INTERIORS 75
Fighting fires: an unlikely washroom hero
In the post-Grenfell landscape, fire safety in commercial washrooms is a critical issue. Carole Armstrong of Delabie UK explains how WC frames can sit at the centre of a project’s fire strategy for preventing the spread of flame.
F
ire safety is not the first thing that springs to mind when specifying non- domestic washrooms. The very fact that there is water literally on tap makes the concept almost counter-intuitive. However, in the wake of the Grenfell enquiry, fire safety is firmly on the agenda and specifiers are now much more attuned to the risk that fire poses in all aspects of building design. What is less obvious is the role that the choice of sanitary fittings in washrooms can play in improving fire safety.
Fire requires three things to spread: heat, oxygen and fuel. Once the initial spark has ignited a fire, the rate of spread depends on the availability of all these three factors. A significant aspect of reducing the risk lies with preventative measures, i.e. eliminating fuel sources as far as possible and reducing the potential for heat transfer. Of course, the ready availability of oxygen means that trained firefighters are best placed to actively deal with limiting its access to burning material.
Fire-retardant sanitaryware Post-Grenfell, material choice is definitely the topic-du-jour and in washrooms, fire- retardant finishes for floors, ceilings and wall surfaces can all contribute to slowing the spread of fire.
When specifying sanitaryware, flammability is not even a consideration. Porcelain does not burn and, in the event of a fire, it will not release toxic substances or produce smoke. Similarly, stainless steel does not carry a fire rating because it cannot ignite, and it will only start to melt at temperatures over 1,400°C. When it comes to fire safety, sanitaryware can be specified for its aesthetic qualities as well as its ability to prevent the spread of fire. There is one aspect of washroom design
ADF NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 Stainless steel sanitary ware helps slow the spread of fire © DELABIE
that can have a positive impact on fire safety, and it is possibly the least obvious solution. In a situation where every second can make a massive difference to the outcome, there is one unsung washroom hero that can potentially be a life-saver. The toilet. Or, to be more precise, the components and frame that accompany the toilet pan.
Intumescent frame systems This unassuming assembly of a steel frame, flush valve and evacuation pipe can reduce the spread of fire in three specific areas.
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
Sanitaryware can be specified for its aesthetic qualities as well as its ability to prevent the spread of fire
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
