I have come across a 40m long basement corridor that has been recently refurbished. Either side of the corridor, the plaster walls have been completely covered with numerous rectangular panels that have be clad in a hessian looking material for aesthetic reasons. The corridor serves meeting rooms and a small kitchen

I asked the contractors to supply a certificate to determine that the covering conforms to BS476 Class 0 surface spread of flame to conform to B2 of ADB. However, they have supplied a certificate that refers to BS 5867: Part 2: 2008 (which relates to curtains, drapes and window blinds)

It goes on to record that the material 'complies with BS 5867: Part 2: 2008 Type B and that it 'complies with the Type A ignition resistance requirements of BS 5867: Part 2.

I am now confused. Does the above standard relate to equivalence to Class 0 BS476?

Doubt that you are confused.

As you are aware it does not equate to equivalence, no where near in terms of applied heat flux and duration set out within 476.