What is BS 5867 Part 2 Type B?

Adam Sawyer
Apr 23, 2023
3 min read

Updated: May 24

BS 5867 Part 2 Type B is the essential fire safety standard for curtains used in public and commercial spaces such as schools, theatres, hotels, care homes, and offices. At Fireproofing Ltd, we help you achieve full compliance through professional fire retardant spraying and certification services.

What Does BS 5867 Part 2 Type B Mean?

This British Standard ensures that curtain fabrics resist ignition and do not produce flaming debris during a 15-second vertical flame test.

Where It Applies:

🏫 Schools
🎭 Theatres & Drama Rooms
🏨 Hotels & Holiday Lets
🏢 Offices & Commercial Spaces
🏠 Rental Properties

To comply, curtains must not allow flame spread or dripping when exposed to direct flame.

The BS 5867 Test: How It Works

A fabric sample is suspended vertically
A flame is applied to the base for 15 seconds
The sample must self-extinguish and not drip flaming particles

Passing this test confirms that the curtain fabric will not significantly contribute to fire spread, giving people more time to evacuate in an emergency.

Grey BS 5867 Part 2 Type B Treated Fabric

BS 5867 Explained: Type A, B, and C

Type A: Basic level – minimal performance
Type B: Standard for most public buildings (your required level)
Type C: Highest performance – for very high-risk environments

Type B is what most schools, hotels, and public venues require.

Why It Matters: The Role of the BSI

The British Standards Institution (BSI) develops safety benchmarks to protect the public. BS 5867 was created to reduce fire-related risks and provide consistent guidelines across the UK for fabric safety.

The standard also establishes best practices for installation, maintenance, and inspection — all key to maintaining compliance over time.

Fireproofing Ltd's BS 5867 Part 2 Type B Spraying Service

We help clients across the UK achieve compliance using our on-site fire retardant spraying service. Our experienced team applies a certified chemical treatment that:

Passes BS 5867 Part 2 Type B
Leaves no visible residue
Is dry clean–only to preserve effectiveness
Comes with a certificate of compliance once payment is received

🧪 Our fire retardants are thoroughly tested to ensure long-lasting protection.

Maintenance: Keep Your Curtains Compliant

✅ Dry Clean Only

Washing treated fabrics in water will strip the fire retardant — only dry cleaning is permitted.

✅ Routine Inspections

Over time, curtains can lose effectiveness due to wear or improper cleaning. We recommend inspections every 3–5 years or after five dry cleans to ensure safety.

Need retreatment? Contact us for a quote

Real-World Projects Using BS 5867 Fire Retardant Spraying

🎭 Stage Curtains – Red, blue, grey, and black serge fabrics in theatres and schools
🏥 Care Homes – Treated curtains in bedrooms and communal areas
🏫 Drama Rooms – Wool serge and blackout linings treated onsite
🏢 Halls & Conference Rooms – Large window drapes fireproofed to Type B

See examples in our project gallery

✅ Summary: What You Need to Know

BS 5867 Part 2 Type B is required for public venues using fabric curtains
It ensures minimal flame spread and no flaming debris
Fireproofing Ltd offers on-site spraying, expert testing, and certification
Treated curtains must be dry cleaned only
Regular inspections and potential retreatment ensure long-term compliance

Get Your Curtains Treated & Certified

We make BS 5867 compliance easy.

Contact Fire Proofing Ltd for professional service, expert support, and nationwide coverage.

📞 Call: 07970 522475

📧 Email: adam@fire-proofing.co.uk

🔗 Get a Free Quote

👤 About the Author: Adam Sawyer

Adam Sawyer is the founder of Fire Proofing Ltd, with over 35 years’ experience in fire retardant spraying and textile care. He has helped hundreds of schools, theatres, hotels, and public buildings across the UK meet critical fire safety standards.