Fire rating of curtains in ERPs: regulatory guide

Legal basis: the 3 founding texts

The regulatory framework rests on the interplay of three sources:

• Order of 25 June 1980: fire safety regulation in public-access buildings, chapter III, articles AM 1 to AM 14. Article AM 1 refers to the NF P 92-507 standard for "furnishing, decoration and large furniture materials", making this standard legally binding.
• Order of 21 November 2002: on the fire reaction of construction and furnishing products. Its annex 2 defines the M0 to M4 classification of furnishing materials including curtains, hangings and sheers.
• NF P 92-507 standard (February 2004): describes the technical criteria for the M1 to M4 classification. Originally a technical standard, it gains binding force through the explicit reference in article AM 1.

Articles AM 11, AM 12 and AM 13: the detail

Article AM 11: the fundamental prohibition

§1: it is strictly forbidden to place hangings, door curtains, curtains or sheers across circulation areas (corridors, walkways, emergency exits). This prohibition is absolute: no M classification makes this practice acceptable.

§2: the only exception: if fire doors are fitted with valances or curtains, these textiles must be classified at least M2.

Article AM 12: requirements by location

Hangings, door curtains, curtains and sheers must meet the following requirements:

• a) Enclosed stairwells: category M1 materials (non-flammable). This is the only space where M1 is explicitly required for curtains.
• b) Other circulation areas and rooms with a floor area greater than 50 m²: category M2 materials (low-flammability). This covers corridors, lobbies, restaurants, breakfast rooms, seminar rooms and common areas larger than 50 m².

What is NOT covered by article AM 12: rooms smaller than 50 m² that are not circulation areas (standard bedrooms, small private lounges). In these spaces, no M class is imposed on curtains by this text.

Article AM 13: stages and platforms

Curtains for stages and platforms must mandatorily be classified M1. This requirement applies regardless of the size of the space.

The French M classification and the Euroclass correspondence

The two systems coexist. A test report may mention the M classification or the Euroclass, or both. The Euroclass criteria are more precise: "s" (smoke) measures smoke emission (s1 = low), "d" (droplets) measures flaming droplets (d0 = none).

Requirements by type of public-access building: the complete table

Important distinction between type J and type U: care homes are classified as type J (accommodation facilities for the elderly). Clinics and care centres are classified as type U (healthcare). These are two different types. For type J, rooms smaller than 50 m² are not explicitly covered by AM 12 (same logic as type O for hotels). For type U, specific provisions require M2 in the rooms regardless of their size. M2 remains recommended in type J given the vulnerability of the residents. Check the exact classification of your establishment with your inspection body.

Hotels: combining types of public-access buildings

Every hotel is a type O public-access building. But a hotel can combine several types when it includes activities open to the outside public:

• Type N (restaurant, bar): if the space is open to the outside public (not reserved for resident guests only)
• Type L (meeting rooms): if rented out to non-residents
• Type X (swimming pool, spa): if accessible to non-residents
• Type M (shop): if open to the outside public

If these spaces are reserved exclusively for resident guests, the hotel keeps only the type O classification. Since a guest cannot be in their room and in another space at the same time, occupancy figures are not combined.

Public-access building categories and inspection frequency

*Hotels are the only 5th category public-access buildings subject to a mandatory safety commission inspection, because of the vulnerability of occupants who are asleep.

What the safety commission checks

The departmental advisory commission for safety and accessibility (CCDSA) is made up of the mayor of the municipality (or their representative), one or more firefighters, a representative of the national police or gendarmerie, and potentially a State official from the departmental services. It checks the following items for textiles:

• Fire classification test report: issued by an approved laboratory (LNE, CSTB, Apave, Efectis). Must appear in the safety register.
• Report/product match: the test report must match the fabric actually installed.
• Correct location: M1 in enclosed stairwells, M2 in circulation areas and rooms > 50 m², M1 on stages.
• No curtain across circulation areas: AM 11 §1 prohibition.
• Condition of treated curtains: date of the last flame-retardant retreatment.

The safety register must also contain: the reports of the inspection bodies (annual checks of gas, electricity, lifts, smoke extraction, alarms), the report of the annual fire extinguisher inspection, and the certificate of staff training in fire safety.

In the event of an unfavourable opinion, the mayor or the State services can administratively close the establishment.

Compliance checklist before the inspection

Textile compliance in public-access buildings rests on 6 verification points before each safety commission inspection. Commissions inspect category 1 to 4 public-access buildings every 3 years, and 5th category hotels every 5 years. A non-compliant textile is a frequent cause of an unfavourable opinion, which can lead to an administrative closure of the establishment.

1. Up-to-date safety register: fire classification test report archived for each curtain reference installed.
2. Report/product match: check that the fabric in place matches the test report.
3. Locations checked: M1 enclosed stairwells + stages. M2 circulation areas + rooms > 50 m². No curtain across a circulation area.
4. Retreatment dates: for chemically treated curtains, the date of the last retreatment documented and within the deadlines (12-18 months).
5. Labelling: marking on the curtains with the test report reference to make the on-site check easier.
6. Complete register: annual inspection reports + staff training certificate.

Kurtens makes technical made-to-measure curtains with M1 certification available on request. Request a professional quote: reply within 24 business hours, no minimum order, samples on request.

For the complete guide on the types of flame-retardant treatment and combined performance: flame-retardant M1/M2 curtains: complete guide. For solutions by sector: hospitality, care homes, offices, restaurants.

Disclaimer: this guide is provided for informational and summary purposes only. It does not replace consultation of the official regulatory texts (order of 25 June 1980, order of 21 November 2002, NF P 92-507 standard) nor the advice of an approved inspection body or a specialist lawyer. The legal references mentioned are subject to regulatory changes. Check the current status of the texts with the competent services.

Frequently asked questions