Minimising Risk

Name: Larry Cody Job Title: Corporate Affairs Fire Manager

Rockwool Brand Positioning – March, 2012, Company Briefing, UK

Content

1.

An overview of the relevant legislation and guidance 2.

Reaction to fire characteristics of construction products 3.

Principles of Designing Out Fire Risk in Buildings: a)

• •

Choose non-combustible building products, where possible

Develop an understanding of how products may contribute to the severity of a fire Learn how to minimise fire risk using reaction-to-fire classification data

b)

• •

Ensure building products are suitable for their intended end use

Gain an overview of the different types of construction and their implications for fire safety Develop an understanding of the importance of appropriate third party product and installer certification, especially for passive fire protection products.

• •

c) Ensure the products are installed by an adequately trained person

Recognise the benefits of the ‘competent person’ for assessing risk and installing fire protection products Understanding of the benefits of reducing fire risk in the built environment to a reasonable and acceptable level 2 2

1.

Legislative drivers and guidance

Fire Risk Management throughout the building process

Design and Build

Approved Document B (ADB)

During Construction

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM)

Occupied Building

The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (RRFSO) 4 4

Life Safety – Approved Document B (ADB)  Approved Document B states the regulatory requirements to ensure life safety in the event of a fire in respect of the building design  Provides prescriptive guidance and information for:   Means of warning and escape Internal fire spread   Structural performance External fire spread  Access for fire and rescue service  Offers guidelines on selecting the right products and ensuring correct installation *Alternative approaches available to designers – Fire design codes and fire engineering 5 5

Life Safety - The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM).

 Statutory requirements covers: • Health and safety of workers, neighbours and environment • Fire protection during the construction phase  • • Duties of Client (project owner), Designer, Builder and Individuals • Site preparation & management including: Site Access and security. Fire detection and fighting Emergency procedures (evacuation and provision of safe areas) • Provision of information  Guidance provided by Health and Safety Executive 6 6

 Life Safety – The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order Places a duty of care on owners, managers, employees, designers and contractors  The RR(FS)O requires a proactive and continuous review of fire risk for the lifetime of the building  The “Responsible Person” must ensure an adequate fire risk assessment is performed for the premises by a “Competent Person”,  It must consider how the building is designed, the materials used, what is it’s intended purpose and how it should be managed  The fire risk assessment must be acted upon to maintain fire safety. Failure to do so could result in criminal action  If death or injury result in the event of a fire in a building, the responsible parties could face imprisonment 7 7

Property and Business risk protection - FPA and LPC Design Guides  Intended for use by the UK insurance industry  Aimed at commercial and industrial buildings but contains 12 ‘Essential Principles’ which can be applied to all buildings.

 Adopting the ‘Essential principles can reduce risk from fire and may also reduce insurance premiums 8 8

2.

Reaction to Fire and behaviour of products

FUEL

Flammable gasses Flammable liquids Flammable solids

OXYGEN

Always present in the air Additional source from oxidising substances

IGNITION SOURCE

Hot surfaces Electrical equipment Static electricity Smoking and naked lights

Standard fire heat curve and stages

600 ° C

600²C

Reaction to fire Resistance to fire

decay decay Flashover

Growth period Fully developed fire Decay TIME

11

RELEVANCE OF FLASHOVER



At Flashover, the fire threatens to leave the room of origin and spread to rest of compartment



Death rate increases by 300%



Life safety benefits if fire contained within room of origin

12

REACTION TO FIRE

(applies to products & materials)



Ignitability



Flame spread across surface



Heat emission



Smoke & toxic gas emission



Character changes - melting, dripping, charring

13

Designing out risk Principle 1: Choice of products 4

EU Reaction to Fire Classification - EN 13501-1 (The new tool on the block, based on tendency to flashover in RCT test)

A1 A2 B C No contribution to a fire No significant contribution to fire growth Very limited contribution to fire growth Limited contribution to flashover D Contribution to flashover E Significant contribution to flashover F Not tested or incapable of achieving class

* Additional classifications for smoke production and flaming droplets/particles for classes A2 to E 15

IFE AGM and Conference, Cardiff (6 th / 7 th July 2011) Importance of smoke, toxicity and flaming droplets       Should be a major factor when considering the choice of building products Effects of smoke toxic gas inhalation are now the greatest single factor in fire related deaths Fire fighters are concerned that they are faced with far greater smoke densities in modern buildings – maybe a combination of contents and construction products Asphyxiation and disorientation can critically affect safe escape and fire fighting Standards now available to Fire Engineers for calculating Available Safe Escape Times (ASET) but the vulnerability of occupant population must be carefully considered. Flaming droplets can lead to downward spread of fire 16

The three principles of Designing Our Risk Designing Out Risk is easy. Ensure: 1.

