Equivalence and Harmonisation in Reaction-To-fire Performance - April 2012

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Harmonisation and equivalence

of reaction-to-fire performanceclassification in Europe:

a small-scale desk-based study

Prepared for: ADCAS

2 Waltham Court,

Milley Lane,

Hare Hatch,

Reading,Berkshire RG10 9TH

Compiled by: Glenn Hawkins

Number of pages: 32 of text

Date: April 2012



Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction- to-fire performance in Europe

Clear Construction 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The objective of this report is to provide an overview of harmonisation and equivalencein reaction-to-fire performance c lassification in Europe. The report has been produced

following a review of statutory guidance and national & European Standards

applicable in The UK (England and Wales), Germany, France, Sweden, Italy and The

Netherlands.

THECONSTRUCTION PRODUCTREGULATIONS (CPR)

The Construction Products Regulations1(CPR) came into force in April 2011. The CPR

aims to remove technical barriers to trade for construction products across Europe.The principal mechanism for achieving this is through the replacement of existing

national standards and technical approvals with a single set of European-wide

technical specifications for construction products (i.e. harmonised European standardsor European Technical Approvals).

This more harmonised approach is intended to deliver benefits for:

Authorities of EU Member States when specifying requirements for products

Manufacturers when dec laring the performance of their products

Construction professionals such as architects, engineers and builders whenchoosing the products most suitable for their intended use in construction works

The CPR defines seven basic requirements for construction works, of which safety incase of fire is the 2ndrequirement.

HARMONISATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANC E CLASSIFICATION IN EUROPE

The European Commission states that there are about 30 different national fire

performance tests (and 20 more ISO test methods) used by its different Member States.Often, there is little commonality between national performance classification systems.

In support of the second basic requirement of the Construction Products Regulations

(CPR) - safety in case of fire, harmonised procedures for the classification of reaction-to-fire performance have been produced in the European Union.

The European classification system for reaction-to-fire testing consists of six standards; a

classification standard, a suite of four test standards and a standard covering

specimen conditioning and substrate selection. In accordance with the c lassification

standard EN 13501-1, a construction product is classified in the following manner:

The main part of the classification

is its letter A1, A2, B, C, D, E andF. A1 is the highest level of

performance, with F the lowest

performance level

There is a smoke classification of

s1, s2 or s3. s1 is the highest level

of performance and s3 is the

lowest performance level2

A2 s1, d0There is a c lassification of flaming

droplets of d0, d1 or d2. d0 is thehighest level of performance and

d2 is the lowest performance level

The following table uses the seven major classes of the European classification system

for reaction-to-fire (A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F) as the basis for examining equivalence inreaction-to-fire c lassification in different countries.

1Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised

conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC2Materials that are in Class A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets



Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction- to-fire performance in Europe


Table 1 Equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe3

EuroclassUK

(England and Wales)Germany France Sweden Italy Netherlands

In accordance with EN13501-1 + A1: 2009

In accordance withApproved Document B ofthe Building Regulations

In accordance withBauregellisten, 26

th

March 2012

In accordance withArrete du 21 Novembre

2002

In accordnace withRegelssamling for byggande,BBR: 2012 and EN 13501-1

In accordance withDecreto del Ministero

dellinterno 15 Marzo 2005

In accordnace withBouwbesluit, 2012

A1 Non-c ombust ibl e A1 Non-c ombust ibl eA1

(Non-combustible prior to 1stJan

2012)

Class 0 Non-combustible

A2Material of limited

combustibility A2 M0 or M1

A2

(Material of limited combustibilityprior to 1

stJan 2012)

Class 1 or Class 2

B Class 04 B1 M1

B

(Class 1 surface lining prior to 1st

Jan 2012)

Class 1 or Class 2 Class 1 or Class 2

C Class 15 B1 M2

C


Jan 2012)

Class 2 or Class 3 Class 3

D Class 3 B2 M3D


Jan 2012)

Class 3 Class 4

E B2 M4 E

F B3 F

3It is important to note that the national classifica tions for reaction-to-fire do not a utomatica lly equa te with European reaction-to-fire c lassifications or with eac h other. This is bec ausethe methodologies and measurements used in the national tests differ from those employed in the tests assoc iated with harmonised European tests. Products cannot a ssume a

European c lass for reaction-to-fire performance unless they have been tested using a Europea n testing standard.

4Class 0 produc ts are: a) Composed throughout of materials of limited c ombustibility or b) Products with Class 1 performance for surface spread of flame when tested in accordanc e

with BS 476-7 which, when tested in acc ordanc e with BS 476-6, also have a fire propaga tion index (I) of not more than 12 and a sub-index (i1) of not more than 6

5C lass 1 or Class 3 is ac hieved when a material or product meets specific c riteria for lateral spread of flame in acco rdance with BS 476-7.



Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction-to-fire performance in Europe


CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................1

CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................................................3

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................5

2 THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS ................................................................................................62.1 An overview of the Construction Products Regulations ........................................................................6

2.2 The seven basic requirements for construction works in the CPR .......................................................6

2.3 Safety in case of fire ....................................................................................................................................6

2.4 CE marking and the Construction Products Regulations ......................................................................7

3 EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REAC TION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE .......................................................................8

3.1 An overview of the Euroc lass system for reaction-to fire performance .............................................8

3.2 EN 13501-1: 2007 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements .9

3.2.1 Overview of EN 13501-1: 2007 + A1: 2009 ....................................................................................9

3.2.2 Performance classification for reaction-to fire ...........................................................................9

4 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS UK (ENGLAND AND WALES) ...................................... 12

4.1 Approved Document B Fire .................................................................................................................. 12

4.1.1 Overview of Approved Document B ........................................................................................ 12

4.1.2 General content about internal fire spread (linings) .............................................................. 12

4.2 Nationa l classification of performance ................................................................................................. 13

4.3 Equivalence of UK and European reaction-to-fire performanc e c lasses ....................................... 15

5 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FRANC E ........................................................................ 16

5.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in France ................................................... 16

5.2 Equivalence of Frenc h and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................... 18

6 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS GERMANY .................................................................... 19

6.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Germany .............................................. 19

6.2 Equivalence of German and European reac tion-to-fire performance classes ............................ 20

7 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS SWEDEN ........................................................................ 21

7.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Sweden ................................................. 21

