The importance of fire retardancy is never far from the news agenda and was even highlighted in a recent episode of the BBC TV programme ‘Fake Britain’, which showed the growing number of retailers in the UK selling beds and mattresses that don’t comply with UK fire regulations.The consequences of having a bed which doesn’t meet the required UK fire regulatory standards can be devastating should a fire take hold. Here John Woolley, Operations Director at Hypnos, discusses how the issue affects the hospitality industry.
“No hotelier wants to think about the possibility of a fire breaking out in their hotel, but unfortunately it’s a situation that every hotel manager must be prepared for and take steps to mitigate, no matter how small the risk.
“Hoteliers have a responsibility to make sure that all hotel mattresses, beds and sofa beds they buy meet strict UK and EU fire regulatory standards. This includes meeting the Crib 5 BS6807 standard which guarantees that a product has been specifically tested for high resistance to ignition. Every bed or mattress that complies with this rigorous standard will clearly display the fire retardancy source 5 (Crib 5) label.
“Fire retardant regulations for beds used in a commercial environment are far more stringent than those used in the domestic home but unfortunately a small number of hotels and B&Bs in the hospitality sector are still purchasing their beds and mattresses from non-commercial furniture retailers. Buying a bed that is not compliant with commercial fire retardant standards is not only an offence which can lead to prosecution in the event of a fire, it also puts customers’ lives at risk.
“Whilst the lure of a cheap retail bed may seem like a good idea to some, failure to conform to UK fire standards and legislation could place commercial operators at high risk of prosecution. Moreover the increased risk to life is too high a price to pay.
“It is crucial that those in the hospitality sector not only provide beds that are comfortable and supportive, they must also minimise risk to customers by adhering to the highest standards.”
“The responsibility for ensuring that commercial beds and mattresses comply with UK fire retardancy standards lies directly with hoteliers so it is vital that they ask their supplier to provide proof that the upholstery they are purchasing meets these stringent, and potentially life-saving, requirements.”
All Hypnos’ contract beds and sofa beds comply with BS 7177 and BS 7176 Source 5 (Crib 5) fire retardancy standards and are made to the highest quality standard.
Furthermore Hypnos takes pride in working with Hospitality clients to design a range of supremely comfortable beds helping to create a safe, healthy and hygienic sleeping environment that will have a positive effect on a guest’s well-being and satisfaction.
