Theatres, cinemas, exhibitions and sports stadiums are common public venues that attract large numbers of people so they are inherently at risk from fire due to the density of occupants and the potential for ignition sources. The 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire in France caused a global sensation, with hundreds of firefighters fighting overnight until dawn the next day. Although there were no casualties, some precious architectural sculptures suffered irreparable damage, and the toxic lead gas produced by the fire invaded the surrounding land and air environment. The Paris police stated that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in the power lines, indicating that the fire is difficult to predict and even small accidents can have a significant negative impact. This disaster highlights the necessity of using flame retardant textiles in public places, which can contain fires in the early stages and greatly delay their outbreak
Understanding Flame Retardant Textiles
Types of Flame Retardant Textiles
There are several forms of flame retardant textiles, each tailored to accommodate specific applications. The main categories include Inherent Flame Retardant(IFR) , Durable Flame Retardant(DFR) , and Permanent Flame Retardant(PFR) textiles. IFR textiles are those whose features Flame Retardant(FR) properties are built in while DFR textiles require a treatment on the fabric’s surface, ensuring they can withstand numerous washes. PFR textiles require a chemical layer and guarantee that the FR will last through several cleaning sessions. It is possible to conclude that each type can be used in diverse events, such as corporate parties or large-scale events, and has its set of benefits.
How Flame Retardant Textiles Work
Fibers ignite (catch fire) when in contact with a flame or source of heat, releasing combustible gases and solid carbon-containing residues as well as other substances that combine readily with the oxygen in the air. Also, there is a large amount of heat in burning, which breaks down the fibers even further.) Consequently, the fiber burning process requires three conditions: Fiber, Heat and Oxygen. The so-called flame retardant reduces the material fire in the fire, slow down the spread of flames, materials are rapidly extinguished after removing the flame, reducing combustion and winning more escape time. On the combustion process, flame retardancy refers to breaking the cycle of combustibles, heat and oxygen.
Advantages of Flame Retardant Textiles in Public Events
Improvement of security
Smoke and respiratory gases produced in fires are one of the primary reasons for deaths. Flame retardant fabrics can control the occurrence of hazardous material that has come into being while burning, and finally reduce the release of carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide would be reduced to zero. This not only protects the respiratory system of personnel, but also makes it easier to withdraw with good visibility and thereby reduces confusion due to impaired vision, which is a cause of casualties.
Prevent the Spread of Fire
Since flame retardant textiles are hard to light as well as fire can be put out promptly if a fire occurs suddenly, flame-resistant fabrics lower the burning time. This self-extinguishing property is critical to fire control in that it stops the combustion from spreading to other flammable materials, thereby preventing a large conflagration and potential for more corrosive impacts.
Environmental Protection and Durability
The modern flame retardant technology trend is to add environmentally friendly flame retardant additives or use natural flame retardant fibers instead of using traditional chemical synthetic methods, the production process has less impact on the environment. In comparison with conventional flame retardants, they may not carry heavy metals (such as P, Sb, Bi), halogens or other environment-corrupted substances so that pollutants in production wastewater and exhaust gas and solid waste can be cut down;
Because the fire resistance of flame-retardant fabric is good, and it has improved physical properties, its service life is often longer than ordinary fabrics. This extended life-cycle for high traffic areas like public activity venues, leads to fewer replacements and maintenance which helps keep costs lower over the long haul.
Introduction of BEGOODTEX Event Flame Retardant Textiles
BEGOODTEX flame retardant event series includes tablecloths, wedding supplies, theater supplies, curtains, table skirts, trash can covers, chair covers, and tablecloths, all of which are made of BEGOODTEX permanent flame retardant fibers. Compared to regular activity supplies, these products have higher fire resistance. These products not only have excellent fire resistance, but also aesthetic appeal and durability. You can confidently host various events such as weddings, theatrical performances, and business meetings because you know these flame retardant event supplies will provide a safe and comfortable environment.
For example, BEGOODTEX Theater Curtain Drapes are made of 100% polyester fiber, with a size of 96’L * 144’W and a weight of 250-500gsm, meeting NFPA701, M1, DIN4102-B1 standard, which can reduce the risk of fire. Besides, the customizable color can meet the style requirements of different theaters.
Application of Public Activity Flame Retardant Textiles
Stage and Theater
Seat covers and decorations made of flame-retardant fabrics can reduce the threat of fires caused by audience behavior (such as smoking) or stage equipment malfunctions to the audience. It can improve the safety of the environment, especially in densely populated public areas
Medical Environment
The personnel composition in these places is special and requires extremely high safety standards. Curtains, medical curtains, medical bed sheets, etc. made of flame-retardant fabrics can effectively reduce the risk of fire and protect the safety of hospital staff and patients.
Outdoor Tent
In outdoor exhibitions, music festivals, and other activities, temporary tents and other structures are often made of flame-retardant fabrics. These materials are not only lightweight and durable, but also effectively prevent the spread of fire throughout the entire event.
Event Flame Retardant Textiles Selection Guide
Fire Rating
The fire rating is one of the important indices to evaluate the performance of flame-retardant fabrics. There are several levels of protection against fire, the principal of which is divided into three types: B1, B2 and B3, determined by factors such as combustion performance, flame retardancy, low smoke production and fabric toxicity in an open flame.
It meets the requirements of B1, and possesses great flame retardant performance, can extinguish automatically after leaving the open flame for 5 seconds without burning. It also releases less smoke and poisonous gases, such as BEGOODTEX products.
Certification Standards
The main national or international certification standards for flame retardant fabrics are as follows. There are a lot of international standards, for example, NFPA 701, ASTMF1506, NFPA 2112 and NFPA 130. Users need to pay attention, the flame retardant fabric they choose must have relevant bore certification and be accompanied by a valid target certification certificate or test report.
Recommended BEGOODTEX Products
Choosing BEGOODTEX flame retardant event products is a responsible choice to ensure event safety. Whether indoors or outdoors, these products will bring you peace of mind and peace of mind. For example, tablecloths and chair covers used in banquet halls, exhibitions, and other event venues not only look beautiful but also provide additional safety protection. The flame retardant scenery provided for theaters and performance venues can reduce the risk of fire while meeting the visual effects requirements. Welcome to visit us anytime for more information and choices!
Future Trend of Event Flame Retardant Textiles
In terms of traditional fields, the application of flame-retardant fabrics is relatively mature. For example, in the field of architecture, flame retardant fabrics are widely used in interior decoration, furniture and curtains and other fields; In the field of home decoration products due to quality of life and safety requirements increase, household products also more and more use flame-retardant fabric.
As the consumer market of personal products continues to increase, it can be expected that more and more high-performance and design-focused flame retardant fabrics will continue to be launched into the flame-retardant fabric industry. Such as fabric additive functions of nanotechnology + functionality coating technology, flame retardant fabrics can also have water repellent, pollution-proof and other additional effects according to the use requirements in different fields.
BEGOODTEX will continue to deepen its research on flame retardant technology and keep up with the times to launch flame retardant textiles products that better meet modern needs.
