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British Standards

  • Guide to Fire-Resistant Roller Blinds for Enhanced Commercial Safety

    Guide to Fire-Resistant Roller Blinds for Enhanced Commercial Safety

    In an era where safety is paramount, the selection of suitable window treatments for commercial spaces goes beyond aesthetics. It is crucial to consider the safety features, particularly fire resistance, that such choices can offer. This comprehensive guide to fire-resistant roller blinds has been meticulously curated to enhance the safety of your commercial premises. It aims to enlighten readers about the importance and benefits of fire-resistant roller blinds, bringing to the fore, insightful information that can guide your decision-making process. 

    In commercial settings, fire safety is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility. In this guide, we delve into the world of fire-resistant roller blinds, exploring their construction, functionality, and cutting-edge technology that bolsters their fire-resistance capability. We also shed light on the regulations and standards that these blinds must meet to qualify as 'fire-resistant'. 

    Whether you manage a bustling restaurant, a high-rise office building, or a cosy local library, our guide will provide valuable knowledge that can significantly contribute to your fire safety approach. Installing fire-resistant roller blinds could be a game-changer, adding an extra layer of protection, potentially saving lives, and minimising damage in the unfortunate event of a fire.

    Benefits of FR Roller Blinds for Your Business

    Investing in fire-resistant roller blinds offers several advantages for businesses operating in different industries:

    1. Enhanced Safety: Manufactured with fire-retardant materials, these blinds can resist ignition and significantly reduce the risk of fire spreading in your commercial space.
    2. Compliance: Installing fire-resistant roller blinds showcases your commitment to safety and adherence to required industry regulations, ensuring the welfare of employees and clients alike.
    3. Aesthetic and Practical Flexibility: FR roller blinds come in a variety of colours, designs, and materials, providing an attractive window treatment while prioritising safety.
    4. Easy Installation and Maintenance: Roller blinds are relatively simple to install and maintain, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for commercial window treatments.

    Important Regulations and Standards for FR Blinds

    Understanding the relevant safety regulations and certifications for fire-resistant roller blinds is essential when selecting the appropriate product for your business:

    1. British Standards: BS 5867 Part 2 covers the flame retardancy requirements for fabrics used in curtains, drapes, and blinds. Ensure your chosen blinds comply with this benchmark.
    2. Industry-Specific Regulations: Different commercial sectors have specific fire safety standards, such as those in care homes, hotels, offices, and schools. Partner with an expert supplier like Direct Fabrics to select blinds that align with your industry's requirements.
    3. Proper Certification: Verify that the FR roller blinds come with the necessary certification, such as test reports or compliance documents, that confirm the product's adherence to safety standards.

    Selecting the Right Material and Design for Your FR Roller Blinds

    Choosing the optimal material and design for your fire-resistant roller blinds requires careful consideration of several factors:

    1. Material: Fire-resistant roller blinds are available in different fire-retardant fabrics, such as polyester, glass fibre, and blackout materials. Determine which material best suits your business's functional and aesthetic requirements.
    2. Design and Colour: Consider your commercial space's existing style and decor when selecting the blinds' design and colour. Strive for a cohesive aesthetic that enhances your workspace's overall appearance without sacrificing safety.
    3. Functionality: Assess the specific needs of your business, such as light control, privacy, or insulation, and ensure your fire-resistant roller blinds cater to those functionalities.

    Installation and Maintenance Tips for FR Blinds

    To maximise their performance and longevity, FR roller blinds require proper installation and regular maintenance:

    1. Professional Installation: Engage a reputable supplier like Direct Fabrics that offers professional installation services, ensuring the optimal functionality and precise fit of your fire-resistant blinds.
    2. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for routine cleaning and maintenance of your roller blinds, preserving their appearance and fire-resistant properties over time.
    3. Prompt Repairs: Address any signs of wear or damage as soon as possible by seeking professional repairs or replacement. Timely action will maintain your blinds' effectiveness and ensure continued compliance with safety standards.

    Understanding the Importance of FR Roller Blinds in Commercial Spaces

    Fire-resistant roller blinds are a vital safety measure for various businesses. Balancing fire safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal requires understanding relevant regulations and industry standards and considering factors such as material, design, and functional requirements. 

    Collaborating with a trusted supplier like Direct Fabrics ensures your commercial space adheres to the best practices when integrating fire-retardant curtains and roller blinds into your workspace, maintaining a safe and visually appealing environment.

    By selecting the right FR roller blinds for your business and implementing professional installation and proper maintenance, you can foster a secure, comfortable, and visually stunning setting that nurtures growth, productivity, and satisfaction.

    Equip your commercial space with a perfect blend of safety and design by choosing Direct Fabrics' premium range of fire-resistant roller blinds. Contact our dedicated team today to discuss your unique requirements and discover the ideal solution tailored to your business needs. 

  • Understanding Flame Retardant Standard European EN 13773

    Flame Retardant Standard EN 13773 - European Flame Retardant Standard

     

    Standards Across Europe

    EN 13773 = Class 1,2 or 3 European Standard Textile burning behaviour for curtains and drapes.

