BS5867 Part 2 Type A, B and C for Contract Curtains (2025 Update)

2025 Update: Why This Standard Still Matters

As of 2025, BS5867 Part 2 remains the key flammability standard for fabrics used in curtains, drapes, and blinds in commercial and public buildings. Although the current version was republished in 2008, it is still referenced by fire officers, insurers and facilities managers as the benchmark for specifying flame-retardant (FR) soft furnishings. If you operate a hotel, school, healthcare site, office or any public venue, you should treat BS5867 compliance as essential for safety, legal confidence and insurance protection.

This updated guide clarifies the differences between BS5867 Part 2B and Part 2C, explains how fabrics are tested, and sets out practical steps to stay compliant in 2025.

Introduction to BS5867

BS5867 Part 2 sets out flammability requirements for fabrics used in curtains, drapes and window blinds. The aim is to reduce ignition risk and slow flame spread in real-world settings. Requirements are grouped by risk level into three types:

  • Type A – domestic/decorative settings with low risk.
  • Type B – medium-risk commercial environments (e.g. hotels, offices, schools).
  • Type C – high-risk environments (e.g. hospitals, prisons, care homes).

A Short History of BS5867

Earlier approaches to FR curtains were inconsistent across the industry. The BS5867 series brought a unified test method and clear performance thresholds. The 2008 republication of Part 2 clarified Type A/B/C, aligned testing with modern fibres, and introduced laundering requirements so that performance reflects real-life use. In 2025 it remains the reference standard for specifiers, buyers and responsible persons completing fire risk assessments.

Who Needs to Comply with BS5867?

If you run a business or public facility, you are responsible for minimising fire risk. That includes ensuring curtains and linings meet the appropriate BS5867 level for your environment.

  • Hospitality: hotels, guesthouses, serviced apartments, restaurants, bars, venues.
  • Education: nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, training centres.
  • Healthcare & care: hospitals, clinics, GP surgeries, care and nursing homes.
  • Public & cultural: museums, libraries, theatres, cinemas, council buildings.
  • Workplaces: offices, laboratories, R&D spaces and shared work hubs.

Note: Under the UK fire safety framework, the “responsible person” (often the owner, employer or facilities manager) must ensure furnishings are suitable and that evidence of compliance is available.

Risk Levels and Recommended Standards

Always check your specific situation with your fire officer. As a general guide:

Risk Level Typical Environments Recommended Standard
Low Risk Colleges, schools, universities, offices, museums, nurseries BS5867 Part 2B
Medium Risk Hospitals, hostels, casinos, hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, public buildings BS5867 Part 2C suggested
High / Very High Risk Offshore installations, locked psychiatric units, prison cells, hospital wards with sleeping accommodation BS5867 Part 2C required

Understanding Type A, B and C in Detail

Type A is the entry level and is generally unsuitable for contract use. It is more appropriate for decorative domestic contexts.

Type B covers most mainstream commercial settings. Performance is checked before and after 12 wash cycles at 40 °C. During the vertical flame test, the flame must not reach any specimen edge and no burning debris may fall.

Type C is for higher-risk settings. Fabrics are assessed for their behaviour after the flame is removed (to ensure no persistent afterglow) and are tested before and after 50 wash cycles at 40 °C to reflect intensive laundering in healthcare and similar environments.

Choosing the Right Fabrics

Most projects use one of two fabric categories:

  • Treated FR fabrics: natural fibres (e.g. cotton) treated to meet Part 2B. Cost-effective but treatment can diminish with washing; check care labels and re-test intervals.
  • Inherently flame retardant (IFR) fabrics: fibres (often polyester-based) engineered for FR performance that does not wash out. Preferred for Part 2C and for sites with frequent laundering (care, healthcare, hospitality).

Critical: your curtain is only as compliant as its weakest component. If the face fabric is 2C but the lining is 2B, the whole curtain is only 2B.

