The rules and regulations for fire proof / resistant fabrics depends entirely upon current legislation and where they’ll be used. Domestic, commercial, residential, private lettings and hotels all have different criteria and standards to meet, it is always important to check the current regulations for these and for whichever country the work is destined for.
* In the UK, the highest fire hazard safety certification is M1–this is compulsory in public arenas, so if in doubt, go for this level.
* Fireproofing can be applied to the fabric a a finishing process straight from the loom or printing table, or separately to the finished article.
* It is, however, usually best to order enough fabric for the whole job ready proofed.
* To create the fireproof finish, fabrics are treated or sprayed using a regulated chemical concoction or caustic soda that renders them inflammable to varying degrees.
* Many of the top fabric houses now include very well designed and woven fire-proofed fabrics within their ranges. They are almost always made form synthetic fibres, but can be used with impunity across the board as they must comply to global standards since their market is global. I’m thinking immediately of Designer Guild, Pierre Frey, De Le Cuonya, all companies who are one hundred percent reliable in terms of quality and design. There are of course many others… Wool of course is naturally fire retardant but may not comply with local regulations for certain uses.
* There is no substitute for checking every item and for hotel contract work it’s safer to find the fireproofed fabric ranges that you like and use them only.
* Always check guidelines and regulations with the supplier and manufacturer for the exact criteria and coding of each fabric, and of the country in which the fabric is intended to be used.