The Importance of Flame Retardant Textiles in the Care Home Sector

Fire regulations for the care home sector are vital to maintain high levels of safety for residents, staff and visitors. As part of this process, flame retardant textiles play an essential part, helping to slow down the spread of fire in the worst-case scenario. This slowing of flame may be the difference between life and death, giving residents extra time to escape in the event of a fire. Specialist suppliers of flame retardant textiles know how to deliver to a consistent high standard.

Why do flame retardant textiles matter in the care home sector?

The main reason for using flame retardant textiles in the care home sector is that it is designed to slow down fire. Fabrics that have been treated catch fire much slower than traditional materials, slowing down the spread of fire that can otherwise be fast and devastating. Alongside slowing down the spread of flame, it also produces less toxic smoke than traditional materials, helping people to breathe, saving lives of elderly residents who may move slowly or require assistance to move.

Why do care homes pose a greater risk than domestic settings?

Care homes have a higher risk of fire than a domestic household, purely because of the type of people that live in care homes. Residents are more likely to have limited or no mobility, have slower reaction times, or cognitive conditions that impair their ability to respond to an emergency. If there is non-compliance with fire regulations in a care home it can have devastating consequences.

Where are flame retardant textiles used in a care home?

Flame retardant textiles play a big part in a wide range of applications in care homes. This includes mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows and pillowcases, curtains and drapes, sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, and more. Any part of the care home that could act as vertical fire paths or face risk of fire from cigarettes, electrical faults or could cause fast spread of flame in the event of a fire, should be made with flame retardant textiles.

The importance of adhering to legal and fire safety rules

BS 7175 certified bedding is designed to resist ignition, to self-extinguish and slow down the spread of flame. This doesn’t mean that care home bedding is fireproof, instead giving that extra time to get residents to safety. One other thing to be aware of is the wash life of treated flame retardant fabric. It only remains compliant for a certain number of washes, as long as the guidelines put forward by the manufacturer are followed. If you are responsible for managing compliance within a care home, this is an aspect to be aware of, having clear replacement strategies for bedding and other types of flame retardant textiles.

As fire retardant bedding is a legal requirement in nursing homes and care homes in the UK, this means that mattresses, duvets, pillows, pillowcases, sheets, and blankets, must all comply with BS 7175. This is the British Standard that governs flame retardancy in institutional bedding. For care homes and nursing homes coming up to an inspection, it is important to understand what to look for in your current stock and replenish and replace to meet the compliance gap before the next inspection. Ensure you are using the best suppliers of flame retardant textiles to meet regulatory compliance and keep residents safe.