7.2 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................. 21

8 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ITALY ............................................................................. 22

8.1 Nationa l classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Italy ........................................................ 22

8.2 Equivalence of nationa l and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................. 23

9 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS THE NETHERLANDS ...................................................... 24

9.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in The Netherlands .................................. 24

9.1.1 Equivalence of national and European reac tion-to-fire performanc e classes ................ 24

APPENDICES

APPENDIX: A USE AND DEFINITIONS OF NON-C OMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND MATERIALS OF LIMITED

COMBUSTIBILITY ................................................................................................................................................... 25

APPENDIX: B AN OVERVIEW OF BS 9999 AND BS 476, PARTS 4, 6, 7 AND 11 ......................................... 27

APPENDIX: C CLASSIFICATION OF LININGS IN APPROVED DOCUMENT B .............................................. 31





TABLES

Table 1 Equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe ...................................2

Table 2 Classes of reaction to fire performance for construction products excluding floorings

and linear pipe thermal insulation products ................................................................................................ 10

Table 3 National classification of reaction-to fire performance in England and Wales ................ 14

Table 4 Equivalence of British9and European reaction-to fire performance c lasses .................... 15

Table 5 National classification of reaction-to fire performance for rigid materials and flexible

materials thicker than 5mm in France .......................................................................................................... 16

Table 6 National classification of reaction-to fire performance flexible materials of thickness less

than or equal to 5mm in France .................................................................................................................... 17

Table 7 Equivalence of French and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................... 18

Table 8 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Germany . 19

Table 9 Equivalence of German and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................ 20

Table 10 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 21

Table 11 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 23

Table 12 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 24

Table 13 Definitions of non-combustible materials in Approved Doc ument B .................................. 25

Table 14 Definitions of materials of limited combustibility in Approved Doc ument B ...................... 26

Table 15 Classification in ac cordance with BS 476-7.............................................................................. 29

Table 16 Classification of linings in Approved Doc ument B .................................................................. 31

FIGURES

Figure 1 National classification of reac tion-to fire performance building materials in Italy ........... 23





1 INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of clarity over product standards and conformance criteria applicable

to flexible ductwork produced in Europe, particularly in relation to reaction-to-fire

performance. This has given rise to a wide variety of interpretations by those partiesinvolved in the design, spec ification, manufacture, and installation of ventilation and

air conditioning systems containing flexible ductwork.

Futhermore, flexible duc twork is being increasingly supplied to European constructionprojec ts from countries outside the European Union. In these instances, project teams

are not sure what reaction-to-fire performance evaluation process has been applied to

these products or whether the standard that has been achieved meets their national

performance requirements.

This report has been produced in response to a request from ADCAS for a desk-based

study into harmonisation and equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance standards in

Europe.

The purpose of the report is to provide a body of information, from which an ADCASpublication about flexible ductwork could be produced in 2012.





2 THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the Construction Product

Regulations.6

2.1 AN OVERVIEW OF THECONSTRUCTION PRODUCTSREGULATIONS

The Construction Products Regulations (CPR) came into force in April 2011. It has been

adopted by the European Commission and the UK Government and replaces theConstruction Products Direc tive (CPD). The CPR becomes a statutory requirement in

each European country when it is incorporated in national Building Regulations.

The CPR aims to remove technical barriers to trade for construction products ac rossEurope. The principal mechanism for achieving this is through the replacement of

existing national standards and technical approvals with a single set of European-wide

technical specifications for construction products (i.e. harmonised European standardsor European Technical Approvals).

The CPR builds on the succ ess of the CPD, by allowing construction products that have

been assessed against harmonised standards to be legally placed on the marketanywhere in the European Economic Area.

2.2THE SEVEN BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN THECPR

The scope of the CPR is limited to regulated issues under seven basic requirements for

construction works, as shown below:

1. Mechanical resistance and stability.

2. Safety in case of fire.

3. Hygiene, health and the environment.

4. Safety and accessibility in use.

5. Protection against noise.

6. Energy economy and heat retention.

7. Sustainable use of natural resources.

2.3 SAFETY IN C ASE OF FIRE

The CPR states that the construction works must be designed in built in a way that in

the event of an outbreak of fire:

1.The load-bearing capacity of the construction can be assumed for a specific

period of

2.The generation and spread of fire and smoke within the construction works are

limited

6Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised

conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC





3.The spread of fire to neighbouring construction works is limited

4. Occupants can leave the construction works or be rescued by other means

5.The safety of rescue teams is taken into consideration

2.4 CEMARKING AND THECONSTRUCTION PRODUCTSREGULATIONS

CE marking is a dec laration by a manufacturer that a product meets all the

appropriate provisions of the relevant legislation implementing certain European

Direc tives. The European Union (EU) introduced the CE marking scheme to maketrade easier and cheaper between EU countries. A CE mark means that a

manufacturer claims that their product conforms to the minimum legal requirements for

health and safety as laid down in EU directives.

CE marking will soon become mandatory in the UK for products covered by a

harmonised European standard. Manufac turers and importers have until J uly 2013 to

ensure that their construction products meet the CE requirements of the newConstruction Products Regulations.

According to the Regulations, the requirement for CE marking will apply to:

"a ny produc t or k it wh ich is p rod uc ed a nd p la c ed on the m arket for inc orpo ra t ion in a

p erma nent m a nner in c onst ruc t ion w orks or p a rts thereo f and the p erfo rm an c e o f

wh ic h ha s a n ef fec t on the p er fo rma nc e o f the c onst ruc t ion w orks wi th resp ec t to the

b a sic req uirem ents for co nstruc t ion w orks."

Any products that fall under this definition that are placed on the market from J uly 2013

and are covered by a harmonised standard, will have to be accompanied by a

Declaration of Performance and will need to display the CE mark.

For products not covered, or not fully covered, by a harmonised European Standard

(hEN), CE marking may be applied through a European Technical Assessment (ETA),issued by an approved body.





3 EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the harmonised c lassification

system for reaction-to-fire performance (Euroc lass). The principal points of reference are:

European Commission Dec ision 2000/147/EC: The clasification of the recation-to-fire perfroamnce of construction products

EN 13501-1:2007 +A1: 2009 Fire c lassification of construction products andbuilding elements.

