaces or restaurants are obligated to evaluate fire risk within their premises and select appropriate materials [2].
Contrary to widespread industry perception, there is no single legislative statute directly mandating compliance with the BS 5867-2 standard as a direct article of law [2]. Material selection is determined through risk assessments executed by facility operators and technical specifications published by relevant public bodies [2], [3].

Technical Distinction of Type A, Type B and Type C Levels

The BS 5867-2 standard tests the ignition response of fabrics exposed to flame on vertically positioned specimens in a laboratory setting [1], [2]. Within the standard, fabric performance is categorized into three primary classes: Type A, Type B and Type C [2]. While it is frequently assumed in the industry that Type A and Type B classes differ by the number of laundering cycles, this is technically inaccurate [2].
Under standard procedures, fabric specimens for Type A and Type B performance levels are tested before cleaning, and are additionally subjected to testing following the cleaning method specified on the supplier's care label [2]. In hotel guest rooms, commercial office buildings and general public areas, the Type B performance level is widely deemed sufficient [2].
For Type C classification, specimens are tested additionally following 50 commercial laundering cycles [2].

Commercial 50 Laundering Requirements and NHS Healthcare Projects

The fire safety guidance for healthcare premises (HTM 05-03 Part C) issued by the National Health Service (NHS) in England outlines recommendations for curtain selection in hospitals and clinics [3]. According to the NHS guide, the minimum recommended performance standard for curtains and drapes in healthcare settings is Type B [3]. Contrary to popular industry belief, Type C is not mandatory across all hospital areas; the deployment of Type C fabrics is recommended in the NHS guidance exclusively for high-risk zones [3]. For roller blinds and vertical blind installations, the guidance similarly specifies Type B as the baseline performance level [3].
To achieve durable flame retardancy, inherent fibers or wash-durable flame-retardant finishes are required [3].