Fire Retardant Fabric
WHAT IS FLAME-RESISTANT FABRIC?
This means that the fabric has received a reaction to fire treatment in order to comply with European regulations. This treatment allows the flame-retardant fabric to be less combustible and flammable in the presence of fire and therefore to reduce the spread of flames. Flame retardant is a chemical process that adds molecules that help delay the combustion of the fabric. A fabric can be flame retardant by different flame retardant methodologies.
FIREPROOFING BY FLAME-RETARDANT BATH
The flame retardant textile is soaked in a soaking tank which contains a flame retardant so that the fabric is soaked with the flame retardant solution. Then the fabric is dried using a textile hanging system in the open air. Drying time may vary depending on hygrometry (measurement of air humidity).
FIREPROOFING BY PADDING
This process consists of passing the fabric through a flame retardant bath continuously then wringing it using two cylinders which will press the fabric. Then the fabric continues its journey through drying which must be carried out at temperatures between 120° and 160° depending on the flame retardant products used.
FIREPROOFING BY BACKCOATING: (BACK COATING)
This process is used for fabrics such as cotton canvas, viscose, or polyester. The operation is done by applying a paste or foam to the back of the fabric. The fabric is then dried and the paste or foam polymerizes to give the fabric its flame retardancy.
FIREPROOFING BY IMPREGNATING AND SPRAYING
This solution is mainly used on textiles. This method makes it possible to fireproof a product on demand. However, the application is delicate and requires significant precision to standardize the fireproofing.
Flame retardant fabric
The flame retardant fabric is fire resistant thanks to its composition of specific textile fibers. These fibers include materials such as FR polyester and Trevira CS fabric, which are designed to maintain their fire-resistant properties even when exposed to water or humidity. This characteristic makes them suitable for varied applications, including in environments where fire safety is crucial. Additionally, the flame retardant fabric benefits from increased durability, providing long-term protection without compromising their flame retardant effectiveness. Fire resistance is an essential criterion in many sectors such as events, construction and furniture, where safety and compliance with standards are paramount. The flame retardant fabric therefore offers peace of mind, ensuring reliable protection against the risk of fire, even in the most demanding environments.
WHAT ARE THE FIRE STANDARDS?
The different fire protection standards:
French Standard NF P92-507 classifies interior design materials including furnishing fabrics into 5 categories:
- M0 materials, called incombustible
- M1 materials, called non-flammable
- M2 materials, called flame retardant
- M3 materials known as moderately flammable
- M4 materials known as easily flammable
In the field of events, scenography and trade fairs, the following classifications are generally requested.
- M1 for vertical stage hangings (stage curtains, fabric wall coverings, ceilings, etc.)
- M3 for floors (dance mats, carpets, etc.)
Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended to contact the event location and the safety commission in order to know the required classification.
| Classes according to NF EN 13501-1 | Classes according to NF EN 13501-1 | Classes according to NF EN 13501-1 | Requirement | Material examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | - | - | Non-combustible | - |
| A2 | s1 | d0 | M0 | Stone, concrete, tile, plaster, lead, glass, ceramic, etc. |
| A2 | s1 | d1 | M1 | Fireproof wood, cotton, PVC, etc. |
| A2 | s2 s3 |
d0 d1 |
M1 | Fireproof wood, cotton, PVC, etc. |
| B | s1 s2 s3 |
d0 d1 |
M1 | Fireproof wood, cotton, PVC, etc. |
| C | s1 s2 s3 |
d0 d1 |
M2 | Particle boards, wall carpet, etc |
| D | s1 s2 s3 |
d0 d1 |
M3 M4 (non-dripping) |
Wood, wool, rubber floor covering, polyamide carpet, etc. Paper, polyester, mixed fiber carpet |
| All classes other than E-d2 and F | M4 |
BULK FLAME RETARDANT FABRICS
Some fabrics are woven from inherently fire-resistant textile fibers. There are 2 types of permanent fire-resistant fiber, FR polyester or Trevira CS fabric. Unlike fabrics flame-retardant by impregnation, fabrics flame-retardant in the mass are not afraid of water and humidity. FR and Trevira CS polyester fabrics can be wet, washed or even exposed to humidity without risk of losing their fire-resistant properties.
PV VALIDITY DURATION
Each fabric and carpet has a fire rating with a specific duration. This is indicated on the fire classification certificate.
- Validity period of the PV
Fire classification reports are valid for five years from their date of issue. That is, they are valid for all fabrics manufactured within five years of the date of issue.
- Ranking sustainability
The durability of the classification is specific to each material and is indicated on the report. There are several durability rankings indicated on the VPs:
- Durability not limited a priori
The durability of the classification is considered equal to the lifespan of the material.
- Durability not limited a priori (non-washable and non-dry cleanable material)
Please note, in this specific case, the material is not washable and cannot be dry cleaned. If the textile is washed, it will lose its fire-resistant properties.