Safety through textile fire protection
Fire and combustion gas are a big threat to life and limb in particular in buildings. Therefore, the legislator sets high standards for installations in public and semi-public buildings with respect to preventive fire protection. Textiles, in particular free hanging textiles, are classified as fire accelerators in buildings whereby not only the fire alone but rather the highly toxic combustion gas (e.g. when PVC catches fire) has an extremely high risk potential.
Because of the installation method of the sun protection textiles, they are regarded as construction material and are classified as such.
Fire protection classes
| Fire protection class | Designation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| A | Non-inflammable materials | |
| A1 | No special designation | Materials which do not require any proof (e. g. natural stone, cement, plaster, lime, glass) |
| A2 | No special designation | Materials that contain negligible amounts of flammable substances (e. g. fiber glass with silicone) |
| B | Flammable materials | |
| B1 | Of low flammability | Materials which self-extinguish after removing the cause of fire (e. g. TREVIRA CS) |
| B2 | Normal flammability | All combustible materials which may still be used alone (for ex. wood) |
| B3 | Easily inflammable | Easily inflammable materials (e. g. paper) |
Materials of fire class A2 and B1 are classified as self-extinguishing as soon as the cause of the fire is removed.
Fire class A2 as well as B1 to B3 must be proved by a test certificate. The European classification system specific to fire protection determines standard requirements throughout Europe for fire protection. The test procedure and the classification system is determined in standard EN 13501.
In addition, there are country-specific national standards and classifications such as e. g. DIN 4102 – B1 (Germany), NF P 92-507 – M1 (France), NFPA701 (USA), etc.
All Verotex fabrics which are labeled as “low flame spread” are regularly tested and certified by independent testing institutes. TREVIRA CS fabrics of the VEROSAFE®, VEROGLIM® and VEROMED® product groups contain a permanent flame protection which is firmly rooted in the molecular structure of the polyester. This flame protection continues to be effective even with aging, usage or washing (integrated safety concept).
In addition to being flame retardant, these fabrics produce a very low amount of gas fumes in case of a fire (contrary to materials containing PVC). This increases significantly the chances of escaping from a burning building.
Following this safety aspect, all Verotex collection is PVC-free.
Choose comfort and safety with low flame spread materials from the Verotex collection.