3.1 AN OVERVIEW OF THEEUROC LASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO FIRE PERFORMANC E

In support of the second basic requirement of the Construction Products Regulations

(CPR) - safety in case of fire, harmonised procedures for the classification of reaction-

to-fire performance have been produced in the European Union.

Many construction products covered by the CPR have a requirement related to theirreaction to fire7 and their resistance to fire8. Harmonisation in these areas is therefore

crucial to the successful implementation of the CPR, because the existing nationalregulations and classification systems present manufac turers with significant barriers to

trade.

The website of the European Commission states that there are about 30 differentnational fire performance tests (and 20 more ISO test methods) used by different

Member States, with the result that there is very little in common between existing

nationa l classification systems. Manufac turers are therefore obliged to carry out many,expensive tests if they wish to market their products throughout Europe.

The purpose of harmonisation is to fac ilitate the trade of building products betweenthe member countries of the EU by removing trade barriers due to differences in testmethods and c lassification systems. Previously, produc ts had to be tested and c lassified

according to national standards in each country in which they were launched to the

market. In the new system, the Euroc lass classification of a product is acknowledged in

all member countries based on its performance in the harmonised fire tests.

Testing for the Euroc lass system is performed in accordance with test methods, defined

in harmonised European standards published by the European Standardization body,

CEN9. The European classification system for reaction-to-fire testing consists of six

standards; a classification standard, a suite of four test standards and a standard

covering spec imen conditioning and substrate selection. The British Standard versions

of these documents are as follows:

BS EN 13501-1: Fire Classification of construction products and building elements.Part 1: Classification using test data from reaction to fire tests.

BS EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests for building products. Non-combustibility test

BS EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for products - Determination of the heat ofthe gross heat of combustion (ca lorific value)

7The performance of a material or system in a fire situation with regard to the amount and rate of heat evolved, theamount and rate of spread of flame, and the amount and rate of smoke and toxic fume evolved

8The ability of material or system in a fire situation to prevent the spread of flame and/or smoke, and, whererelevant, to maintain mechanica l stability.

9Working group CEN/TC 127 Fire Safety in Buildings was responsible for producing these harmonised European

standards


http:///reader/full/equivalence-and-harmonisation-in-reaction-to-fire-performance-april



BS EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products - Building productsexcluding floorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning Item

BS EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitability of building products subjectedto direc t impingement of flame Part 2: Single-flame source test

BS EN 13238: Reaction to fire tests for building products Conditioning proceduresand general rules for selection of substrates.

3.2 EN13501-1:2007+A1:2009 FIRE CLASSIFICATION O F CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS ANDBUILDING ELEMENTS

3.2.1 Overview of EN 13501-1: 2007 + A1: 2009

This European standard provides a harmonised procedure for the classification of

reaction to fire of construction products, including products incorporated within

building elements. Products are c onsidered in relation to their end-use applications floorings, linear pipe insulation products or other construction products.

This European standard was prepared by the CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 127 FireSafety in Buildings. The standard has its origins in the European Commission Decision

2000/147/EC of 8thFebruary 2000, which was prepared in support of the sec ond essential

requirement in the Construction Products Direc tive safety in case of fire10

A product with a fire classification obtained in accordance with the standard EN

13501-1:2007 + A1: 2009 can then be CE-marked if other properties spec ified in the

Construction Products Regulation (CPR) have also been verified.

3.2.2 Performance classification for reaction-to fire

A classification for a construction product is given in the following manner:

The main part of the classification

is its letter A1, A2, B, C, D, E and

F. A1 is the highest level of

performance, with F representingthe lowest performance level

There is a smoke classification of

s1, s2 or s3. s1 is the highest level

of performance and s3 is thelowest performance level11

B s3, d2

There is a c lassification of flamingdroplets of d0, d1 or d2. d0 is the

highest level of performance and

d2 is the lowest performance level

Table 1 on the following page provides an overview of the classes of reaction-to-fireperformance given in EN 13501-1: 2007 +A1: 2009

10

The Construction Produc ts Regulations (CPR) has repea led the C onstruction Produc ts Direc tive (CPD). Anoverview of the CPR is provided in the preceding sec tion of this report

11Ma terials that are in C lass A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets





Table 2 Classes of reaction to fire performance for construction products excluding floorings and linearpipe thermal insulation products

Classification Test Method Classification criteriaAddi tional

classification

A1

EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests forbuilding products, non-combustibility test

and

Temperature rise (T) 30oC

Mass loss (m) 50%

Duration of sustained flaming12

(tf) = 0s

EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests forbuilding products, determination of theheat of combustion

Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0MJ/kg

A2

EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests forbuilding products, non-combustibility test

or


Mass loss (m) 50%

Duration of sustained flaming (t f) = 20s

EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests forbuilding products, determination of theheat of combustion

and

Gross calorific potential (PCS) 3.0MJ/kg

EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests forbuilding products, single burning item test

Fire growth rate(FIGRA) 120 W/s1 and

Lateral flame spread < edge of specimen,and

Total heat release (THR 600s 7.5 MJ

Smoke production13

and production offlamingdroplets/particles

14

B


and

Fire growth rate(FIGRA) 120 W/sand

Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen,and

Total heat release (THR 600s 7.5 MJ

Smoke productionand production offlamingdroplets/particlesEN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests

Ignitibility of building products subjected

to direct impingement of flame

Flame spread (Fs) 150mm within 60

seconds

C


and

Fire growth rate(FIGRA) 250 W/sand

Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen,and

Total heat release (THR 600s 15 MJ

Smoke productionand production offlamingdroplets/particlesEN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests

Ignitibility of building products subjectedto direct impingement of flame

Flame spread (Fs) 150mm within 60seconds

D


and

Fire growth rate(FIGRA) 750 W/sSmoke productionand production of

flamingdroplets/particlesEN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests

Ignitibility of building products subjectedto direct impingement of flame


EEN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjectedto direct impingement of flame


Production offlaming

droplets/particles

F No performance determined

12Sustained flaming is defined as the existence on or over the surface for a minimum period of time

13s1= Smoke growth rate (SMOGRA) 30m2/s2and Total smoke production (TSP)600s 50m2. s2= Smoke growth rate(SMOGRA) 180m2/s2and Total smoke production (TSP)600s 50m

2. s3= not s1 or s2.

