UK Fire Test Certificates

Standards, Test Methods, Procedures & Pass Criteria Explained

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on UK fire-retardant standards, where we provide a clear overview of the standards, procedures, testing methods, and passing criteria for various British fire-retardant standards for which we offer services.

BS 5867 Part 2 Type B

The BS 5867 Part 2 Type B standard sets the flammability requirements and specifications for fabrics used in curtains, drapes, and window blinds.

Procedures and Testing Methods

The fabric flammability test uses the BS EN ISO 15025:2002 standard, which checks how well the fabric resists heat and flame. The test uses propane gas as the flame source and is performed on the fabric's front side.

First, if applicable, the fabric is wetted for pre-treatment. Then, it is conditioned to reach a stable state before testing. Finally, the fabric is exposed to a flame for 15 seconds, and its performance is evaluated in both horizontal and vertical directions.

Pass Criteria

To pass the BS 5867 Part 2 Type B test, the fabric must meet the following criteria:

Flame does not reach any edge of the fabric.
Hole formed by the flame does not reach any edge of the fabric.
No flaming debris separates from the fabric during the test

If the fabric meets these requirements, it is classified as compliant with BS 5867 Part 2 Type B flammability standards.

The fabric must be supplied with the manufacturer's name, trademark or other identifying marks, a statement of flammability compliance, and any special care instructions to maintain its flammability performance.

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BS EN 13501-1 Class B

Overview of Standards

The Euroclass System governs fire safety performance for building materials, replacing the old British Standard Testing and Classifications. Key standards include:

EN 13501-1: Reaction to Fire Classification
BS EN 11925-2: Single Flame Ignitability test (SFI)
BS EN 13823: Single Burn Item test (SBI)

These standards provide a consistent method for assessing and classifying building materials' fire safety performance.

Procedures and Testing Methods

BS EN 11925-2: Single Flame Ignitability test (SFI): Evaluates building products' ignitability by exposing them to flame, crucial for achieving Euroclass system classifications E - B, with particular attention to a 150 mm flame height limit. A 30 s exposure is necessary for these classifications, with the test helping to ascertain the products' burning behavior, which is documented in a detailed report for further assessment.
BS EN 13823: Single Burn Item test (SBI): Designed to simulate real-life flame exposure, such as a wastepaper basket igniting next to a wall. The SBI test measures Fire Growth Rate (FIGRA) and Smoke Growth Rate (SMOGRA) while also assessing oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide production to evaluate the burning characteristics of the material.

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Passing Criteria and Classification

Building materials are classified into seven Reaction to Fire classes, ranging from non-combustible (A1) to easily flammable (F). Class B represents combustible materials with a very limited contribution to fire.

Additionally, products are assessed based on smoke emission levels (s1 - s3) and burning droplet classifications (d0 - d2). These additional criteria provide further information about the potential hazards posed by a product during a fire.

Interpreting Fire Safety Performance

By understanding the standards, testing methods, and classification criteria, users can make informed decisions about the fire safety performance of building materials.

For example, specialist fire protection coatings can achieve the highest classification of B/s1/d0, indicating limited contribution to fire, minimal smoke emissions, and no burning droplets.

This comprehensive system ensures that materials meet necessary fire safety standards, keeping buildings and their occupants safe from fire-related hazards.

BS 5852 Part 1

BS 5852 Part 1 outlines the testing methods for evaluating the fire resistance of upholstered furniture composites in domestic and low hazard environments. Two tests are performed to assess ignitability: the smouldering cigarette test and the match flame equivalent test.

Smouldering Cigarette Test (BS EN 1021-1: 2006)

Construct a standard test rig using fabric and foam, simulating a chair.
Place a lit cigarette in the angle of the test rig.
Observe the test rig for 60 minutes, ensuring no smouldering or burning occurs.

Smouldering Pass Criteria:

No unsafe escalating combustion.
Nest assembly not consumed.
No smouldering to extremities or through full thickness.
Smouldering duration less than 1 hour.
Damage limited to within 100mm from the source.

Match Flame Equivalent Test (BS EN 1021-2: 2006)

Use a 35mm butane flame to represent a burning match.
Apply the flame to multiple points on the fabric for 15 seconds each.
Ensure no burning of the fabric occurs after removing the flame for 2 minutes.

Flaming Pass Criteria

No unsafe escalating combustion.
Nest assembly not consumed.
No flames to extremities or through full thickness.
Flames do not continue beyond 120 seconds.

A material or assembly that passes both tests is considered fire safe for domestic use.

BS 5852 Part 2 Crib 5

BS 5852 Part 2 Crib 5 is a fire testing standard for upholstered furniture composites used in commercial and medium hazard environments. This testing method involves a series of tests to determine the ignitability of the materials under specific conditions.

Required Tests:

BS EN 1021-1: 2006 - Smouldering cigarette test
BS EN 1021-2: 2006 - Match flame equivalent test
BS 5852: 2006 Clause 11 Ignition Source 5

Note: Tests BS EN 1021 parts 1 & 2 must be passed before proceeding to BS 5852: 2006 Clause 11 Ignition Source 5 test.

BS 5852: 2006 Clause 11 Ignition Source 5 Test Procedure:

A representative test rig is constructed using fabric and foam to simulate a chair. The rig is fitted with a wooden structure known as Crib 5, which produces a flame 16 times more intense than a match when ignited. The base of the crib contains lint soaked in alcohol and set alight.

Smouldering Pass Criteria:

No detectable smoke, heat, or glowing 60 minutes after crib ignition.
Test doesn't require forcible extinguishing due to unsafe escalating smouldering behavior.
Test specimen not consumed or smouldering to extremities during the test.

Flaming Pass Criteria:

Test specimen does not flame for more than 10 minutes after crib ignition.
Test doesn't require forcible extinguishing due to unsafe escalating combustion behavior.
Test specimen not consumed or flaming to extremities during the test.
Debris does not cause an isolated floor fire that continues to flame for more than 10 minutes after crib ignition.

Final Examination Criteria:

No progressive smouldering observed upon dismantling the sample.
No charring within the filling more than 100mm from the ignition source (except upwards).

A material or assembly that meets all the criteria above is deemed to have passed the ignitability test.

30/60 Minute Fire Protection for Wood

Overview of Standards

The following British Standards apply to fire-resistant wood treatment targeting 30 or 60-minute fire protection:

BS 476-20: Fire tests on building materials and structures, Part 20: Method for determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction (general principles).
BS 476-22: Fire tests on building materials and structures, Part 22: Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction.
BS EN 1363-1: Fire resistance tests, Part 1: General requirements.

These standards outline the evaluation procedures and requirements for the fire resistance of wood and wood-based materials.

Procedures and Testing Methods for Assessing Fire Resistance

To determine their fire resistance, wood products undergo controlled fire exposure conditions in a test furnace. The evaluation focuses on the following criteria:

Integrity: The ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases.
Insulation: The ability to maintain a temperature below specified limits on the unexposed surface.
Loadbearing capacity (if applicable): The ability to support a load while exposed to fire.

Passing Criteria and Classifications

To ensure compliance, the treated wood must meet the criteria for the specified duration (30 or 60 minutes) under standard fire exposure conditions. This guarantees that the enhanced fire resistance offers adequate protection, allowing enough time for evacuation and emergency response in case of fire.