Fire Retardant Standards

FR - simply means the fabric is Fire Retardant, normally as a result of adding a coating to the fabric after production. Fire Retardant fabrics can usually be washed up to 5 times before they lose their retardant qualities.

IFR - indicates Inherently Fire Retardant fabrics. This means the yarn has been created to be fire retardant, instead of a fabric being coated after production. These fabrics stay fire retardant for many more washes.

BS5867 Pt 2 Type B - is the first of 2 classes of fire retardant fabric that meet British standards for commercial environments. Type B fabrics are suitable for public buildings and offices. The standard specifies how a fabric burns to minimise how a fire spreads in a building.

BS5867 Pt Type C - is the second higher class of fire retardant fabric for British standards. It's required for hospitals and schools.

IMO Res A 563 (14) - is an international fire retardancy standard that applies to any maritime vessel, where a very high level is needed when specifying fire retardant fabrics.

What do you need?

Public buildings, including hotels and offices need fabrics that meet BS5867 Pt 2 Type B as a minimum

Schools and Hospitals need fabrics that meet BS5867 Pt 2 Type C

Boats and Cruise Ships need fabrics that meet IMO Res A 563 (14