    Click this image to buy m1 b1 curtains

    EN13773 Buy Fr Curtains

    What is EN 13773 - 1,2,3 Flame Retardant Standards – European FR Standards for Curtains

    EN13773  is the European flame retardant standard for contract drapery. This is the latest flame retardant standard for drapery and links in with old tests such as BS5867, M1 B1 and other drapery flame retardant tests. It has been introduce

     

    Test standardFlammability classCountry
    DIN 4102B1 ("Brandschacht")Germany
    EN 13501B-s1, d0Europe
    EN 13772 and EN 13773Class 1Europe
    NF P 92-503 to 92-505,
    92-507
    M1France
    BS 5867, 5438Part 2, Type CGreat Britain
    NFPA 701PassedUSA
    Credit to
    https://www.trevira.com/en/textiles-made-from-trevira/home-textiles/flame-retardant-textiles-trevira-cs/fire-safety.html

    By using the EN 13773, this interlinks and unifies the results across Europe for testing purposes for 1 market.

     

    Composition of Fabrics – Flame Retardant Standards Europe

    Understanding which fabrics pass which tests is important as you can have inherently flame retardant fabrics such as Trevira which are polyester fabrics with the flame retardant yarn so they do not need to be treated. This means they can be washed and they will keep their flame retardancy. Some fabrics that are treated will need to be retreated if they are not inherently flame retardant. Therefore a user needs to be mindful that after dry cleaning they may no longer be flame retardant.

     

    Areas Used

    The European flame retardant standards will be required in any commercial environment, a hotel will require EN13773,  M1 B1 standards in Europe and BS5867 in the UK. They are all similar tests but it is required for insurance requirements to ensure that they are certified to avoid any legal risks.

     

    Understanding Different Fabric Flame Retardancy

    Durably Flame Retardant

    Again these fabric have been chemically treated and will be suitable for washing.

    Inherently flame retardant

    An inherently flame retardant fabric is made from a yarn that has the flame retardancy already within the yarn like a Trevira. This means it can be washed multiple times and not loose its flame retardancy.

     

     

  • Understanding Flame Retardant Standard M1 B1

    European Flame Retardant Standards

    What is M1 B1 Flame Retardant Standards – European FR Standards for Curtains

    M1 B1 is the European flame retardant standard for contract drapery. It is used across Europe so companies are aware that a fabric and in turn the curtain made from that fabric is flame retardant and can be used safely in a commercial environment. Locations that use M1 B1 fire retardant fabrics are; Hotel, Care Homes, Schools, Hospitals and more.

    Depending on which country in Europe there are slightly different standards for flame retardant fabrics. Fire retardant fabrics in France follow the M1 Standard and in Germany follow the B1. Based on this generally if a fabric passes M1 Standard it will pass B1. Although it will need to be checked that it posses the necessary certificates.

     

    Standards Across Europe

    M1 = French NFP92 503-505 M1

    B1 = German DIN 4102 B1

    EN 13773 = Class 1,2 or 3 European Standard Textile burning behaviour for curtains and drapes.

    BS 5867 = British Standards “Fabrics for curtains and drapes.”

     

    Looking to Buy M1 B1 Curtains?

    Click this link to buy m1 b1 curtains

    Composition of M1B1 Fabrics – Flame Retardant Standards Europe

    Understanding which fabrics pass which tests is important as you can have inherently flame retardant fabrics such as Trevira which are polyester fabrics with the flame retardant yarn so they do not need to be treated. This means they can be washed and they will keep their flame retardancy. Some fabrics that are treated will need to be retreated if they are not inherently flame retardant. Therefore a user needs to be mindful that after dry cleaning they may no longer be flame retardant.

     

    Areas Used

    The European flame retardant standards will be required in any commercial environment, a hotel will require M1 B1 standards in Europe and BS5867 in the UK. They are all similar tests but it is required for insurance requirements to ensure that they are certified to avoid any legal risks.

    Most common locations that M1 E

     

    Understanding Different Fabric Flame Retardancy

    Non Durable Flame Retardant  - NOT M1 or B1 Certified.

    These fabrics are coated with a soluble flame retardant, this means that if they are wetted in anyway you should get them retreated to ensure they remain flame retardant, this is usually related to velvets and natural fibres that have

    Durably Flame Retardant

    Again these fabric have been chemically treated and will be suitable for washing.

    Inherently flame retardant

    An inherently flame retardant fabric is made from a yarn that has the flame retardancy already within the yarn like a Trevira. This means it can be washed multiple times and not loose its flame retardancy.

     

    Flame Retardant Tests – Reference - http://www.eurocobusiness.com/resources/European%20Fire%20Standards.pdf

    Germany

    The fabric specimen is suspended vertically and a 20mm high flame is applied for 15 seconds to both the fabric surface and edge. Reference lines are marked on the specimen, which achieves B2 classification if the tip of the flame does not reach the reference marks within 20 seconds on any sample. 5 samples are tested with filter paper being placed below each to determine the production of flaming droplets.

     

    DIN 4102 Parts 15/16 - Brandschacht (B1) Referred to as the "Brandschacht test", this is the main test method in Germany which measures reaction to fire and is considered the highest flammability standard in the country for upholstery fabrics. The term Brandschacht, literally "fire shaft", refers to the testing apparatus itself which consists of a square-shaped vertical housing equipped with a gas burner. Four fabric samples are held vertically in a supporting frame and subjected to flames for 10 minutes. At the same time a constant, uniform flow of air is blown into the Brandschacht from below. In evaluating the test, smoke gas temperature and the mean residual length of the sample are taken into account (residual length is the part of the specimen which has escaped burning). In order to be classified as B1, the tested fabric must show:

    1. A mean residual length of not less than 150mm, with no specimen being burned away completely 2. A mean smoke gas temperature of less than 200oC

     

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