35 Stamping out fire risk
Dire consequences await designers and construction firms if fire retardant treatments fail to perform during a blaze. Mike Smith of Lonza outlines how to ensure your protected timbers are compliant
out in a building. Essentially, the protected materials slow down combustion and limit the spread of flame and generation of smoke. They provide peace of mind for specifiers and designers by giving extra time to evacuate buildings and limit potential property damage, but most importantly, they help save lives.
F
Any death caused in a building fire is a tragedy for those linked to the victim. However, due to modern legislation such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, the ramifications can have severe consequences for any company or designer associated with the design and build of the project.
A court of law will want to know how fire protection systems were selected and whether there was adequate liaison between all the parties involved in making sure that the protection was appropriate. So how can you be sure that your fire retardant protected timbers are fully compliant?
Specifying made easy
Responsible suppliers strive to guide and advise customers towards a robust and ethical specification of timber. Ensuring that fire retardant treatments meet the specific performance requirements of the end use is particularly important. Incorrectly protected timbers could cost lives, and the resulting implications can be severe. However, fire protection for timber can be seen by some as complex and difficult to co-ordinate. Its value can sometimes be questioned, especially as the dormant protection may never be needed during the service life of the timber. Therefore what can make this process simpler and assured? A first step for any specification of fire retardant treated timbers should be a refer- ence to an independent trade body, such as the UK Wood Protection Association (WPA) which offers general guidance and listings
Incorrectly protected timbers could cost lives, and the resulting
implications can be severe
of approved fire retardant products for timber and board materials and quality treatment companies. You then need to ask if the fire retardant treatments from your suppliers have inde- pendent, species-specific Classification Reports. Do they meet the requirements of either Euroclass B or C of the European Standard EN 13501-1 to comply with both national Building Standards and the Construction Products Regulations? Is CE Marking in place to confirm an audited treatment production process has been
ire retardant treatments for any construction material are designed with a key role should a fire break
TOP
Non-Com exterior treated cladding timbers at Banyan Wharf, Hackney
ABOVE
Culloden Visitor Centre used both interior and exterior fire retardant treated timbers
ADF OCTOBER 2016
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