14d0= No flaming droplets/particles in EN 13823 (SBI) within 600s. d1= no flaming droplets/particles persisting longer than

10s in EN 13823 (SBI) within 600s. d2= not d0 not d1; ignition of the paper in EN ISO 11925-2 results in a d2 classification.





Class F products are products for which no fire performances are determined or which

cannot be c lassified in one of the classes A1, A2, B, C, D or E.

Class E products are capable of resisting, for a short period, a small flame attac k

without substantial flame spread.

Class D products satisfy criteria for Class E and are capable of resisting, for a longerperiod, a small flame attack without substantial flame spread. In addition, they are

also capable of undergoing thermal attack by a single burning item with sufficiently

delayed and limited heat release.

Class C products satisfy criteria for Class D, but with more stringent requirements.

Additionally, under attack by a single burning item they have a limited lateral spread of

flame.

Class B products satisfy criteria for Class C, but with more stringent requirements

Class A2 products satisfy the same criteria as Class B products for EN 13823: Reaction to

fire tests for building products, single burning item. In addition, under conditions of afully developed fire these products will not significantly contribute to the fire load andfire growth.

Class A1 products will not contribute in any stage of the fire including the fullydeveloped fire. For that reason they are assumed to be capable of satisfying

automatically all requirements of all lower classes.





4 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS UK(ENGLAND AND WALES)

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for

reaction-to-fire performance in the UK (England and Wales) and then comparenational performance c lasses with Euroc lass performance c lasses.

The principal points of reference are:

Approved Document B Volume 1: Fire Safety Dwellings (2006)

Approved Document B Volume 2: Fire Safety Buildings other than dwellings (2006)

BS 476: Fire tests on building materials and structures.

4.1 APPROVED DOCUMENTBFIRE

4.1.1 Overview of Approved Document B

Approved Document B deals with different aspects of fire safety. It has the following aims:

To ensure satisfactory provision of means of giving an alarm of fire and a satisfactorystandard of means of escape for persons in the event of a fire in a building

To ensure that fire spread over the internal linings of a building is inhibited

To ensure the stability of buildings in the event of a fire

To ensure that there is a sufficient degree of fire separation within buildings and toinhibit the unseen spread of smoke in concealed spaces in buildings

4.1.2 General content about internal fire spread (linings)

The document states that to inhibit the spread of fire within the building, the internal

linings shall:

Adequately resist the spread of flame over their surfaces; and

Have, if ignited, a rate of heat release or a rate of fire growth, which isreasonable in the circumstances

The document states that the requirements for internal fire spread will be met if the

spread of flame over the internal linings of the building is restricted by making provisionfor them to have low rates of surface spread of flame and, in some cases, to have a

low rate of heat release, so as to limit the contribution that the fabric of the building

makes to fire growth.

The document also states that in relation to the European fire tests and c lassification

system, the requirements for internal fire spread will be met if the heat released from

internal linings is restricted by making provision for them to have a resistance to ignition

and a rate of fire growth which are reasonable in the circumstances





4.2 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE

The national classifications are based on tests in BS 476: Fire tests on building materials

and structures:

BS 476-4: 1970, Non-combustibility test for building materials

BS 476-6:1989 +A1: 2009, Method of test for fire propagation for products

BS 476-7:1997, Method of test to determine the classification of the surfacespread of flame

BS 476-11: 1982, Method for assessing the heat emission from building materials

A brief overview of each of the above parts of BS 476 is provided in the Appendices of

this report.

The table on the following page summarises national performance classifications, as

defined in Approved Document B and its associated British Standards.





Table 3 National classification of reaction-to fire performance in the UK (England and Wales)

National classification Compliance criteria Comments

Non-combustible

Non-combustible materials are defined either as listedproducts in Table A6 of Approved Document B or interms of the following performamce criteria

a) Any material, which when tested to BS 476-11does not flame nor cause any rise in temperatureon either the centre (specimen) or furnacethermocouples

b) Any material classified as A1 in accordance withBS EN 13501-1: 2002

This is the highest level of reaction-

to-fire performance

Please refer to Appendix A for moreinformation about the use anddefinitions of non-combustiblematerials

Limited combustibility

Materials of limited combustibility are defined either aslisted products in Table A7 of Approved Document Bor in terms of the following performamce criteria

a) Any non-combustible material, as defined in theabove row of this table

b) Any material of density 300kg/m2or more, which

when tested to BS 476-11 does not flame and therise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple isnot more than 20

oC

c) Any material classified as A2, s3, d2 or better inaccordance with BS EN 13501-1: 2002

Please refer to Appendix A for moreinformation about the use anddefinitions of materials of limited

combustibility

Class 0

This classification is achieved if a material or thesurface of a composite product is either;

d) Composed throughout of materials of limitedcombustibility; or

e) A class 1 material which, when tested in

accordance with BS 476-6, has a fire propagationindex (I) of not more than 12 and a sub-index (i1)of not more than 6

This is the highest national productperformance classification for liningmaterials.

Class 0 is not a classificationidentified in any British Standard test

It should not be assumed that aClass 0 material or product is non-combustible

The determination of the firepropagation index in BS 476-6requires the results from threespecimens, each producing validtests results

Class 1

This classification is achieved when a material orproduct meets the following criteria for lateral spreadof flame:

a) Limit of spread of flame at 1.5 minutes: 165mm(limit for one sample specimen: 165mm + 25mm)

b) Limit of final spread of flame: 165mm (limit for onesample specimen: 165mm + 25mm)

In the BS 476-7 test to determine the

classification of surface spread offlame, a minimum of six and amaximum of nine specimens aresubjected to a specific heating andignition regime.

The test result is a function of thedistance, and rate of, the lateralspread of flame

Class 2

This classification is achieved when a material orproduct meets the following criteria for lateral spread

of flame:

a) Limit of spread of flame at 1.5 minutes: 215mm(limit for one sample specimen:215mm + 25mm)


Class 3

This classification is achieved when a material orproduct meets the following criteria for lateral spreadof flame:

a) Limit of spread of flame at 1.5 minutes: 265mm(limit for one sample specimen: 265mm + 25mm)


Class 4 Exceeding limits for Class 3





4.3 EQUIVALENCE OF UK15AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES

It is important to note that the national classifications for reaction-to-fire do not

automatically equate with European reaction-to-fire classifications. This is because the

methodologies and measurements used in the national tests differ from those

employed in the tests assoc iated with harmonised European tests. Produc ts cannot

assume a European c lass for reaction-to-fire performance unless they have beentested using a European testing standard.

