FRX FIRE PROTECTION
One of the most important design considerations of any project is the safety of its residents. Recent amendments to regulations have confirmed that timber, when property treated with fire retardants, remains a viable and compliant choice.
Euroclass Terminology
Fire testing and classification standards for construction products are defined under European Standard EN 13501-1. The classification system measures the products ‘reaction to fire’ and is classed as levels A1 – F.
Smoke production and flaming droplets are reported in addition to the following combustibility and contribution to fire, which is written in standard format: Euroclass B – s1, d0.
| BS EN 13501-1 divides building materials into 7 classes according to their reaction to fire | |
|---|---|
| A1 | Non-combustible materials, do not contribute to the development of a fire. |
| A2 | Materials with limited combustibility, do not contribute to the development of a fire. |
| B | Combustible, limited contribution to fire. |
| B | Combustible, minor contribution to fire. |
| D | Combustible, contributes to fire. |
| E | Combustible, will only resist a small flame for a few seconds. |
| F | Materials that have not been classified or have not met the minimum requirements of class E. |
Fire safety standards – England & Wales
External Cladding
The external wall of a building, and any attachments, should be assessed on the materials used and how they are assembled in order to reduce the risk of fire spread and the risk of ignition from an external source. The external surfaces of external walls should comply with the provisions in the table below which considers proximity to boundaries and building height.
| Building Type | Building Height | Less than 1000mm from the relevant boundary. | 1000m or more from the relevant boundary. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Relevant buildings’ as defined in regulation 7 (4) (see paragraph 10.14) | Class A2-s1, d0(1) or better. | Class A2-s1, d0(1) or better. | |
| All ‘residential’ purpose groups | More than 11m | Class A2-s1, d0(1) or better. | Class A2-s1, d0(1) or better. |
| 11m or less | Class B-s3, d2(2) or better. | No provisions. | |
| Assembly and recreation | More than 18m | Class B-s3, d2(2) or better. | From ground level to 18m: class C-s3, d2(3) or better.
From 18m in height and above: class B-s3, d2(2) or better. |
| 18m or less | Class B-s3, d2(2) or better. | From ground level to 10m: class C-s3, d2(3) or better.
Up to 10m above a roof or any part of the building to which the public have access: class C-s3, d2(3) or better. From 10m in height and above: no minimum performance. |
|
| Any other building | More than 18m | Class B-s3, d2(2) or better. | From ground level to 18m: class C-s3, d2(3) or better.
From 18m in height and above: class B-s3, d2(2) or better. |
| 18m or less | Class B-s3, d2(2) or better. | No provisions. |
Internal Linings
Surface linings of walls and ceilings should meet the classifications in the following table.
Sloped walls & ceilings: For the purpose of this requirement, a wall includes any part of a ceiling which slopes at an angle greater than 70 degrees to the horizontal.
| Location | Classification |
|---|---|
| Small rooms of maximum internal floor area of 4m2.
Garages (as part of a dwelling house) of maximum internal floor area of 40m2. |
D-s3, d2 |
| Other rooms (including garages).
Circulation spaces within a dwelling. |
C-s3, d2 |
| Other circulation spaces (including the common areas of blocks of flats) | B-s3, d2(1) |
| NOTE: 1. Wallcoverings which conform to BS EN 15102, achieving at least class C-s3, d2 and bonded to a class A2-s3,d2 substrate, will also be acceptable. |
The information of this page is for reference only – it is believed to be correct at time of publication and is in line with the latest UK standards. Please consult with Building Control for advice on your project.
SENTRIN FRX
Ensuring an effective fire protection specification is vital. Where Euroclass B or C has been specified, a fire retardant wood treatment will need to be applied. Sentrin FRX is pressure impregnated in a WPA Benchmark approved, ISO 9001 accredited process.
Sentrin FRX fire treatment for timber has a proven track record and can be used with confidence. The treatment does not alter the appearance of the wood and will not compromise on critical properties such as strength and durability.
Sentrin systems are fully tested in accordance with the most up to date European Standards (Euroclasses) under the Construction Products Regulation and classified in accordance with EN 13501-1.
The information of this page is for reference only – it is believed to be correct at time of publication and is in line with the latest UK standards. Please consult with Building Control for advice on your project.