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FAQ's

Flameproof and fireproof what is the difference?

Fireproof will not burn and there is very little that will meet that definition. It is applied to fire sensitive sites such as oil rigs.

Flameproof or Flame retardent are the terms normally applied to sunscreening. They mean that the blind will not be the source of a fire. So the test is that if a flame is applied to the product for a period of time it will not ignite or it will self extinguish. There are various UK, French and German standards which are being replaced by EU standards including our own BS5687. *

For example a wooden venetian blind is flame retardant. Try putting a flame to a 3mm piece of wood and see how long it takes to catch alight

So the standard seeks to stop the blind being the source of a fire it does not mean that it will not burn. Most fabrics and materials are not inherently flameproof so require a flame retardant treatment to meet the standards.

 

In fact when they do burn most flame retardant treatments give off toxic fumes that are more life threatening than the fire itself. But at least you will know that as the treatment chokes you to death the blind did not start the fire!

 

There are not any specific regulations on the use of FR materials in commercial and domestic premises except for public places where the Fire Officer may expect blinds to meet a standard for furnishings.

 

Other than a cigarette in an ashtray on the cill what is likely to cause the fabric of a blind to ignite? If the answer is that the possibility is so remote that it is not identifiable then surely the greater risk would be from toxic smoke inhalation where the fire source is elsewhere in the building. Now that smoking is banned in commercial premises it does pose the question as to what is the risk that could cause the shading to be the source of a fire.

 

Where FR treatment should be considered

 

Domestic or Residential properties where smoking is permitted

Areas where it is not permitted that smokers might still use

School laboratories where sparks could occur from experiments

Domestic or Commercial premises where candles are used

A window area adjacent to a coal fire where sparks could be emitted

 

 

“These are still being finalised, at this stage there is not a suitable test method or equipment to test to the standard proposed. The BBSA www.bbsa.org.uk is in continuing discussions with BSI and CEN and other European Associations. As at May 2007 the BBSA/BSI committee agreed that British Standard BS5687 would be retained for the foreseeable future.