Services

01

What is Crib 5 / Ignition cause

British Standards are the standards produced by the BSI group to ensure the quality of goods and services meet certain standards as well as worldwide regulations such as BS 4875 and BS 5852. Both impose strict flammability testing for fabrics used in the upholstery process.
The 3 main fire tests as apart of BS 5852 are the Cigarette (Source 1), Match (Source 2) and Crib 5 (Source 5) test. Each test becomes more stringent as the material becomes exposed to a more severe flame during testing. Many products must comply to all 3 tests to meet UK Fire Regulations such as a mattresses or beds for commercial use.
The term CRIB 5 or otherwise know as Ignition Source 5, relates to furniture or furnishings, including beds and mattresses which have been tested to pass UK Fire Regulations 1988. The tests carried out do not make an item entirely fireproof, but dramatically reduces the risk of ignition which could potentially save lives. Any item that passes these test is issued with the code: BS 5852:2006, (CRIB 5)

02

What you should look out for?

In order to buy a mattress or bed for commercial use, the product must comply to specific UK Fire Regulations comprising of the following tests:
BS EN597-1 (Cigarette)
BS EN597-2 (Match)

03

BS EN597-1

A test method to assess the ignitability of mattresses, upholstered bed bases or mattress pads when subjected to a smouldering cigarette as an ignition source. Note: Air mattresses and water beds are excluded from BS EN 597-1

04

BS EN597-2

A  test method to assess the ignitability of mattress, upholstered bed bases or mattress pads when subjected to a gas flame equivalent to a match flame. Note: Air mattresses and water beds are excluded from BS EN 597-2

05

The Testing

The standards are used to assess the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases, when subjected to a smouldering cigarette and a match flame equivalent as ignition source. These test methods only evaluate the ignitability of mattresses. To evaluate the burning behaviour, the mattress needs to be tested in full scale with larger ignition sources.
The tests are performed in a test cabinet with a calibrated air flow. The test specimen is located on top of a steel rig. Depending on the finish of the mattress, ignition sources are located of the flat surface, at tape edges, at quilted locations, tufts etc.
During the cigarette test the mattress is not allowed to smoulder after one hour from the beginning of the test. Flaming ignition of the material is not allowed. The test assembly is subjected to a gas flame equivalent to a match flame for 15 seconds. No flaming is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after removal of the burner tube.

06

Who does this regulation apply to?

All of the following hospitality businesses are recognised as requiring Crib 5 / Ignition Source 5 treated products and therefore must use ‘contract’ mattresses and beds:

• Hotels
• Guest Houses
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Holiday Parks
• Holiday Lettings
• Youth Hostels
• Universities
• Health Care Sector

Call Sales: 01565 723 727 or email student@fusionfurniture.co.uk