A hotel opening with non-compliant furniture faces three simultaneous risks: failed fire risk assessment, invalidated insurance, and personal liability for the responsible person. This checklist is designed for hotel operators, general managers, interior designers, and project managers overseeing a hotel fit-out or refurbishment. Work through it before any furniture order is placed and again before opening.
Section 1: Fire Safety Certification
For every upholstered furniture piece, confirm:
- The piece carries CRIB 5 certification under BS 5852:2006
- A physical or digital certificate is available from the supplier
- The certificate covers the specific foam, barrier, and fabric combination used in your order
- The testing laboratory named on the certificate is accredited
- Certificates are stored and accessible for fire risk assessment purposes
Areas where CRIB 5 certification is required:
- All upholstered beds and headboards in guest bedrooms
- All upholstered bedroom chairs, ottomans, and occasional seating
- All lobby and reception seating
- All restaurant and bar chairs and stools
- All banquette and booth seating in dining areas
- All meeting room and event space soft seating
- All staff area seating accessible to the public
Red flags to watch for:
- Supplier cannot produce a CRIB 5 certificate on request — do not proceed
- Certificate covers different fabric or foam to what you are ordering — request updated documentation
- Furniture described as “commercial grade” without certificate evidence — verify before purchase
Section 2: Contract-Grade Specification
- Foam density confirmed at minimum 40kg/m³ for seating, 35kg/m³ for occasional pieces
- Frame construction confirmed as hardwood or steel (not softwood or MDF)
- Fabric rub cycle rating confirmed: minimum 30,000 Martindale for bedrooms, 50,000+ for public areas
- Commercial warranty confirmed in writing from supplier
- Fabric is cleanable with commercial cleaning products
- Fabric has been tested for compliance alongside the foam and barrier (not separately)
Section 3: Procurement and Logistics
- Lead times confirmed against project opening or refurbishment completion date
- Buffer time built in for delays (minimum 2 weeks contingency recommended)
- Delivery format confirmed — assembled, flatpack, or white glove
- Room access dimensions checked against all furniture dimensions before ordering
- Phased delivery schedule agreed if required
- Point of contact at supplier confirmed for delivery day coordination
Section 4: Documentation and Sign-Off
- All CRIB 5 certificates received and filed before opening
- Fire risk assessment updated to reference furniture certification
- Insurance provider notified of furniture specification if required
- Interior designer or project manager sign-off on specification compliance
- Snagging list created for any pieces requiring replacement before opening
Section 5: Post-Opening Maintenance
- Cleaning and maintenance instructions obtained from supplier for all upholstered pieces
- Replacement schedule created — bedrooms typically 7–10 years, public areas 5–7 years
- Process established for replacing individual pieces with compliant alternatives
- Records retained of all CRIB 5 certificates for duration of ownership or operation
Quick Reference: CRIB 5 Requirements by Hotel Area
| Area | CRIB 5 Required | Minimum Fabric Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Guest bedrooms | Yes | 30,000 Martindale |
| Lobby and reception | Yes | 50,000 Martindale |
| Restaurant | Yes | 50,000 Martindale |
| Bar | Yes | 50,000 Martindale |
| Meeting rooms | Yes | 30,000 Martindale |
| Event spaces | Yes | 50,000 Martindale |
Where to Get CRIB 5 Certified Hotel Furniture in the UK
Industrious Decor supplies contract-grade CRIB 5 certified furniture to UK hotels from stock, with fast delivery. All pieces ship with full certification documentation. Trade pricing is available for hotel projects of all sizes. Contact our trade team at trade@industriousdecor.com with your project brief, room count, and timeline.