What is BS 5287 and BS 4790?

BS 5287 and BS 4790 are British Standards that pertain to different aspects of the textile industry. Here's an overview of each standard:


1. BS 5287: 

BS 5287 is a British Standard that provides guidelines for the care labeling of textile products. It covers labeling requirements for clothing, textiles, and certain household textiles. The standard aims to ensure that consumers receive accurate and clear care instructions for their textile products, enabling them to properly care for and maintain the items.


BS 5287 outlines the symbols and text that should be used on care labels to indicate appropriate cleaning, washing, drying, ironing, and professional cleaning methods for textiles. The symbols used on care labels are internationally recognized and help consumers understand the recommended care procedures for their garments or textiles.

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The standard also includes guidelines for label placement, label durability, and information that may be included on the care label, such as fiber content and country of origin. Compliance with BS 5287 helps manufacturers and retailers meet legal requirements and provides consumers with the necessary information to care for their textile products effectively.


2. BS 4790: 

BS 4790 is a British Standard that specifies the test method for the flammability of textile fabrics when subjected to a small igniting flame. It is primarily used to assess the flammability of fabrics intended for use in clothing, upholstery, and other domestic or commercial applications.


The test method described in BS 4790 involves exposing a fabric sample to a specified flame ignition source and assessing its flammability behavior. The standard defines criteria for flame spread, afterflame time, and afterglow time, which are important indicators of the fabric's propensity to ignite and sustain combustion.


Compliance with BS 4790 helps ensure that textile fabrics meet safety requirements and have a reasonable level of resistance to ignition. Fabrics that meet the criteria specified in BS 4790 are considered to have a lower risk of contributing to the spread and intensity of a fire, providing increased safety for users.


It's important to note that these standards are specific to the United Kingdom and may differ from standards used in other countries. Manufacturers and retailers involved in the textile industry should be aware of and comply with the relevant standards in their respective markets to ensure product quality, safety, and consumer satisfaction.


In summary, BS 5287 provides guidelines for care labeling on textile products, ensuring that consumers receive accurate care instructions. On the other hand, BS 4790 specifies a test method for assessing the flammability of textile fabrics, helping to ensure product safety and reduce fire risk.