However, with reference to the contents of Approved Document B, the following table

equates national performance classes with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN

13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire c lassification of construction products and building elements.

Table 4 Equivalence of UKand European reaction-to fire performance classes

National classification European Classification (Euroclass) Comments

Non-combustible A1

This comparison is derived

from the definition of non-combustible materials inApproved Document B

Limited combustibility A2, s3, d2 (or better)

This comparison is derivedfrom the definition of materialsof limited combustibilityinApproved Document B

When a classification includess3, d2, this means that there isno limit set for smokeproduction and/or flamingdroplets/particles

Class 0 B, s3, d2 (or better)

This comparison is derived

from Table 10 in ApprovedDocument B, which classifieslinings

Class 1 C, s3, d2 (or better)

This comparison is derivedfrom Table 10 in ApprovedDocument B, which classifieslinings

Class 2No equivalence is given in the Approved Documents

of the Building Regulations

Class 3 D, s3, d2 (or better)

This comparison is derivedfrom Table 10 in ApprovedDocument B, which classifies

linings

Class 4No equivalence is given in the Approved Documents

of the Building Regulations

15In the context of this report, the term UK relates to Building Regulations in England and Wales





5 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FRANCE


reaction-to-fire performance in France and then compare national performanceclasses with Euroc lass performance classes.


Arrete du 21 Novembre 2002, which defines the test methods and performanceclassifications relating to reaction-to-fire performance of construction products,

NF P 92-507: 2004, Safety against fire Classification of building productsaccording to their reaction to fire.

5.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN FRANCE

The national reaction-to-fire classification system in France defines performance asnon-combustible or combustible. Combustible materials and products are divided into

5 categories, M0, M1, M2, M3, M4 and M4, with M0 is the best level of performance andM4 the worst.

The following two tables show the classification system and associated compliancecriteria. The first table is for rigid materails and flexible materials thicker than 5mm. The

second table is for flexible materials of thickness up to 5mm.

Table 5 National classification of reaction-to fire performance for rigid materials and flexible

materials thicker than 5mm in France


Incombustible

(Non-combustible)


Mass loss (m) 50%


Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0 MJ/kg

NF EN ISO 1182; 2002

Reaction to fire tests for buildingproducts, non-combustibility test

NF EN ISO 1716: Reaction to firetests for building products,determination of the heat ofcombustion

M0


and

Q = 0

and

T < 5

The PCS is derived from NF ENISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests forbuilding products, determination ofthe heat of combustion

For multi-layer products thiscondition is to be respected foreach layer, except for instancesspecified in NF P 92-507

Q is a classification index basedon the average of the followcriteria of test NF P 92 501:

q = 100 h

t iT

where:

h is the maximum length of flamein any 30 second period

t i is time of delay before ignition

Tis the total duration ofcombustion

M1 Q < 2.5

M2 Q < 15

M3 Q < 50

M4 Material not conforming with the aboveperformance categories, and Vp< 2 mm/s

Vp is the speed of flame

propogation when tested inaccordance with NF P 92 504





Table 6 National classification of reaction-to fire performance flexible materials of thicknessless than or equal to 5mm in France


Incombustible

(Non-combustible)


Mass loss (m) 50%



NF EN ISO 1182; 2002Reaction to fire tests for

building products, non-combustibility test

NF EN ISO 1716: Reaction tofire tests for building products,determination of the heat ofcombustion

M0 Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.5 MJ/kg

The PCS is derived from ENISO 1716: Reaction to firetests for building products,determination of the heat ofcombustion

For multi-layer products thiscondition is to be respected foreach layer, except for

instances specified in NF P92-507

M1 (no droplets)

t f 5s

and

no inflammation of the test wadding

These compliance criteria arederived from test NF P 92 503where:

t f is the duration ofinlammation or ignition

Ldis the length destroyed

ldis the width destroyed

M1 (droplets non-ignited)

t f 5s

and


M2 (no droplets)

t f 5s

and



Ld< 35 cm

and


M2 (ignited droplets ordebris)

Ld< 35 cm

and


M3 (no droplets)

Ld< 60 cm and I d < 9 cm

and



Ld< 60 cm and I d < 9 cm

and



Ld< 35 cm

and



Ld< 60 cm and I d < 9 cmand


M4 (where the test waddingignites)

Material not conforming with the aboveperformance categories, and Vp< 2 mm/s

Vp is the speed of flamepropogation when tested inaccordance with NF P 92 504





5.2 EQUIVALENCE OF FRENCH AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANC E CLASSES






The following table equates French national performance classes for reaction-to-fire

with European c lasses (Euroc lasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of

construction products and building elements. This material is derived from Arrete du 21Novembre 2002

Table 7 Equivalence of French and European reaction-to fire performance classes16

National classification Eurpean Classification (Euroclass) Comments

Incombustible

(Non-combustible)A1

M0 A2, s1, d0

M1

A2, s1, d1

A2, s2, d0

A2, s3, d1

B, s1, d0 or d1

B, s2, d0 or d1

B, s3, d0 or d1

The d1 level of perfromance isonly accepted for prodcuts thatare not thermofusible in testconditions

M2

C, s1, d0 or d1

C, s2, d0 or d1

C, s3, d0 or d1

The d1 level of perfromance is

only accepted for prodcuts thatare not thermofusible in testconditions

M3

D, s1, d0 or d1

D, s2, d0 or d1

D, s3, d0 or d1


M4

(no droplets)

D, s1, d0 or d1

D, s2, d0 or d1

D, s3, d0 or d1


M4 All other classes other than E, d2 and F

16This table relates to construction products other than floors





6 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS GERMANY


reaction-to-fire performance in Germany and then compare national performanceclasses with Euroc lass performance classes.


DIN 4102-1,1998: Fire behviour of building materials and elements -Classification of building materials, requirements and testing

Bauregellisten (Building Regulation Lists) produced by the Deutsches Institut frBautechnik, dated 26thMarch 2012.

6.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN GERMANY

In Germany, building materials are classified according to their fire behaviour as shownin the table below. This information has been derived from DIN 4102 -1:1998.

Table 8 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Germany


A1

When subjected to the furnace test:

Duration of sustained flaming (t f) = 0sand


and

meet the requirements for Class A2 compliance

Class A materials are designatedas non-combustible

Class A1 materials shall notrealease any ignitable gases orany consuderable amount of heat.

