Fire Curtains and Compliance: What UK Building Owners Must Know
Fire safety regulations in the UK have grown significantly stricter in recent years, especially following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. For building owners, developers, and architects, compliance is not optional — and fire curtains are a powerful solution to meet these legal obligations while preserving design flexibility.
What the regulations say
UK fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and standards like BS 8524-1:2013, emphasise compartmentation and the need for certified fire protection systems. Fire curtains fall under passive fire protection and can help buildings meet fire-resistance requirements without permanent walls or doors.
Key compliance points
- Performance Ratings: Fire curtains must be tested to withstand fire for a specified duration (typically 30, 60, or 120 minutes) and conform to BS EN 1634 and BS 8524 standards.
- Smoke Control: Some curtains are smoke-rated under EN 12101-1, offering both flame and smoke resistance — a key requirement in multi-level or public buildings.
- Automatic Activation: Curtains must integrate with fire alarm systems to ensure timely deployment.
- Maintenance Obligations: Curtains should be regularly tested and serviced to remain compliant and functional.
Sectors most affected
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions
- Retail spaces and shopping centres
- Multi-occupancy residential buildings
Conclusion
Failing to comply with fire safety laws can result in hefty fines, insurance issues, and most importantly, risk to human life. Fire curtains are a smart way to stay compliant while protecting open designs.
Ensure your project meets all legal standards with A1S Group, the UK’s leading supplier of certified fire curtain systems and expert fire protection advice.
Top photo by iSawRed on Unsplash
