Historic Textiles and Fire Safety

[Deborah Bede <stillwaterstudio@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am posting the following on behalf of Chris Hadsel, Director of the Vermont Painted Theater Curtain Project:

 

There has been some discussion about fire safety as it relates to historic scenery.  The Vermont Painted Theater Curtain Project has included common sense fire safety suggestions along with its treatment reports, and now the national fire safety board has incorporated our suggestions into the following amendment:

11.2.4:  Fire-retardant treatment of historically significant fabric shall not be required where such treatment will cause damage to the fabric.  This provision shall apply only on an object-by-object basis and where alternative protection measures are approved.

 

Appendix 11.2.4

Where historically significant artifacts such as painted stage drops, tapestries and antique flags are displayed in public gathering places there is a need to balance fire and life safety requirements with the preservation needs of the artifacts.  Life Safety Standards including NFPA #101 Life Safety Code mandate fire retardant treatments for fabrics that are used in gathering places, with NFPA 701 Standard Method of Fire Tests for Flame Resistant Textiles and Films referenced as a test protocol.  NFPA 701 requires a destructive burn test of a fabric sample to verify compliance with the standard however this action will cause permanent damage to the material and is not recommended by accepted preservation practice.  Additionally, specific chemical treatments that may be applied to reduce combustibility may also result in irreversible harm fabrics.   None-the-less there is a need to protect artifacts and the locations in which they are housed from fire, and safeguards must be implemented for situations where artifacts are displayed in assembly spaces.  These should include but not be limited to: prohibiting open flames (i.e. candles, lamps, and smoking), avoiding the use of heat producing appliances such as food and beverage preparation equipment within the room, or adding a fire watch where the artifact is located.  The use of cool burning lamps such as a fluorescent or LED within the space is recommended with no lights, electrical devices or cables located within 1 meters (3 ft) distance of the artifact.  The placement of a combustible artifact within an assembly space should be approved by the authority having jurisdiction.   The AHJ should consult with disciplines that have expertise in preservation and protection of artifacts.