How Blinds Improve Fire Safety and Compliance in Commercial Buildings

Fire safety is one of the most important responsibilities in any commercial building. Facilities managers spend significant time ensuring fire doors, alarms, extinguishers and emergency routes remain compliant. Yet one area is often overlooked even though it sits directly within many escape routes, meeting rooms and open plan workspaces. The window blind.

Blinds are not just interior finishes. In commercial environments they must meet strict fire performance standards. They play a role in reducing risk, slowing the spread of flames and helping buildings comply with UK safety regulations. When blinds fail to meet the right standards they can put occupants and property at risk. When they are properly specified and maintained they support a safe and resilient building.

Fire Retardant Fabrics Protect Against Early Flame Spread

The first line of defence comes from the fabric itself. Commercial blinds are made from fire retardant materials designed to resist ignition. This prevents flames taking hold during the early stages of a fire.

Fire retardant fabrics behave differently from untreated textiles. They do not drip, melt excessively or release flaming particles. They self extinguish when the ignition source is removed. In many cases this slows fire growth and gives occupants more time to escape.

For facilities managers this means choosing blinds that are specifically rated for commercial use. Domestic fabrics do not meet the same requirements. Fire retardant fabrics should always be used in offices, schools, healthcare sites and public buildings.

Understanding British Standards for Commercial Blinds

In the UK the key benchmark for blind fabrics is BS 5867 Part 2. This sets out performance requirements for curtains, drapes and blinds used in public and commercial spaces.

There are two classifications under BS 5867 Part 2.

• Type B is suitable for most commercial environments including offices and education.
• Type C is a higher standard used for higher risk environments or areas with stricter fire safety needs.

Blinds installed in communal areas, stairwells, meeting rooms and high occupancy spaces should always comply with BS 5867. Buildings with additional fire strategies may require Type C.

Facilities managers should request certificates of conformity from suppliers to ensure materials have been tested correctly. This documentation proves compliance and supports fire risk assessments.

Reducing Risk in Escape Routes & Meeting Rooms

Blinds often sit close to heat sources, equipment and busy working areas. When they are old, damaged or made from the wrong materials they can contribute to secondary fire spread.

Correctly specified blinds help reduce several risks:

• They limit flame spread across wide glazed openings
• They reduce falling debris from burning fabrics
• They prevent early ignition from electrical faults or radiant heat
• They support compartmentation and safe evacuation

Meeting rooms, corridors and stairwells are particularly important. These areas require careful attention because they are part of the escape strategy for the entire building.

The FM Role in Ongoing Fire Compliance

Fire compliance is not a one time exercise. Blinds form part of a building’s fabric and must be maintained in good condition. Torn fabrics, damaged components and missing safety devices all increase risk.

Facilities managers should include blinds within regular fire safety and planned maintenance schedules. This includes:

• Checking fabrics remain intact and free from damage
• Ensuring certification is recorded and available
• Replacing blinds that no longer meet fire retardant standards
• Reviewing blinds after refurbishments or layout changes
• Ensuring chain safety devices remain fitted and functional

Regular review helps prevent non compliant products remaining in service unnoticed for years.

Replacement & Refurbishment

Many older commercial buildings still have blinds installed long before current fire standards came into force. These blinds often provide little or no fire resistance. Refurbishment projects are an ideal moment to replace them with compliant alternatives.

Modern fire retardant fabrics are available in roller blinds, vertical blinds and specialist shading systems. They provide performance without compromising design. Replacing outdated blinds improves compliance and can support insurance, audit and safety requirements.

A Safer & More Compliant Building

Blinds may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about fire safety. Yet they are present throughout most commercial buildings. By choosing the right products and maintaining them correctly facilities managers strengthen their fire strategy and reduce avoidable risk.

Bright A Blind supplies, installs and maintains commercial blinds that meet recognised British Standards. Our team works closely with FM and building services professionals to ensure shading systems are safe, compliant and well maintained.

If you need guidance, certification or a review of existing blinds, our specialists are ready to help.

For more information call 020 7700 6000 or send an enquiry.