Fire Resistant Fabrics

Contract Curtains & Blind Supplied for Large Apartment Block

Rental Apartment Flame Retardant Roller Blinds & Curtains for Landlords –75 flats 355 Windows

Direct fabrics was approached by a large property manager who was in the process of renovating a large number of flats in a modern tower block in London. The client was looking to renovated 166 apartments using both roller blinds and curtains, in this case study we are going to be looking at the flame retardant roller blinds that were manufactured and installed by Direct Fabrics.

Phases of the project

As the job was so vast in size. Direct fabrics commenced by doing an initial site visit to see what was feasible for the project. Whether roller blinds could be installed or whether another shading system would be required. Upon viewing the window the recess above the windows were smaller than required to fit roller blinds as an overlap would happen over the window and as they pivoted inwards it would not work effectively for ventilation.

Initial Quotation for 355 windows

To offer the client a guide price for the project from the initial site inspection an overview of 3 rooms was completed a 1,2,3 bedroom selection. This allowed for a starting point quote to be provided and allow the client to decide whether to go ahead with a full site survey. A survey of this magnitude with ceiling to floor curtains was going take a significant amount of time. Once approved our full site survey of c400 windows was undertaken by our trained professionals. After completing this we were able to provide a detailed quote within 24hrs of completing the initial measures, this allowed time for checking for typos and other logical mistakes when comparing measurements to other floors.

Time Frame & Manufacturing of Curtains

The client had an ambitious target for the release of flats being 2 -3 weeks for release for the curtains in the bedrooms and slightly over for the lounges if necessary. As Direct Fabrics has a team of over 20 seamstresses and the fabrics are kept in stock it meant that we were able to offer an extremely quick turn around on these curtains and blinds. The planning for the release for these flats meant that the production facility was stretched to manufacture over 1200 widths of material plus the blinds.

Fitting the curtain Tracks & Curtains

A hotel grade quality curtain track was decided upon for the project, approximately 750m of curtain track was required for this project which would be installed immediately as for making up the track in the warehouse meant there was a 3 day lead time before getting the first batch to site.

Commencement of curtain track installation began 1 week after being awarded the contract with the first batch of curtains being delivered on the same day.

Completion of the curtains and blinds was completed within 3 weeks with 1 week for snagging. Where rooms were not completed by the builders who were located on site.

The project went exceedingly well and the second phase will be completed in the next 3 weeks.

Photos

Hotel Inspector Testimonial The Green Man Pub

Again we had the opportunity to work with the Hotel Inspector and supply some incredible flame retardant curtains for a hotel that was getting a makeover. This project was setup with the a fresh new look in mind to rejuvenate the hotel at a cost that wasn't going to break the bank.

Here at Direct-Fabrics.co.uk we pride ourselves on offering what our clients want, so in this instance we used the odyssey fabric that is a 3 pass blackout fabric with a soft feel. By combining this with a flame retardant lining as well we gave it a luxury look but on a real budget. This fabric costs under £10 per metre.

For the new hotel rooms a grey colour was selected which although from the darker pallet provided a brighter feel. The grey combining with the bedding and the other furnishings means that the rooms are well rounded and modern.

Understanding BS5867 Part 2 B and C For Curtains

 BS5867 Part 2 Type A, B and C for Contract Curtains

Introduction to BS5867

In this article, we are going to provide the details of what BS5867 Part 2 B & Part C requires and why as a business owner you should be using flame retardant fabrics that fits this standard.

What is the standard BS 5867 Part 2:2008 Fabrics for curtains, drapes and window blinds."

Who is affected by BS5867

If you own a business and want to reduce the fire risk, then it is important that you are mitigating the risk of fire. So you should be abiding and using products certified by BS5867 Part 2 Type B and C.

The standard was republished in 2008. Title: BSI - BS 5867-2
Fabrics for curtains, drapes and window blinds - Part 2: Flammability Requirements - Specification

It is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that they are using products that are certified for use in the business environment, they can get this information by speaking to their fire officer.

Lower Risk - Usually require BS5867 Part 2b

High Risk - Require BS5867 Part 2 C.

NOTE FROM DIRECT FABRICS

All fabrics supplied by Direct Fabrics which are in the flame retardant section are certified to BS5867 and have certification to show this. Other suppliers might not have the necessary information.

If you are looking to purchase flame retardant curtains then the view the range here.

Business Owners - How to Comply to BS5867

Need to specify the requirements for their projects to ensure that their fabrics are suitable for business use and that the Direct Fabrics team can supply the necessary flame retardant fabrics.

It is the business owners responsibility to ensure that they comply with the required standard. The table below gives an indication of risk level of your business and you can check with your fire officer which standard you require.

Choosing the Best Fabrics to Comply

When looking for fabrics or curtains you have a choice of part 2b certified products or 2c.

BS5867 Part2C are usually inherently flame retardant fabrics this means that you can wash them and they will not loose their flame retardancy. These are ideal for Care Homes or for centres that will be laundered regularly.  Remember to line your curtains with a lining that is also certified to this standard.

Curtain Linings and BS5867

For the item to pass the standard the curtains must have the face fabric and the curtain lining certified to the BS5867 standard. The curtain will only be to the standard of the lowest fabrics.

i.e the face fabric is certified to Part2C but the lining to Part2B, then you have to maintain to the lowest standard.

Flame Retardant Treatment of Fabrics to BS5867

Fabrics are available that are inherently flame retardant, these include polyester fabrics and other man-made material. Things like Cottons and other materials can be treated to meet the requirements.

How are Fabrics Tested for BS5867

Test method

A sample of the fabric, vertically held, is exposed to a small flame.

For type B (Hotels, etc) the ease of ignition is observed. It is also noted if the flame reaches one any edge of the specimen and/or if any burning pieces of fabric fall down.

For type C (NHS / Prisons) the fabric is further analysed to see what happens once the flame stops but when the fabric still may be glowing.

NB: The fabric is tested before and after laundering
type B (12 wash cycles at 40°c)
type C (50 wash cycles at 40°c)
Test Performance Criteria

Type B Performance Criteria: The edges must remain completely intact and no burning debris should fall.

Discussion of Risk.

When choosing which type of furnishings to purchase for your commercial premises, you should confirm with your fire officer.

If you do not use flame retardant furnishings and you have a fire, you may be at risk of not being insured.

Getting Fabrics Tested for BS5867

Fabrics are certificated by UKAS approved testing laboratories. You can get any fabric tested to the standard and they test the material to the standard. Here is a list of some approved testing labs.

Conclusion

Speak with the Direct Fabrics team to ensure that your fabrics are to the requirements required.

If you are looking to purchase flame retardant curtains then the view the range here.

Location Shots of BS5867 Flame Retardant Curtains