BS 5867 Part 2 Type B Curtains

What is BS 5867 Part 2 Type B?

BS 5867 is the British Standard for fabrics used as curtains, drapes and window blinds. Part 2 sets out the flammability requirements and classifies fabrics into three types by the ignition test they pass. Type A is the least demanding and is aimed at domestic use. Type B is the general contract standard: it tests the fabric against a flame applied to the face and demands limited flame spread and no flaming debris, and it is the classification expected in offices, shops, restaurants, schools, hotel public areas and most other non-domestic buildings. Type C adds a more severe ignition source and a cleansing procedure the fabric must survive first, and is specified where people sleep or may need assistance to evacuate.

If a specification simply says "curtains to BS 5867", Type B is normally what is meant, and everything on this page qualifies. Where the fire risk assessment calls for Type C, use the BS 5867 Type C collection instead; Type C fabrics satisfy Type B as well.

Where Type B applies

• Offices and commercial buildings: workplaces occupied by people who are awake and able to leave.
• Retail and changing rooms: public shops, often written into landlord fit-out guides.
• Restaurants, bars and pubs: licensed premises without letting rooms.
• Schools and universities: teaching, library and circulation spaces (boarding accommodation moves to Type C).
• Hotel public areas: lobbies, restaurants and meeting rooms, with bedrooms commonly on Type C.

Choosing a Type B fabric

Because Type B is the baseline for the whole contract range, this is the broadest collection on the site, running from sheer voiles to heavy velvets. Every fabric is inherently fire retardant, with the performance in the fibre rather than in a finish, so the certificate stays valid through commercial laundering. Narrow the range by blackout, dimout, plain or printed, or use the filters for colour, width and fabric house.

Specifying and ordering

Every curtain is made to measure in the UK. Choose the fabric, enter your drop and width, select a heading (pencil pleat, eyelet, wave or pinch pleat), and the configurator prices it immediately. For a full project, request a quote with your window schedule and we will price it as a single quotation across every fabric house we carry. The Type B test certificate is supplied with the order for your fire risk assessment and O&M files. Samples are available on every fabric.

BS 5867 Type B FAQs

Is BS 5867 Type B a legal requirement?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 does not name a standard, but it makes the responsible person accountable for fire risk, and fire risk assessors, insurers and landlords treat BS 5867 Part 2 as the benchmark for curtains in non-domestic premises. In practice a Type B certificate is what they will ask to see.

What is the difference between Type B and Type C?

Type C uses a more severe ignition source and requires the fabric to pass after a specified cleansing procedure, so it is specified where the consequences of a fire are greater: sleeping accommodation and buildings where evacuation is slower. A fabric certified to Type C also satisfies Type B.

Does the lining need to be certified too?

Fire risk assessors generally expect the whole curtain, lining included, to be fire retardant. Tell us the specification and we will make the curtain up with an FR lining where one is required.