As responsible suppliers we all strive to guide and advise customers towards a robust and ethical timber specification. Ensuring that fire retardant treatments meet the specific performance requirements of the end use is particularly important. The implications of incorrectly protected timbers can be severe. In fact, they could cost lives. So specifying quality fire retardant treated timbers, providing complete assurance and performance benefits, is key.
- They provide more time to safely evacuate a burning building
- They provide more time for fire services to reach the fire
- They help reduce fire damage and remedial costs
- They help limit fire spreading to other areas
- They can reduce smoke emissions – another vital issue in escaping a fire
- And finally, of course, they can help reduce insurance cost.
While this is a critical issue, however, fire protection for timber can still be seen by some as complex and difficult to co-ordinate. Its value can also sometimes be questioned, especially as the dormant protection may never be needed. So what can be done to get the message across?
A first step for any specification of fire retardant treated timbers should be a reference to an independent trade body, such as the UK Wood Protection Association (WPA). This provides general guidance and listings of approved fire retardant products for timber and board materials and quality treatment companies.
Then you need to ask if the fire retardant treatments from your suppliers meet all the current, relevant standards.
Do they have independent, species-specific classification reports? Do they meet the requirements of either Euroclass B or C of the European Standard EN 13501-1, which is necessary to comply with both national Building Standards and the EU Construction Products Regulations? You should also know if the CE marking is in place to confirm that an audited treatment production process has been used? Last, but far from least, you need to know if the protective treatments work properly.
Independent and species specific classification reports from treatment suppliers should cover four particular requirements: the timber species, the thickness of the timber, whether there will be an air gap behind, the nature of any backing materials.
All these factors are equally important to achieve an assured, effective fire protection.
Meeting The Standards
The new Euroclasses B and C of EN 13501-1 replace the traditional Class 0 and Class 1 fire performance of National Standards and are more robust.
The fire performance typically required for wall and ceiling linings is Euroclass C, while higher risk areas, such as escape routes and staircases, require the Euroclass B standard.
Meanwhile CE marking of fire retardant treated timber is not an actual quality approval, but it demonstrates that production processes for products have been fully independently audited. It also declares that the product complies with all applicable European directives and regulations.
It’s also prudent to look for third party accreditation and independent body approvals such as ISO 9001 and 14001, BBA, NHBC, and the WPA. These provide the specifier or timber supplier with the reassurance that the fire retardant treatment application process is consistent, controlled and robust.
Another core consideration, naturally, is whether a fire retardant lasts. That should mean for the lifetime of the treated product and well-researched and specified retardants will, indeed, provide permanent fire protection.
Here at Arch Timber Protection we focus on meeting customer requirements and latest standards, across our range of pressure impregnated fire retardant treatments for solid timbers and panel products. We supply both our DRICON and NON-COM treatments from ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited treatment facilities and we are also listed in the WPA quality scheme.