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Frequently Asked Flame Retardant and Fireproof
Questions
Q: What is Class 1
A: Class 1 is a classification as defined by BS 476 Pt 7 – Surface spread of
Flame. The test measures the distance of flame spread across a surface. Results
ranging from the worst, Class 4 –i.e. longest distance of flame spread to the
Best, Class 1 –i.e. least distance of flame spread.
Q: What is Class O
A: Class O is not a fire test but in fact a classification from The Building
Regulations 1991 – Fire Safety, Approved Document B.
In order for a system to achieve a Class O rating it must meet the following
requirements: 2.1 Achieve a Class 1 fire rating from BS476 Pt7 – Surface spread
of Flame.& 2.2 Achieve an Index of I= less than 12 & i1= less than 6.from BS476
Pt 6 – Fire Propagation.
Q: Can I upgrade my softwood door to 30 minutes fire resistance using a clear
intumescent varnish.
A: There are no clear "intumescent varnish" type coatings that will provide 30
minutes fire resistance to timber floors. The best people to advise you are
Chiltern Fire, Tel: 01494 569800. They are the specialists in upgrading timber
doors.
Q: How much paint do I need to protect my steel work for 60 Minutes Fire
resistance.
A: The amount of paint required to protect your steel will depend of several
factors. Please refer to our section on Hp/A. This will explain the methodology
of heat sink and how we calculate film thicknesses and quantities.
Q: Can I use a normal paint on top of your Intumescent paint.
A: In order to maintain the fire rating that the Intumescent has provided you
will be required to use one of our flame retardant top seals. If you use a
conventional paint it may well down grade the fire rating of the system.
Q: My walls have had several coats of conventional paints over the last few
years. Do I have to remove these before treating the surface with a flame
retardant product.
A: Providing the paint layers are firmly adhered to the substrate you will be
able to over coat the wall with our Intumescent coating to achieve a fire
rating. If the paints are in poor condition then they must be removed back to
the substrate. If the bare wall is noncombustible, i.e. Plaster / Plasterboard
then you can use our Flame retardant paint systems to achieve a Class 1 or O
rating. Do not use conventional paints as they may contribute to the spreading
of fire.
Q: What is airless spray.
A: Airless spray is a method of application which involves the use of a variety
of different types of equipment i.e. Electrically, Petrol or air compressor
driven. They work by forcing the material at high velocity and high pressures
through a fine spray tip. This type of application is a highly economically way
of applying fire protection products quickly and efficiently.
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