Scottish Holland Roller Blind Fire Regs

[Julie Evans]

I am replacing roller blinds in a stately home. They requested Scottish Holland Fabric. I have replaced three in the private area of the house.
Now they require them in the public areas and I have discovered that this fabric cannot be treated for FR. This fabric is used in all National Trust properties due to the environmental benefits. This property is, however, privately owned. How do I deal with this in respect of my legal responsibility, and if the owners insist on this fabric being used.
I was also told, recently, that the Fire Regs in commercial and public premises are guidelines and not actually legally required as they are in the home.
Any Clarification would be appreciated.
Julie

[Jackie]

Re: Scottish Holland Roller Blind Fire Regs

Can they/you get guidance from their Fire Officer? I would work backwards - imagine the worst (a fire) and what the fallout would be from that in your direction. You definitely need specialist advice on this one; if the owners open the house to the public they must have a Fire Certificate, so the issuing body ought to be the source of that advice, I would have thought.

[Jonathan Smurthwaite]

Re: Scottish Holland Roller Blind Fire Regs

I agree with Jackie ( I generally do! )that talking to the local fire officer that will be issuing the certificate is the best route. It's true that it's not always needed for fabrics to be FR (sounds like NTrust are ok with it!)but it's viewed as best practice. New house textiles now have a FR range which is Eco friendly inc a cotton screen fabric which could be a nice choice for those windows. Hope you don't mind me mentioning it but hope it helps.