BS 5867-2 Type C: UK Flame Retardant Curtains Standard

In the UK Contract Textiles market, BS 5867-2 is the core standard determining the compliance of curtain fabrics. Within this standard, BS 5867-2 Type C represents the highest safety classification available. It is the mandatory “Gold Standard” for NHS hospitals, care homes, and high-risk commercial spaces. This guide provides a deep dive into the technical requirements of Type C, its essential differences from Type B, and the rigorous logic behind the 50-wash cycle test.

What is BS 5867-2 Type C?

BS 5867-2 Type C is the highest flame retardant rating for curtains and drapes in the UK. Its core definition is “a fabric that retains rapid self-extinguishing properties after 50 industrial wash cycles.”

Unlike lower standards that require only basic testing, Type C ensures that a fabric maintains its flame retardant performance throughout its entire lifecycle, regardless of frequent high-intensity laundering. It requires that, after exposure to flame, the mean afterflame time must be less than 2.5 seconds, and damage must not spread to the edges. This makes it the only viable choice for environments that cannot tolerate any fire risk.

Core Comparison: The Difference Between Type B and Type C

The most common point of confusion in engineering procurement is between Type B and Type C. The fundamental difference lies not in “whether it is flame retardant,” but in the “durability of the retardancy” and the “speed of self-extinguishing.”

Comparison Dimension	Type B (Standard Durability)	Type C (High Risk / Maximum Safety)
Applicable Scenarios	Hotels, Offices, Schools, General Public Buildings.	NHS Hospitals, Care Homes, Prisons, Mental Health Units, Offshore Facilities.
Pre-treatment (Laundering)	Usually tested after 12 standard wash cycles (BS EN ISO 10528).	Must be tested after 50 industrial wash cycles (BS EN ISO 10528).
Ignition Times Tested	15 seconds only.	5s, 15s, 20s, and 30s (Multi-point testing).
Afterflame Limit	No specific time limit, provided the flame does not reach the edges.	Rapid Self-Extinguishing: Mean afterflame time must be ≤ 2.5 seconds.
Fabric Recommendation	Can be FR Treated (Chemical finish), which may degrade over time.	Typically must be IFR (Inherently Flame Retardant), such as Trevira CS or Modacrylic, to ensure physical properties remain intact.

Why do the NHS and Care Homes Mandate Type C?

The strict requirements imposed by the NHS and care institutions on curtain fabrics are driven by a dual consideration of Infection Control and Evacuation Tolerance.

• Endurance to Thermal Disinfection: Hospital cubicle curtains are critical to infection control and require frequent thermal disinfection washes (often at 71°C+). Only Type C fabrics (verified by the 50-wash test) guarantee zero degradation of FR performance under such high-frequency cleaning.
• Critical Safety Margins: In care homes or hospitals, patients often have limited mobility, resulting in slower evacuation times. The “self-extinguish within 2.5 seconds” requirement of Type C cuts off the fire source instantly upon contact (e.g., lighters, electrical sparks), preventing spread and buying precious “Golden Time” for evacuation.
• Compliance with HTM 05-03: The Department of Health’s Technical Memoranda (HTM 05-03) explicitly advises that textiles in healthcare settings should meet the BS 5867-2 Type C level to satisfy the highest fire safety codes.

Deep Dive: Technical Testing Procedures for BS 5867-2 Type C

The testing process for Type C is executed according to BS EN ISO 15025 (Limited Flame Spread) and must be conducted after rigorous “pre-treatment.” Below are the three critical stages:

1. The Extreme Pre-treatment (The 50-Wash Cycle)

This is the litmus test that separates “true” Type C from the rest. All fabrics claiming Type C compliance must first undergo 50 complete washing and drying cycles according to BS EN ISO 10528. If the fabric is not washable, it must undergo equivalent dry-cleaning cycles. Any cheap FR fabric relying on surface coatings will typically fail at this stage due to the chemical washout.

2. Multi-Point Ignition Testing

Using the face ignition method (vertical suspension), a propane burner is applied directly to the fabric surface. Unlike Type B, which tests only at 15 seconds, Type C must pass testing at four distinct ignition times:

• 5 Seconds
• 15 Seconds
• 20 Seconds
• 30 Seconds

3. Pass/Fail Criteria

After the removal of the ignition source at any of the above times, the fabric must meet all of the following conditions to achieve Type C certification:

• Flame Spread: No part of any hole nor any part of the lowest boundary of any flame shall reach the top edge or either vertical edge of the specimen.
• Self-Extinguishing Time: The mean afterflame time or afterglow time shall not exceed 2.5 seconds.
• Debris: No separation of flaming debris or molten droplets is permitted.

Labelling and Compliance Requirements

According to the BS 5867-2:2008 specification, compliance is not just about a test report. All Type C curtains installed on-site must bear a permanent label clearly stating:

• Standard Number: “BS 5867-2: Type C”
• Cleaning Instructions: Clear washing methods and temperatures.
• Supplier/Manufacturer Information.

Expert Tip: If a Fire Officer inspecting the premises finds curtains missing this label, you face a high risk of being issued a rectification notice, even if you can produce a paper test report.

Our Type C Certified Fabric Solutions

Targeting the UK high-end healthcare and contract markets, we offer a full range of BS 5867 Type C compliant solutions. All products are tested by UKAS-accredited laboratories and guaranteed to retain FR performance after 50 washes.

• IFR Cubicle Curtains: Combining anti-microbial technology with Type C flame retardancy, designed specifically for NHS wards.
• IFR Blackout: Washable, 100% light-blocking, perfect for care homes and hotel projects.
• IFR Voile: Meeting aesthetic transparency needs while adhering to Type C safety standards.

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