Fire Retardant / Energy Saving Blinds
For any commercial building (private and public sector), window blinds from an established and trusted supplier such as A1 Blinds is a ‘win win’ scenario.
Increased control over heat efficiency saves money – whilst at the same time you can be in full knowledge that all fire retardancy regulations are satisfied which may be an obligation or are stipulated as a necessity by law.
As improvements are achieved in the technology used to manufacture window blinds, effective solar shading is increasingly being used to control the internal environment of buildings. Window glazing is static whereas blinds are dynamic – allowing the occupier to operate the blinds based on the prevailing environmental conditions; helping to reduce the heat gain in the summer and heat loss during winter.
Here at A1 Blinds we measure, manufacture & fit industry standard blinds. Correctly specified, installed and operated solar shading enhances any building. We can help a great deal in both providing for this prospective enhancement as well as ensuring that fire retardant standards are met.
All non-domestic premises in England*, Wales* and Scotland** have to comply with the Fire Safety Order. Failure to meet these regulations could lead to prosecution, which could lead to hefty fines or even conviction. The order came in to effect in October 2006 and replaced any previous fire legislation.
*Regulation Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
** Fire (Scotland) Act 2005
All drapes/window blind fabrics used in Contract and Public sector properties are subject to flame retardant requirement.
BS5867 Part 2 Type B
Hotels, public buildings such as bars and restaurants including offices are required to meet the Fire Test BS5867 Part 2 Type B. This test uses a flame application on the face of the fabric for 15 seconds, both warp and weft directions are tested. A fabric will pass if the flame does not reach the edges of the 23 x 17cm test specimen and so long as there is no separation of flaming debris. Inherently FR fabrics are tested directly however flame retardant treated fabrics are subjected to durability using washing or dry cleaning (according to fabric manufacturers care instructions).
BS5867 Part 2 Type C
Hospital and Healthcare environments particularly cubicle curtains are obliged to meet BS 5867 Part 2 Type C, this test includes criteria for 50 wash cycles at thermal disinfection temperatures of 75 Degrees Celsius This test determines a pass using both face and back flame application with multiple flame ignition times of 5s, 15s, 20s and 30 seconds. In addition to the flame spread criteria meaning no flame can reach the edges, to confirm with Type C any resultant after flaming must cease within 2.5 seconds.
Further Reading
The official home of UK legislation. This website is managed by The National Archives on behalf of HM Government.www.legislation.gov.uk
Panaz. A global distributor and supplier of flame retardant contract fabrics in the Hospitality, Healthcare and Education industries