For Class A2 materials, the heatrealease and spread of fire shallbe minimal, the release of anyignitable gases limited and anygeneration of smoke shall not behazardous to health

A2

Products can be clasifiedWhen subjected to thefurnace test:



Mass loss (m) 50%

B1

When tested in accordance with DIN 4102-16 usingbradschacht apparatus specified in DIN 4102-15:

The mean value for the residual length (portion of thespecimen that has not burned or charred) of each

specimen is at least 15cm and no individual values

are lower than 0 cm

and

the mean effluent temperature does not exceed 200oC

in any test

and

meet the requirements for Class B2 compliance

Class B materials are designatedas combustible, with the followingdescriptions:

B1 Not easily flammable

B2 Flammable

B3 Easily flammable

For class B1 materials the extentof combustion in test conditionsshall not reach beyond the primaryfire area and the heat relase shallbe minimal

In test conditions, the ignitibilityand flame spread of class B2materials shall be limited over a

defined period

B2

When subjected to an ignitibility test using a smallcabinet as in DIN 50050-1:

Flaming of any of the five specimens does not reachthe gauge mark within 20 seconds after flame

application, either with bottom edge ignition or surfaceignition

B3Combustible materials which canniot be classed as B1

or B2 materials shall be classed as B3 materials





6.2 EQUIVALENCE OF GERMAN AND EUROPEAN REAC TION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES






The following table equates German national performance classes for reaction-to-fire

with European c lasses (Euroc lasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of

construction products and building elements. The information has been derived fromthe Bauregellisten (Building Regulation Lists) produced by the Deutsches Institut fr

Bautechnik, dated 26thMarch 2012 and DIN 4102-1; 1998.

Table 9 Equivalence of German and European reaction-to fire performance classes17

National classifi cation

(according to DIN 4102-1)

Addi tional requ irements(X denotes required performance)

Euroclass(according to DIN EN 13501-1)

No smokeNo burning

droplets/particles

A1

(Non-combustible)X X A1

A2

(Non-combustible)X X A2-s1, d0

B1

(Not easily flammable)

X X

B s1,d0

C s1,d0

X

A2 s2,d0

A2 s3,d0

B s2,d0

B s3,d0

C s2,d0

C s3,d0

X

A2 s1,d2

B s1,d1

B s1,d2

C s1,d1

C s1,d2

A2 s3,d2

B s3,d2

C s3,d2

B2

(Flammable)

XD s1,d0

D s2,d0

D s3,d0

E

D s1,d1

D s2,d1

D s3,d1

D s1,d2

D s2,d2

D s3,d2

B3

(Easily flammable)

F






7 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS SWEDEN


reaction-to-fire performance in Sweden and then compare national performanceclasses with Euroc lass performance classes.


Regelssamling for byggande, BBR: 2012 (Rules and regulations for construction)

Swedish Research Institute guidance about European fire classification ofmaterials, construction products and building elements18

Swedish Building Regulations (BBR) adopted on 4thOctober 2011 specifica llyBFS 2011:26, safety in case of fire19.

7.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN SWEDEN

On the 1stJ anuary 2012, new Building Regulations were adopted in Sweden (BBR 2012).The old national classes for reaction-to-fire performance have been replaced with

reaction-to-fire c lasses based on EN 13501-1

The old classification system was based on testing in accordance with SS 02 48 23 (NTFire 004): Building products heat release and smoke generation and SS 02 48 32 (NT

Fire 001): Building products non-combustibility test.

These tests classified materials and products as non-combustible, material of limited

combustibility, class 1 surface lining, class 2 surface lining or class 3 surface lining. There

were a lso separate c lassifications for flooring materials, for example.

7.2 EQUIVALENCE OF SWEDISH AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANC E CLASSES

The following table equates Swedish national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with

European c lasses (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire c lassifica tion of

construction products and building elements. The information has been derived from the

points of reference given above.

Table 10 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to fire performance classes20


Non-combustible A1

Material of limitedcombustibility

A2-s1, d0

Class 1 surface lining B-s1, d0

Class 2 surface lining C-s2, d0

Class 3 surface lining D-s2, d0

18http://www.sp.se/en/index/information/fireclassification/sidor/default.aspx

19http://www.boverket.se/Om-Boverket/Webbokhandel/Publikationer/2008/Building-Regulations-BBR/






8 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ITALY


reaction-to-fire performance in Italy and then compare national performance c lasses

with Euroc lass performance classes.


Ministerial Decree, 10thMarch 2005 Reaction-to fire c lasses for buildingproducts

Ministerial Decree, 26thJ une 1984 and its 2001 amendment Reaction-to-fireclassification and approval of materials for fire prevention

Fire performance test standard UNI 9177: Reaction to fire - Combustibleproducts classification

UNI EN ISO 1182: 2010, Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test

8.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN ITALY

The Ministerial Decree of 26th J une 1984 and its 2001 amendment governs the

classification of reaction-to-fire performance and the approval of materials for fireprevention in Italy.

The national reaction-to-fire classification system in Italy defines performance as non-

combustible or combustible. Class 0 materials are non-combustible and are tested in

accordnace with UNI EN ISO 1182: 2010. Combustible materials and products are

divided into 5 categories, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with 1 the best level of performance and 5

the worst.

The national reaction-to-fire performance classifications for combustible materials are

determined by using the results from a combination of the three tests shown below.

UNI 9174: 2010, Reaction to fire of products subjected to a flame in thepresence of radiant heat

UNI 8456: 2010, Combustible products which can be hit by flames on bothsurfaces - Small flame test

UNI 8457; 2010, Combustible products which can be hit by flames on onesurface - Small flame test

Figure 1 on the following page shows how the outputs from each test are combined toproduce the overall national classifications. This table is derived from UNI 9177:2008,

Reaction to fire combustible products classification.