You specify non-combustible building products where possible 2.

You use the right product for the right application 3.

The products are installed by a trained and competent person.

7

Selecting the right building materials and products There are a number of factors that should be considered during the selection process in relation to fire: 1.

The construction method and design 2.

The anticipated end-use of the premises 3.

The potential contribution to a fire from the chosen products.

4.

Whether the products are Third Party Approved for their chosen use 8

Traditional Methods of Construction Masonry and concrete based used extensively in for 200 years Readily fulfills structural requirements for walls and floors Mainly utilizes non-combustible construction products Typically provides fire resistance of up to four hours* When elements are modified or altered, attention needs to be paid to fire-stopping of penetrations *Fire Service Manual, Vol 3: Basic principles of building construction, p87 9

Modern Methods of Construction  Term refers to construction processes that utilise new technology, composite and traditional processes such as : • • • Steel or timber frame Panellised constructions Modular buildings • Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs)  Many modern buildings are constructed using a hybrid of modern and traditional methods  Generally use more combustible construction products, especially insulation  Loss Prevention Standards provide specific fire test methods for performance assessment Rockwool’s RockShell system is an innovative, low energy modular solution for the construction of load bearing walls in low-rise buildings 0

Refurbishment and Retrofit  Thermal upgrading should not be at the expense of fire performance, especially if the building remains occupied during refurbishment.

 The choice of insulation products may influence the extent of fire spread if left exposed. If the building remains occupied during the refurbishment period, additional safety considerations may be required to minimise risk.

 Provides an opportunity to re-assess the fire performance of the building including structural protection, fire stopping and active systems – alarms and sprinklers etc.

 Preference should always be given to the use of third part approved products and installers 1

IFE AGM and Conference, Cardiff (6 th / 7 th July 2011)

Selection of Insulation Products



Primary reasons:

• • • Thermal performance Acoustic benefits Fire protection ability 

Secondary considerations:

• • • Combustible characteristics Weight Mechanical strength 

Sustainability credentials

22

Designing out risk Principle 2: Ensuring products are suitable for end use 3

INSULATION TYPES & USES



Stonewool

•

Thermal, Acoustic & Fire Resistance



Glass wool & Foam Glass

•

Thermal, Acoustic & Fire (until melting)



Foamed plastics, Cellulose and fleece

•

Thermal

24

INSULATION MATERIAL FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Phenolic foam Polyurethane foam Polyisocyanurate foam Extruded polystyrene foam Expanded polystyrene foam Multi-Foils Rock Mineral Wool Glass Mineral Wool Cellular glass Cellulosic fibre Sheep’s wool Cork Reed thatch DENSITY (kg/m³) 30 – 40 30 – 80 30 – 80 20 – 80 10 – 50 20 - 30 22 – 180 10 – 100 100 - 120 20 - 65 23 - 30 100 - 250 240 - 270 THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (W/m.K) 0.021 – 0.024

0.022 – 0.028

0.022 – 0.028

0.029 – 0.039

0.031 – 0.038

0.032 – 0.034

(polyester core) 0.034 – 0.044

EXPECTED REACTION-to-FIRE PERFORMANCE EN 13501-1 class UK REGS B - C D C – E – D E - F E – F E - F Combustible “ “ “ “ “ A1 – A2 0.031 – 0.044

0.040 – 0.050

0.035 – 0.040

0.038 – 0.040

0.037 – 0.048

0.070 – 0.090

A1 - A2 A1 – A2 E E E E Base material: Oil , Oil & mineral , Mineral , Plant and Animal Non combustible

“

“ Combustible “ “ “

25

External facades in residential tower blocks  Fire can spread through an external cladding system via the material or the cavities  Where the external cladding system is not significantly contributing to the spread of fire from one storey to the next, then intervention by emergency services should prevent continued fire propagation by way of the building envelope

Fig. 1: Fire Spread through Cavities Fig. 2: Mechanisms for external fire spread by way of the external cladding system Source:

“Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi storey buildings”, BRE & FRS, 2003 6

ETIC systems consisting of insulation with a classification of A2 or better (Limited Combustible) and a surface finish with a classification of B, S3,d0 or better (National class 0) have no height or boundary proximity restrictions under Approved Document B guidance.

For other ETIC systems wishing to prove a similar compliance, large scale testing is necessary. Test performance is only valid for the complete system, including fire breaks. Any change to the tested system would require re-assessment.

**Careful checking of test reports is essential**

RESISTANCE TO FIRE (applies to systems / structures)

• • • 

Primary criteria: Stability: Load-bearing capability & structural collapse Integrity - flame puncture Insulation - heat transfer

• • 

Secondary criteria: Smoke leakage Heat radiation

28

RESISTANCE CATEGORIES

1.

