Since 2006 there has been a lot of controversy in the UK over the new regulations introduced into the fire safety law. Many in the industry see the changes as overblown and part of the ‘nanny state’. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at what the law requires and consider the benefits of taking precautions, even when the law doesn’t explicitly require it.

For many years the UK government has increasingly focused on all forms of fire risk, with the aim of reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by fire. In the postwar years there was a steady increase in these numbers and the government took notice. The number of deaths from smoke inhalation was of particular concern, as it increased sharply beginning in the 1950s.

The reasons for this trend are controversial, but the fact that modern fabrics and fillings generated highly toxic smoke when burned eventually led the government to regulate the supply of fabrics and furniture, because the more toxic the smoke from a fire, the faster a person becomes incapacitated.

It may be obvious that manufacturers and suppliers must comply with government regulations on flame retardant fabrics, but in 2006 new regulations changed the requirements for all business premises. The fire safety law was implemented by the ‘Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005’. Now, companies are no longer required to have fire certificates, but must carry out a risk assessment to prevent fires by reducing risk. The law states that it is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure the safety of all who use their premises.

There are specific guidelines for “sleeping accommodations” that apply directly to the drapery material. Hotels must comply with the requirements of BS5867 Part 2 Type B when furnishing a room with curtains. This is a test where a flame is applied to the fabric for 15 seconds. In short, this requires that if the fabric were to come into direct contact with a flame, it would have a fire retardant quality for a short time by not burning to the edges or falling apart while burning.

There are basically two types of flame retardant (FR) fabrics:

1) those that have been treated after manufacturing; and

2) those in which the FR quality is ‘built-in’. These are called ‘inherent FR tissues’.

When a fabric has been treated, it must also be able to maintain its FR quality after repeated laundering.

Purchasing flame retardant fabrics from a reputable company with products that more than meet the requirements ensures fire safety and compliance with the law. Look for products labeled ‘FR’ and ask if they meet safety standards for hotel use.

Unlike the requirements for curtains, for bedding the new unique standards state that certain safety standards for ‘bedrooms’ must be considered as a matter of fire prevention. However, the law applies to all components of the actual bed (including headboards, mattresses, daybeds, futons, and other convertibles). Perhaps less obvious is that it also applies to pillows and even cushions.

However, fire retardant bedding is still worth considering as a matter of fire prevention, because even when it’s prohibited, people can still smoke in a hotel room, especially if they’re leaving the next morning. When you can’t control how a host behaves, prevention is the only sure cure.

Protecting your investment is an important factor, but security is even more vital and protecting the lives of guests and staff must be important. If you as the owner sleep in your B&B, your own safety is also at risk. FR fabrics are widely available for bedding and cost a little more than a standard cotton product. They could end up saving more than pounds and pence.