Figure 1 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Italy

8.2 EQUIVALENCE OF NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES

The following table equates Italian national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with

European c lasses (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire c lassifica tion of

construction products and building elements. The information has been derived from theMinisterial Decree, 10thMarch 2005.21

Table 11 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes22

National classification Eurpean Classification (Euroclass) Comments

Class 0 A1

Class 1

Walls

A2-s1, d0 A2-s2, d0 A2-s3, d0 A2-s1, d1

A2-s1, d1 A2-s2, d1 A2-s3, d1 B-s1, d0

B-s2, d0 B-s1, d1 B-s2, d1

Ceilings

A2-s1, d0 A2-s2, d0 A2-s3, d0 A2-s1, d1

A2-s2, d1 A2-s3, d1 B-s1, d0 B-s2, d0 B-s3, d0

Class 2

Walls

A2-s1, d2 A2-s2, d2 A2-s3, d2 B-s3, d0

B-s3, d1 B-s1, d2 B-s2, d2 B-s3, d2

C-s1,d0 C-s2,d0 C-s1,d1 C-s2,d1

Ceilings

B-s1, d1 B-s2, d1 B-s3, d1 C-s1,d0

C-s2,d0 C-s3,d0

Class 3

Walls

C-s3,d0 C-s3,d1 C-s1,d2 C-s2,d2

C-s3,d2 D-s1,d0 D-s2,d0 D-s1,d1 D-s2,d1

Ceilings

C-s1, d1 C-s2,d1 C-s3,d1 D-s1,d0 D-s2,d0

21Dec reto del Ministero dellinterno 15 Marzo 2005






9 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS THE NETHERLANDS


reaction-to-fire performance in The Netherlands and then compare nationalperformance c lasses with Euroc lass performance c lasses.

The principal points of reference are the

The Dutch Building Act 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012)

NEN6064: 1991/A2:2001, Determination of the non-combustibility of building materials

NEN 6065:1991/A1:1997, Determination of the contribution to fire propagation ofbuilding materials

NEN6066: 1991/A1:1997, Determination of the smoke production of building materials

9.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE INTHENETHERLANDS

On the 1stApril 2012, the new Bouwbesluit 2012 (Building Act) came into effect in TheNetherlands.

For new buildings, reaction-to-fire performance will be classified in accordance with c lassesbased on NEN EN 13501-1, not the old national classes for reaction-to-fire performance.

Reaction-to-fire performance in existing buildings will continue to be controlled in

accordance with the old c lassification system. The old system was based on thestandards NEN 6064, NEN 6065 and NEN 6066, described above.

The national reaction-to-fire classification system in The Netherlands defines performance

as non-combustible or combustible. Combustible materials and products are divided into

4 categories, 1, 2, 3 and 4 with 1 the best level of performance and 4 the worst.

9.1.1 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to-fire performance c lasses

The following table equates Netherlands national performance classes for reaction-to-firewith European c lasses (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire c lassification of

construction products and building elements. The information has been derived from the

following The Dutch Building Regulations 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012)

Table 12 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes23


Non-combustible A1

Class 1 B-s2 or CThe B-s2 or C classifiaction isdependent on the type of space in whichthe fire is located

Class 2 B-s2 or CThe B-s2 or C classifiaction isdependent on the type of space in whichthe fire is located

Class 3 C-s2

Class 4 D-s2






APPENDIX: A USE AND DEFINITIONS OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND

MATERIALS OF LIMITED COMBUSTIBILITY

Table 13 Definitions of non-combustible materials in Approved Document B

References in AD Bguidance to situationswhere such materialsshould be used

Definitions ofnon-combustible materials

National class European class

1. refuse chutes meetingthe provisions in theguidance to B3,paragraph 8.34c .

2. suspendedceilings and theirsupports where there isprovision in the guidanceto B3,paragraph 9.12 ,for them to beconstructed ofnon-combustible materials .

3.pipes meeting theprovisions in theguidance to B3,Table14 .

4. flue walls meeting theprovisions in theguidance to B3,Diagram39 .

5. construction formingcar parks referred to in

the guidance to B3,paragraph 11.3 .

a. Any material which when tested toBS476-11:1982 does not flame nor causeany rise in temperature on either thecentre (specimen) or furnacethermocouples

b. Totally inorganic materials such asconcrete, fired clay, ceramics, metals,plaster and masonry containing not morethan 1% by weight or volume of organicmaterial. (Use inbuildings of combustiblemetals such as magnesium/aluminiumalloys should be assessed in eachindividual case).

c. Concrete bricks or blocks meetingBSEN 771-1:2003

d. Products classified as non-combustibleunder BS 476-4:1970

a. Any material classified as class A1 inaccordance withBS EN 13501-1:2002 Fireclassification of construction products andbuilding elements, Part 1 - Classification using data

from reaction to fire tests.b. Products made from one or more of thematerials considered as Class A1 without the needfor testing as defined in Commission Decision2003/424/EC of 6th June 2003 amending Decision96/603/EC establishing the list of productsbelonging to Classes A1 No contribution to fireprovided for in the Decision94/611/EC implementing Article 20 of the CouncilDirective 89/106/EEC on construction products.None of the materials shall contain more than 1%by weight or volume (whichever is the moreonerous) of homogeneously distributed organicmaterial.

Note:

The National classifications do not automatically equate with the equivalent classifications in the European column, thereforeproducts cannot typically assume a European class unless they have been tested accordingly.
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Table 14 Definitions of materials of limited combustibility in Approved Document B

References in AD B guidanceto situations where suchmaterials should be used

Definitions of materials of limited combustibility

National class European class

1. Reinforcement/support forfire-stopping referred to in theguidance to B3, see 7.13.

2. Roof coverings meetingprovisions:

a. in the guidance to B4,Table5 or

b. in the guidance to B4,Diagram 23 .

3.Class 0 materials meeting

the provisions inAppendix A ,paragraph 13(a).

4.Ceiling tiles or panels of anyfire-protecting suspendedceiling (Type Z) inTable A3 .

a. Any non-combustible material listed inTable A6 .

b. Any material of density 300/kg/m3or more,

which when tested toBS 476-11:1982 , doesnot flame and the rise in temperature on thefurnace thermocouple is not more than20C.

c. Any material with a non-combustible coreat least 8mm thick having combustible

facings (on one or both sides) not more than0.5mm thick. (Where a flame spread ratingis specified, these materials must also meetthe appropriate test requirements).

a. Any material listed inTable A6 .

b.Any material/product classified as ClassA2-s3, d2 or better in accordance withBSEN 13501-1:2002 Fire classification ofconstruction products andbuilding elements. Classification using datafrom reaction to fire tests.

