I couldn’t tell you the horror stories I’ve heard of fire Marshalls shutting down a wedding or special event due to the drapes not being flame certified. Most hotels and venues have fire Marshalls who come every day to make sure exit signs are exposed and drapes are certified.
Exit Signs
Flame Certificates
The standard Flame Retardant terms
IFR – Inherently Flame Retardant (most common).
This means the fabrics meets the fire code standards and requires no additional treatment after repeated washings.
FR – Flame Retardant.
This means the fabrics meets the fire code standards and requires additional treatment after repeated washings.
NFR – Non Flame Retardant.
This means the fabric does not meet the fire code standards.
DFR – Durably Flame Retardant.
This means the fabrics meets the fire code standards and requires no additional treatment after repeated washings.
Fire code (NFPA) 701 standard
Most public spaces require all fabrics to pass the NFPA 701 standards. NFPA 701.
Testing is measured by the following criteria:
- 10) samples approx. 6” x 16” are burned one at a time
- 4” flame is lit from the bottom for 45 seconds
- If the average ( drip burn ) breaking away from the fabric is more than 2 seconds then it passes the test.
Or
- If the average sample doesn’t loose more than 40% of their sample then it also passes
Conclusion
At drapeworks we provide all of our flame certificates to our venues, planners, production companies before every install. If your inquiring for drapes please make sure you draping company can provide you the right flame certificate and to take it a step forward go to there warehouse or showroom to touch and see there drapes and proof of there flame certificates. Be very selective when choosing a draping vendor.
