Soft furnishings
After dipping and once the fabric has dried, the chemicals remain adhered to its fibres, making it flame retardant. As you might expect, laundering or dry cleaning will affect the fire retardant properties of the fabric over time. The second method involves making a fabric that is classified as ‘inherently flame retardant’. The fabric is woven with threads that contain a product that is inherently flame retardant without being subject to any further special processing or additional chemicals. Inherently flame retardant fabrics are typically used in environments where the risk of a spreading fire is potentially much greater, such as on an aircraft or oil rig, as well as where there is a risk of infection that necessitates frequent laundering at high temperatures, such as in hospitals, clinical areas and dementia suites. Typically, care homes will replace curtains long before there is any loss in the fire retardant properties of a fabric.
The right choice
To the surprise of many, advances in technology and methods of manufacture mean that there are now a huge range of fabrics to suit all budgets and tastes, so safety does not compromise style. Care home operators should be advised on the best fire retardant fabric options based on the needs of their residents, the environment and how they will be used. For example, where there are residents with dementia who may have toileting issues or in an environment where the curtains will be laundered each week, inherent fire retardant fabrics should be recommended. In less demanding settings, where the need for
We all appreciate the calming and pleasing influence of well chosen soft furnishings. There are also other aspects of soft furnishings that can add to the comfortof care home residents
laundering is less frequent, a treated fire retardant fabric may suffice. We all appreciate the calming and pleasing influence of well chosen soft furnishings. There are also other aspects of soft furnishings that can add to the comfort of care home residents. Undressed windows at night effectively become mirrors which can be distressing to a person with dementia who may not recognise a reflection as their own. The use of voiles in bedrooms is a simple solution that can reduce the potential for distress. The choice of colour also has an important role in creating a soothing environment and contrast helps those with failing eyesight.
Soft furnishings and curtains should carry fire retardant labelling. Ideally, each curtain should be labelled, making safety checks quick and easy to carry out. Many care homes do not have sprinkler systems fitted, so if a fire does start it may spread rapidly. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) wrote to all care homes last year asking them to review their fire safety checks and it is therefore recommended that all care homes make sure that fire retardant soft furnishings are part of their safety provision.
Safety considerations
A less well known safety issue is in relation to the cords and operating mechanisms on internal window and door blinds. Many care homes have conservatories or sunrooms where residents can enjoy the light and a sense of being outdoors and many of these spaces have blinds so that people can continue to enjoy them during the summer months. There are strict regulations around installation that apply to all internal blinds with cords or chains that could present a hazard. In an environment where children under the age of 42 months or vulnerable adults may be present, you must install blinds that are compliant with the child safety requirements of BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014.3
It is children aged between 16 months and three years who are most at risk; they can easily get tangled in loose cords and strangulation can happen incredibly quickly. Toddlers are mobile, but their heads still weigh proportionately more than their bodies compared to adults and their muscle control is not yet fully developed, which makes them less able to free themselves should they become entangled. However, vulnerable adults such as the fragile elderly or those with dementia are also at risk.
Tragically, there have been at least 30 deaths across the UK due to looped cords since 1999, 18 of which have occurred since the start of 2010.4
In a bid
to prevent such tragedies, the regulations were revised in 2014; limits are now placed on cord and chain lengths and it is a requirement that safety devices are also installed as well as displaying warning notices and ensuring that instructions are made available.
Typically, care homes will replace curtains long before there is any loss in the fire retardant properties of the fabric
January 2018 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Having an inhouse fitting team means consistency and quality can be maintained and fitters are fully conversant with all the regulations on cord length and release mechanisms. Product development means that these safety features are unobtrusive and don’t impact on the aesthetics of the blind. It is also worth mentioning that proper fitting and maintenance
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