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BS 7177 and Crib 5 explained: contract fire ratings for beds

By the Flair Trade team · Last reviewed 30 October 2026

Short answer: BS 7177 rates mattresses, divans and bed bases by how well they resist ignition. Low Hazard (domestic) means the mattress passes cigarette and match-equivalent tests. Medium Hazard adds the Crib 5 wooden crib test and is typical for hotels, hostels and student halls. High and Very High Hazard use Crib 7. Your fire risk assessment, not the premises type alone, decides which category you need.

Key facts

  • Ignition source 0: smouldering cigarette (BS EN 597-1).
  • Ignition source 1: match-equivalent flame (BS EN 597-2).
  • Ignition source 5 ("Crib 5") and source 7 ("Crib 7"): wooden cribs from BS 6807.
  • Most hotels and boarding houses are treated as Medium Hazard.
  • Flair Trade: Crib 5 and Source 5 options for contract use, on request.

What "Crib 5" actually is

A "crib" is a small stack of wooden sticks used as a repeatable fire source in BS 6807 and BS 5852. Crib 5 is a larger, longer-burning source than a match. A mattress passes if it does not keep burning or smouldering after the crib burns out, within the limits in the standard. People often use "Crib 5" and "Source 5" to mean the same test.

Which premises need which category

CategoryTypical examples listed in BS 7177
LowDomestic dwellings, including non-motorised caravans
MediumBoarding schools, day centres, halls of residence, holiday camp chalets, hospitals, hostels, hotels, old people's homes, residential schools, services' messes
HighCertain hospital wards, hostels, hotels, offshore installations, old people's homes
Very HighLocked psychiatric accommodation, prison cells

Hotels, hostels and old people's homes appear under both Medium and High. The standard leaves the choice to the risk assessment, which looks at things like how guests use rooms, smoking, and how quickly people can escape.

How to specify contract beds

  1. Get the hazard category from your fire risk assessment or Responsible Person.
  2. Specify it for every mattress, mattress topper and upholstered bed base in the project.
  3. Ask for a certificate for each product, not just one for the range.
  4. Specify upholstered seating to BS 7176 at the matching level.
  5. Keep the certificates with your fire safety records.

Fire-retardant options at Flair Trade

Crib 5 and Source 5 fire-retardant options are available for contract use (BS 7177). They are available on request as a quote option, and certificates are supplied with trade orders. Tell us your premises type and the category you need when you request a contract quote. Browse open coil and contract mattresses and contract open coil mattresses.

Frequently asked questions

Is Crib 5 a legal requirement for hotels?

BS 7177 is a standard, not a law. Fire safety law requires a fire risk assessment for hotels and other non-domestic premises, and that assessment usually sets BS 7177 Medium Hazard (including Crib 5) for hotel mattresses. Some premises are assessed as High Hazard.

What is the difference between Crib 5 and Crib 7?

Both are wooden crib ignition sources from BS 6807. Crib 7 is a larger source. BS 7177 Medium Hazard uses Crib 5; High and Very High Hazard use Crib 7.

Do student halls need Crib 5 mattresses?

BS 7177 lists halls of residence at universities and colleges as typical Medium Hazard premises, which includes the Crib 5 test. Confirm with your fire risk assessment.

Do I need a certificate for each mattress?

Ask for a certificate covering each product and construction you buy, and keep it with your fire safety records. Flair Trade supplies certificates with trade orders for its fire-retardant contract options.

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Flair Trade is a trading name of Flair Furniture Ltd, Old Delivery Office, Oldfield Lane, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire WF16 0JD. Registered in England and Wales, company no. 7536751. VAT no. GB121713455.