The direct answer: absorbent textile flags and banners can be professionally fire-retardant treated and supplied with a certificate to BS 5852 Part 1 or BS 5867 Part 2 Type B, depending on which standard the stadium or venue requests.
01 · Requested standard
Which standard applies to flags and banners?
The standard requested depends on the venue and how the material will be used.
One of the standards that may be requested by stadiums and venues for flags and banners.
Another standard commonly requested for textile flags, banners and hanging fabrics.
The requested standard should be confirmed before treatment so the correct treatment and certification can be provided.
02 · Materials
Which flags and banners can be treated?
Cotton, polyester and other absorbent textile flags and banners can be treated.
The material must absorb the fire-retardant solution. The following cannot be treated:
- Vinyl banners
- PVC banner material
- Laminated banners
- Waterproof or heavily coated materials
- Other non-absorbent constructions
What about printed flags and banners?
Printed textile flags can be treated when the printed finish remains absorbent.
Some printing, waterproofing and protective coatings form a barrier over the fabric. These prevent the fire-retardant solution from penetrating the material.
03 · Treatment demonstration
How polyester flag material behaves before and after treatment
These short comparative demonstrations show the difference observed when flame is applied to untreated polyester flag material and to polyester flag material after specialist fire-retardant treatment.
Untreated polyester flag
The untreated material ignites and continues to burn during this short in-house demonstration.
Treated polyester flag
After specialist treatment, the material does not sustain flaming or produce burning droplets in this demonstration.
What these videos show: They are practical in-house comparative demonstrations of material behaviour. They are not accredited laboratory tests, do not assign a formal fire classification and do not replace the Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment issued for identified treated items.
04 · Outdoor flags
Can outdoor flags receive water-resistant treatment?
Yes. Absorbent outdoor textile flags and banners can receive a specialist water-resistant fire-retardant treatment designed for exposure to the weather.
The outdoor treatment is also used for absorbent tent and marquee fabrics. It provides greater resistance to moisture than the standard indoor treatment.
The outdoor treatment can make fabric stiffer
This is most relevant where the movement, drape or close-up appearance of the flag is important.
Outdoor treatment does not make vinyl, PVC or an already waterproof banner absorbent.
05 · Large-scale project example
85,000 flags treated for an NFL game at Wembley
Fire Proofing Ltd was asked to treat 85,000 polyester flags for an NFL game at Wembley Stadium.
A representative flag was treated first and returned for approval before the full project began.
With a short lead time, space provided at the venue and additional labour supplied by the event team, all 85,000 flags were treated over four days.
This large-scale project demonstrates our experience in planning treatment, handling substantial quantities and working to fixed event deadlines.
06 · Recent work
Flags, banners and decorative textiles we have treated
07 · Treatment evidence
What does the certificate confirm?
After treatment and payment, a Certificate of Fire Retardant Treatment is supplied for the standard requested by the stadium or venue.
The certificate identifies the flags or banners covered by the work and confirms treatment to either:
- BS 5852 Part 1
- BS 5867 Part 2 Type B
It can be retained with the event or venue’s fire-safety records and supplied to the organiser, venue manager, fire-risk assessor or insurer.
08 · Common questions
Flag and banner questions
Do flags and banners need a fire certificate?+
Stadiums, venues, event organisers and fire-risk assessors may request certification to BS 5852 Part 1 or BS 5867 Part 2 Type B.
Can polyester flags be treated?+
Yes. Absorbent polyester flag material can be professionally fire-retardant treated.
Which standard will the certificate confirm?+
The certificate will confirm treatment to either BS 5852 Part 1 or BS 5867 Part 2 Type B, depending on the requirement supplied before treatment.
Can vinyl or PVC banners be treated?+
No. Vinyl, PVC and other non-absorbent banner materials cannot absorb the treatment.
Can printed textile banners be treated?+
Yes, provided the printed finish remains absorbent and does not form a waterproof or protective barrier.
Can outdoor flags be treated?+
Yes. Absorbent textile flags can receive a specialist water-resistant fire-retardant treatment designed for outdoor exposure.