5. Insulation above any fire-protecting suspendedceiling (Type Z) inTable A3 .

Any of the materials (a), (b) or (c) above, or:

d. Any material of density less than300kg/m

3, which when tested toBS 476-

11:1982 , does not flame for more than 10seconds and the rise in temperature on thecentre (specimen) thermocouple is not morethan 35C and on the furnace thermocoupleis

not more than 25C.

Any of the materials/products (a) or (b)above.

Note:

1. The National classifications do not automatically equate with the equivalent classifications in the European column,therefore products cannot typically assume a European class unless they have been tested accordingly.

2. When a classification includes s3, d2, this means that there is no limit set for smoke production and/or flamingdroplets/particles.
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APPENDIX: B AN OVERVIEW OF BS 9999 AND BS 476, PARTS 4, 6, 7 AND 11

BS 9999: 2008 - Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use

of buildings

Overview of BE 9999:2008

As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance andrecommendations. This standard has designed as a co-ordinated package covering

the four main areas that influence fire safety measures, namely:

Fire safety management

The provision of means of escape

The structural protection of escape facilities and the structural stability of thebuilding in the event of a fire

The provision of access and facilities for fire-fighting

The standard supersedes the BS 5588 series of standards24.

The design stage

BS 9999 states that it is important that:

The material specified is appropriate for its end use

The material or product specified has appropriate field of application reportsshowing it to be fit for the intended application. Test reports are inadequate forthis purpose

The correct construction or installation of the material or product is describedand not compromised by inadequate knowledge of the contrac tor or sub-

contractors

All systems can be adequately commissioned and tested

Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems

BS 9999 states that any system of mechanical ventilation should be designed to ensurethat in a fire the air movement in the building is directed away from protec ted escaperoutes and exits, or that the system (or an appropriate section of it) is closed down.

It also states that when ductwork systems are installed within a building it is important

that the ductwork does not assist in transferring fire and smoke through the buildingand put at risk the protected means of escape from the accommodation areas.

24BS5588-9: 1999 Fire prec autions in the design, construction and use of buildings. Part 9 is entitled C ode ofpractice for ventilation and air conditioning of ductwork





Flexible ductwork joints and connections

BS 9999 states that flexible ductwork connections should:

Not exceed 3.7m in length

Not pass through fire-resisting walls or floors or cavity barriers

It also states that flexible ductwork connections should be constructed of:

Non-combustible materials25

or

Materials conforming to Euroclass A1, as specified in BS EN 13501-1:2007 + A1:2009

or

Material which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-6 has a fire propagationindex l of not more than 12 and a sub-index i1 of not more than 6, and is situated

at least 1 metre from any fire damper

25Approved Document B (Fire Safety) defines a non-combustible material as any material which when tested to BS

476-11 does not flame nor cause any rise in temperature on either the centre (specimen) or furnac e thermocouples,

or any product classified as non-combustible under BS 476 -4





BS 476-6: 1989 +A1: 2009 metod of test for fire propagation for rpoducts

Overview of BS 476-6:1989 + A1: 2009

This part of BS 476 specifies a method of test, the result being a fire propagation index

that provides a comparative measure of the contribution to the growth of a fire made

by an essentially flat material or assembly. It is primarily intended for the assessment of

the performance of internal wall and ceiling linings.

A spec imen of the product is subjected to a specific heating regime. The test takes

into account the combined effect of fac tors such as the ignition characteristics, the

amount and rate of heat release and the thermal properties of the product in relation

to their ability to accelerate the rate of fire growth.

Performance classification

The determination of the fire propagation index requires the results from three

spec imens, each producing valid test results.

The test result is expressed in terms of a fire propagation index (l) that is the summationof three time-based sub-indices (l = i1= i2+ i3). The higher the fire propagation index,

the greater is the influence of the product on accelerating the growth of a fire.26

BS 476-7: 1997 Method of test to determine the classification of surface spread of flame

Overview of BS 476-7:1997

This part of BS 476 specifies a method of test for measuring the lateral spread of flamealong the surface of a specimen of a product.

It provides data suitable for comparing the end-use performances of essentially flatmaterials, composites or assemblies, which are used primarily as the exposed surfaces

of walls and ceilings.

A minimum of six and a maximum of nine spec imens are subjected to a specific

heating and ignition regime. The test takes into account the combined effect offactors such as the ignition characteristics and extent to which the flame spreads over

the surface of the products under opposed flow conditions. The influence of any

underlying materials on these factors, in relation to their ability to influence the rate of

fire growth, is also taken into account.


The test result is a function of the distance, and rate of, the lateral spread of flame. This

is classified according to performance c lasses 1 to 4. The following table summarises

the classification in accordance with the spread of flame.

Table 15 Classification in accordance with BS 476-7

Classification Spread of flame at 1.5 minutes Final spread of flame

Limit (mm)Limit for one

specimen in the

sample(mm)Limit (mm)

Limit for onespecimen in the

sample(mm)

Class 1 165 165 +25 165 165 + 25

Class 2 215 215 +25 455 455 + 45

Class 3 265 265 +25 710 710 + 75

Class 4 Exceeding the limits for Class 3

26A flexible duct constructed from materials which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-6 has a fire propagation

index I of nor more than 12 and a sub-index i1of not more than 6 will comply with the requirements of BS 9999: 2009

Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings





BS 476-4: 1970 Non-combustibility test for building materials

Overview of BS 476-4: 1970

This part of BS 476 specifies a method of test for determining whether building materials

are non-combustible within the meaning of the definition given in BS 4422: 2005 Fire -

Vocabulary.

Three specimens of particular dimensions are subjected to a defined test regime.


The material shall be deemed non-combustible if, during the test, none of the threespec imens either:

Causes the temperature reading from either of the two thermocouples to riseby 50oC or more above the initial furnac e temperature, or

Is observed to flame continuously for 10 seconds or more inside the furnace

Otherwise the material shall be deemed combustible

BS 476-11: 1982 Method for assessing the heat emission from building materials

Overview of BS 476-11: 1982

This part of BS 476 specifies a method for assessing the heat emission from building

materials when inserted into a furnace at a temperature of 750oC.

Five specimens representative of the materials to be assessed are prepared in a

particular manner and subjected to a defined test regime.


For each specimen, the following information is calculated during the test, in order to

enable arithmetic means to be determined for each parameter:

Furnace temperature rise

Specimen temperature rise

Duration of sustained flaming

Specimen density

Mass loss


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