Drapery Fire Safety Compliance Checklist
Documentation
FR Certificate Is Less Than 3 Years Old (3-year renewal)
Topically treated (FR) drapes require re-certification every 3 years. Certificates older than 3 years should be considered expired.
Topically treated (FR) drapes require re-certification every 3 years. Certificates older than 3 years should be considered expired.
Certificate Identifies Fabric Type (FR or IFR)
Documentation should clearly state whether fabric is topically treated (FR) or inherently flame retardant (IFR) - each has different maintenance requirements.
Documentation should clearly state whether fabric is topically treated (FR) or inherently flame retardant (IFR) - each has different maintenance requirements.
Certificate Identifies The Test Standard Used
Confirm the standard matches your jurisdiction - NFPA 701, CA Title 19, NYC Admin Code, BFD IX-1, or CAN/ULC S-109. Standards are not interchangeable.
Confirm the standard matches your jurisdiction - NFPA 701, CA Title 19, NYC Admin Code, BFD IX-1, or CAN/ULC S-109. Standards are not interchangeable.
NFPA 705 Field Test Conducted In The Past 12 Months (annual)
The NFPA 705 field test is the only way to confirm current flame retardancy. A drape that passed certification 2 years ago may fail today due to dust, humidity, or cleaning.
The NFPA 705 field test is the only way to confirm current flame retardancy. A drape that passed certification 2 years ago may fail today due to dust, humidity, or cleaning.
Cleaning and Re-Treatment Records Are On File
Records should document who performed treatment, which product was used, and the date. FR-treated drapes must be re-treated after every cleaning.
Records should document who performed treatment, which product was used, and the date. FR-treated drapes must be re-treated after every cleaning.
Physical Condition - FR Treated Drapes
No Visible Dust Accumulation On Fabric Surface
Dust is combustible and acts as an accelerant. Drapes loaded with dust can fail a field test even if the underlying FR treatment is intact.
Dust is combustible and acts as an accelerant. Drapes loaded with dust can fail a field test even if the underlying FR treatment is intact.
No Evidence Of Water Damage, Staining, Or Moisture Exposure
Water and humidity leach FR chemicals out of topically treated fabric. Moisture exposure - even from a humid room - degrades FR properties over time.
Water and humidity leach FR chemicals out of topically treated fabric. Moisture exposure - even from a humid room - degrades FR properties over time.
No Food, Oil, Or Biological Staining Visible
Organic residues from skin, food, and beverages provide a food source for mold and bacteria, which degrade both fabric fibers and FR compounds.
Organic residues from skin, food, and beverages provide a food source for mold and bacteria, which degrade both fabric fibers and FR compounds.
No Rips, Tears, Or Unsewn Hems (Fire risk)
Rips and frayed or unsewn hems expose raw, loose fibers that ignite more readily and carry flame faster than an intact woven surface. Damaged edges increase flammability regardless of FR treatment status - repair before use.
Rips and frayed or unsewn hems expose raw, loose fibers that ignite more readily and carry flame faster than an intact woven surface. Damaged edges increase flammability regardless of FR treatment status - repair before use.
Drapes Have Not Been Washed, Dry-Cleaned, Or Steam-Cleaned Since Last FR Treatment
All standard cleaning methods remove topical FR treatment. Non-immersion cleaning is the only method that preserves flame retardant properties.
All standard cleaning methods remove topical FR treatment. Non-immersion cleaning is the only method that preserves flame retardant properties.
Physical Condition - IFR Treated Drapes
IFR Fabric Has Been Professionally Cleaned In The Past 3 Years (IFR)
IFR drapes do not lose FR properties when cleaned. However, accumulated dust is flammable - professional cleaning restores FR effectiveness by removing the combustible layer.
IFR drapes do not lose FR properties when cleaned. However, accumulated dust is flammable - professional cleaning restores FR effectiveness by removing the combustible layer.
IFR Fabric Shows No Signs Of Physical Damage Or Fiber Degradation (IFR)
While IFR properties are permanent, physical damage - fraying, tearing, chemical exposure - can compromise the fabric structure that delivers fire resistance.
While IFR properties are permanent, physical damage - fraying, tearing, chemical exposure - can compromise the fabric structure that delivers fire resistance.
Compliance Labels Or Certification Tags Are Attached To Each Drape
Many jurisdictions - including California and New York City - require a physical certification label affixed to the drape. Missing labels are a common inspection failure point.
Many jurisdictions - including California and New York City - require a physical certification label affixed to the drape. Missing labels are a common inspection failure point.
Not sure where you stand? On-Site Drapery Cleaners provides NFPA 705 field testing, non-immersion cleaning that preserves FR treatment, and full re-certification. Contact us today for your free quotation.