2.

3.

4.

Structural protection Ductwork protection Penetration seals and large barriers Linear fire-stops and cavity barriers

29

1. STRUCTURAL FRAME PROTECTION

WHY?

PREVENT BUILDING COLLAPSE MAINTAIN COMPARTMENTATION ALLOW ESCAPE

30

BEHAVIOUR OF STRUCTURAL MATERIALS (under fire attack) Steel Quite predictable Crystalline structure changes when heated Concrete Relatively unpredictable Sudden and explosive spalling exposing reinforcement Timber Steady charring rates, leading to reduced size, Softwood: 0.67mm/min, Hardwood: 0.5mm/min

31

STEEL

ALLOY OF STEEL AND CARBON CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE FERRITE - Plain crystals PERLITE - Plated crystals

32

EFFECT OF HEATING

     IRON MOLECULES SLOWLY ABSORB CARBON NEW CRYSTALS FORMED AUSTENITE LOSS OF STRENGTH AT 550 °C - LOAD-BEARING STRENGTH REDUCED BY 50% WEAKNESS ACCELERATES UNTIL MELTING 33

Concrete – beams, columns and floors

34

CAUSES of FAILURE

    Heat transfer through element • failure temperature on unexposed face: 140°C+ ambient Type of concrete Spalling • Due to rapid heating of residual water in the structure • Critical where cover thickness exceeds 40 – 50mm Cracking - Expansion of steel reinforcement 35

Protection of 150mm x 50mm stud side faces (Before and after filling with non-combustible insulation)

Un-filled studs 87.5% surface area exposed to direct fire attack Studs filled with non-combustible Insulation 12.5% surface area exposed to fire attack Stone wool insulation Stone wool insulation

36

FIRE ATTACK

2. DUCTWORK PROTECTION



Non-fire rated or unprotected ductwork is a common route for fire compromising compartmentation



Type A fire rated ductwork considers fire breaking in and then back out



Type B ductwork considers that fire has already entered the duct



Kitchen extract ductwork considers the passage of fire through the ductwork via any internal grease build-up

37

3. PENETRATION SEALS & LARGE CAVITY BARRIERS TO MAINTAIN COMPRTMENTATION

Fire walls Fire floors FW FW FF FF FF FF FF FF FW FW

38

The Requirement of the Secretary of State:

“In the Secretary of States view, the requirements of B3 will be met if…..

… the building is sub-divided by elements of fire-resisting construction into compartments; … any openings in fire-separating elements.. are suitably protected in order to maintain the integrity of the element; … hidden voids.. are sealed and subdivided to inhibit the unseen spread of fire and products of combustion”

39

Effective Fire Stopping  Integrity - Effective firestopping helps stop the passage of fire and smoke between internal walls and floors  Insulation – Effective firestopping restricts the transfer of heat to the non-fire side of the internal wall 0

• • • • • • • • Type of products Coated or faced stone wool slabs Reinforced stone wool curtains Stone wool strips and blocks Fabric curtains Gypsum based compounds Intumescent pipe collars, wraps and sleeves Intumescent pillows Intumescent sealants, movement and expansion joints 41

Choosing the Right Products?

ADB 0.20 “Third party accredited product conformity certification schemes not only provide a means of identifying …. products…. which have demonstrated that they have the requisite performance in fire, but additionally provide confidence that the ... products .. actually supplied are provided to the same specification or design as that tested/assessed” RRO Guidance – Section 8 “Third-party certification schemes for fire protection products and related services are an effective means of providing the fullest possible assurances, offering a level of quality, reliability and safety that non certificated products may lack.” Essential Principles Document “Principle 10: As a minimum, all fire protection products shall be third party certified to an appropriate product or performance based standard”

42

Third Party Product Approval Schemes 43

Designing out risk Principle 3: Ensure the products are installed by an adequately trained person 4

Installer Scheme Certification Bodies for Passive fire protection 5

Extract from Report to the Secretary of State by the Chief Fire and Rescue Adviser on the emerging issues arising from the fatal fire at Lakanal House, Camberwell on 3 July 2009 www.communities

.

5.4.2 Areas for consideration:

available information

The Passive Fire protection industry produces a comprehensive range of guidance and technical information on passive Fire protection products, installation and standards.

should be given to reminding specifier’s, main contractors and installers, and those responsible for building safety management of the need to use

when undertaking works where measures that form passive Fire protection are removed altered or replaced.

Consideration

46

ROCKWOOL

®

ROCKWOOL

®

Thermal, Fire & Acoustic solutions Thermal, Fire & Acoustic solutions Thank you & any Questions?

Thank you & any Questions?

ROCKWOOL

®

Thermal, Fire & Acoustic solutions Thank you & any Questions?