BS 7175 is the British Standard that tests how bedding resists ignition by smouldering and flaming sources. "Crib 5" is one of its ignition sources: a small wooden crib that is lit on the test sample. A mattress cover that passes BS 7175 Crib 5 did not keep flaming or smouldering beyond the limits of the standard when tested with that source. Libacce's PU-coated barrier fabric passes BS 7175 Crib 5.
What does BS 7175 test?
BS 7175 assesses the ignitability of bedding items such as mattresses, mattress covers, pillows and duvets. The sample is exposed to a defined ignition source, and the test checks whether flaming or smouldering carries on after the source has burnt out.
Which ignition sources does it use?
The standard uses a series of sources of rising severity. The ones most often quoted are:
- Source 0: a smouldering cigarette.
- Source 1: a small gas flame that simulates a match.
- Source 5 (Crib 5): a small wooden crib, a much larger flaming source.
- Source 7 (Crib 7): a bigger wooden crib.
A product that passes the crib tests has withstood a far more demanding ignition than a cigarette or a match.
How do hazard categories relate to the cribs?
BS 7175 groups its requirements into hazard categories. In outline, low hazard covers sources 0 and 1, medium hazard adds Crib 5, and high hazard adds Crib 7. Which category applies depends on where the product will be used and on the buyer's fire-safety specification, not on the product alone. Check the current edition of the standard and your own requirements before you specify.
Does a fabric pass, or a product?
The test is carried out on an assembly, typically the cover over a filling or foam, so a result describes that combination. When a supplier tells you a fabric passes Crib 5, ask:
- Which edition of BS 7175 and which ignition sources were tested?
- What was the cover tested over?
- Who carried out the test, and can you see the report?
- Does the result still hold after the washing your laundry will put the cover through?
Is BS 7175 required outside the UK?
BS 7175 is a British Standard. Other countries and buyers have their own fire-safety rules for healthcare and hospitality bedding, and buyers outside the UK sometimes ask for BS 7175 as a known reference. The requirement for your market should come from your own specification or regulator.
What else matters for fire safety in a cover?
- Halogen content: halogen-free materials avoid the corrosive, toxic smoke halogens can release in a fire.
- The whole bed: the cover is one layer. The foam, ticking and bedding all contribute.
- Durability: a flame-retardant result is only useful if it lasts through the cover's service life.
Libacce and Crib 5
The PU-coated polyester knit used in our hospital mattress covers passes BS 7175 Crib 5. It is also halogen-free and certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1. Our PU stretcher cover is flame-retardant and antistatic as well. The full fabric data sheet is on our quality page, and we send the applicable test reports with the certificates when you evaluate a product. Request a quote and tell us the fire standard your project requires.