Curtain Linings and BS5867

To pass at a given level, both the face fabric and the lining must be certified to that level. Always specify an FR lining matched to the intended performance (2B or 2C). Blackout linings, interlinings and voiles must be considered as part of the system.

Testing & Certification: What Labs Do

UKAS-accredited laboratories conduct a vertical flame test with controlled ignition. Observations include:

  • Ease of ignition and flame spread.
  • Whether flames reach any specimen edge.
  • Whether flaming/ molten debris falls.
  • For Type C, behaviour after flame removal (afterglow/continued smouldering).

Laundering is built into the method: Type B = 12 washes @ 40 °C, Type C = 50 washes @ 40 °C. Fabrics must meet the criteria both before and after washing to be certified. Keep certificates on file and ensure batch numbers match delivered goods.

Compliance & Legal Responsibility (2025)

  • The responsible person for the premises should ensure the correct FR level is specified and installed.
  • Fire officers may request evidence of compliance during inspections.
  • Insurers may decline claims if non-compliant furnishings contributed to a fire.
  • Update records when refurbishing or replacing curtains; re-check that new items are certified.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Assuming “FR once = FR forever”. Treatments can reduce with laundering; IFR is more durable for heavy-wash sites.
  2. Forgetting the lining. A non-compliant lining downgrades the whole curtain.
  3. Relying on supplier claims without documents. Always request and file certificates.
  4. Mixing domestic and contract products. Domestic-grade textiles often fail BS5867 Part 2 requirements.
  5. Ignoring care instructions. Wrong detergents or high temperatures can damage FR performance.

Benefits of Getting It Right

  • Safety: reduced ignition risk and slower flame spread.
  • Insurance: helps protect policy validity and claim outcomes.
  • Reputation: visible commitment to guest, patient and staff safety.
  • Lifecycle value: IFR fabrics often deliver better total cost of ownership where laundering is frequent.

International Context (Quick Comparison)

While BS5867 governs UK contract curtains, other markets use different tests (e.g. NFPA 701 in the USA, IMO FTP Code for marine). Multinational hotels or marine applications may require dual compliance; verify requirements early in the project.

Practical Buying Guide (Checklist)

  • Confirm your risk level with a fire officer or competent person.
  • Specify the correct BS5867 Part (2B or 2C) for each area.
  • Decide between treated FR and IFR based on laundering frequency.
  • Ensure face fabric and lining both meet the same standard.
  • Request UKAS-recognised certificates for every product and retain them.
  • Check care instructions and laundering limits; plan maintenance accordingly.
  • Record install dates, product batches and locations for audits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all curtains in my building need to be flame retardant?
In commercial and public settings, yes—unless a specific, documented exception applies. Check your risk assessment.

Can FR fabrics be washed?
Yes. Treated fabrics may lose performance over time; IFR fabrics retain FR properties through washing. Always follow the care label.

Is BS5867 the same as IMO or NFPA 701?
No. They are different test methods for different sectors/regions. Some projects require compliance with more than one standard.

How often should I review certifications?
At purchase and during each scheduled fire risk assessment, or whenever rooms are refurbished or curtains replaced.

What documents should I keep?
Product datasheets, certificates stating BS5867 Part and test house details, delivery notes with batch numbers, and your internal asset/location records.

Supplier Note

NOTE FROM DIRECT FABRICS: All fabrics supplied in our flame-retardant ranges are certified to BS5867 and supplied with documentation. Other suppliers may not provide the necessary evidence—always ask.

Conclusion

In 2025, BS5867 Part 2 continues to define best practice for flame-retardant curtains and blinds in commercial spaces. Whether you manage a hotel, school, office or healthcare facility, choosing the correct Part (2B or 2C), matching the lining, and keeping certificates on file are the core steps to safe, compliant procurement.

For project advice and certified products, speak with the Direct Fabrics team. Explore our ranges below:

Further Resources & Gallery

Location shots of BS5867 flame-retardant curtains: