BS 5852: British Standard for Fire Resistance of Upholstered Furniture

BS 5852: British Standard for Fire Resistance of Upholstered Furniture  

BS 5852 is a British Standard that specifies test methods for assessing the ignition resistance of upholstered furniture, including sofas, chairs, mattresses, and cushions. It evaluates how well materials resist ignition from smoldering sources (e.g., cigarettes) and open flames (e.g., matches or lighters).  

This standard is particularly important for compliance with the UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988, which mandate fire-resistant materials in domestic and commercial furniture.  

 Key Test Methods  

BS 5852 consists of multiple test procedures, primarily:  

 1. Part 1: Ignition by Smoldering Cigarette (Source 0)  

- Simulates a dropped cigarette on furniture.  

- The fabric and filling must not ignite or must self-extinguish.  

 2. Part 2: Ignition by Small Flame (Source 1 – Butane Flame)  

- Uses a small butane flame (simulating a match or lighter) applied for 20 seconds.  

- The material should resist ignition or show limited flame spread.  

 3. Crib 5 (Crib V) and Crib 7 (Crib VII) Tests  

- Crib 5: Uses a wooden crib (a small structured pile of wood sticks) to simulate a more severe fire hazard.  

- Crib 7: A higher-intensity test for stricter fire resistance requirements (e.g., public buildings).  

 Compliance & Applications  

- Domestic Furniture: Must pass at least Source 0 (cigarette) + Source 1 (butane flame) tests.  

- Contract Furniture (e.g., hotels, offices): Often requires Crib 5 or Crib 7 for higher fire safety.  

- UK Regulations: Mandatory for upholstered furniture sold in the UK.  

 Certification & Labelling  

Furniture meeting BS 5852 should display a fire safety label indicating compliance. Manufacturers must provide test reports from accredited laboratories.  

For full technical details, refer to the official BS 5852 standard document or consult a fire testing laboratory.