Health Technical Memorandum 05-03: Part C – Textiles and Furnishings Fire Safety
Health Technical Memorandum 05-03: Operational provisions – Part C: Textiles and furnishings is a best-practice guidance document issued by the Department of Health (Estates & Facilities Division) in England. Published in June 2007, it forms part of the Firecode suite of documents, which establishes a framework for fire safety in the National Health Service (NHS). This document specifically replaces and supersedes the previous edition of Health Technical Memorandum 87, bringing the recommendations in line with European technical standards and modern procurement regulations.
The scope of the document includes the purchase, use, and donation of furniture and textiles in hospitals and other healthcare premises, including the independent healthcare sector. It governs non-building materials that can affect fire growth, including upholstered seating, mattresses, divans, bed-bases, curtains, drapes, floor coverings, and apparel. The document provides a structure based on technical specifications in Section A and supporting information on European directives in Section B, covering specific fire behaviour aspects for various healthcare environments.
This guidance assists healthcare organisations in completing fire risk assessments as required by The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It addresses the identification of potential fire Hazards and the mitigation of Risks through the selection of materials that demonstrate resistance to ignition and low rates of flame spread. The provisions also account for the General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) and the Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC) where applicable.
Fire Safety Measures and Risk Assessment
Healthcare organisations must maintain an assessment of fire risk, as mandated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Fire safety engineering in this context involves increasing the time available for escape by protecting exit routes and selecting contents that limit the spread of fire. The document defines key terms for clarity in compliance:
- Hazard: Something that has the potential to cause harm.
- Risk: The chance, high or low, of that harm occurring.
- Fire precautions: Matters that may be the subject of legal requirements under national health and safety legislation.
Upholstered Furniture and Bedding Standards
Upholstered furniture, including seating, mattresses, and divans, is considered a substantial fire risk. The memorandum aligns performance requirements with specific British and European standards to ensure a high level of ignition resistance. For healthcare environments, the following standards are applicable:
- BS 7176: Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating.
- BS 7177: Specification for resistance to ignition of mattresses, divans, and bed-bases.
- BS EN 597-1 and 597-2: Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses using smouldering cigarettes and match flame equivalents.
- BS EN 1021-1 and 1021-2: Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating.
Healthcare areas are classified as Medium risk or High risk, with an additional Very high hazard category for specific environments such as secure psychiatric units. Upholstered items used in these areas must meet performance criteria that exceed domestic standards.
Furnishings, Curtains, and Floor Coverings
Curtains and drapes represent a significant fire hazard due to their vertical orientation, which can cause rapid fire spread. The memorandum specifies that Type B fabrics should be provided as the minimum standard, while Type C fabrics are required in higher risk areas. Classification for curtains is determined by the following testing protocols:
- EN 1101: Measurement of ignitability for vertically-oriented specimens using a small flame.
- EN 13772: Measurement of flame spread using a large ignition source.
- EN 13773: The classification scheme for fabrics for curtains and drapes based on the above tests.
- BS 5867-2: Flammability requirements for fabrics used in curtains, drapes, and window blinds.
Textile floor coverings are regulated under the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC) and must demonstrate resistance to fire when tested according to EN 9239-1, aiming for a classification of EFL-s2. The use of floor coverings as wall linings is explicitly prohibited.
Cleansing and Maintenance of Flame-Retardant Fabrics
Maintenance procedures for chemically treated flame-retardant (FR) fabrics are critical to ensuring the longevity of fire protection. Improper laundering can mask or destroy FR properties. The guidance provides specific parameters for the cleansing process:
- Loading factor: A normal ratio of 1:12 (dry load to total water volume) is recommended for cotton articles.
- Washing temperature: A second wash (main wash) at a maximum temperature of 75°C ± 2°C is required to achieve thermal disinfection.
- Chemical restrictions: Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) bleach must not be used on FR-treated fabrics as it destroys the imparted properties.
- Additives: Starch and similar additives should be avoided as they can mask the fire-retardant effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Health Technical Memorandum apply to private healthcare facilities?
Yes, this guidance is suitable for both the NHS and the independent healthcare sector.
What standard must be met by mattresses used as medical devices?
Mattresses classified as medical devices must meet the essential requirements of the Medical Devices Directive (93/42/EEC), which includes considerations for flammability.
Can home-made toys be donated to hospital wards?
Donations of home-made toys are discouraged because they lack the testing required to ensure compliance with flammability safety regulations for children's toys.
What is the minimum standard for curtains in healthcare premises?
Curtains should meet at least the Type B fabric standard, while higher risk areas require Type C fabric as specified in BS 5867-2.
Are textile floor coverings allowed to be used as wall linings?
No, the memorandum states that the use of floor coverings as wall linings is not permitted.
What happens if a product carries a Keymark label?
The Keymark is a voluntary third-party certification mark indicating that a product complies with the relevant European Standard (CEN European Mark).
What are the wash requirements for flame-retardant cotton?
A two-wash process is recommended, with the main wash reaching a temperature of 75°C ± 2°C for ten minutes.
How are psychiatric units classified for furniture fire risk?
Secure psychiatric units are classified under the Very high hazard category, requiring increased levels of fire performance performance.
