Eurisol, the mineral wool association, has welcomed the decision of the Association of British Insurers to clarify its guidance document on the fire performance of composite panel systems.
The association says that paragraph 4.4 of Fire Performance of Sandwich Panel Systems (2003) has been widely used to endorse the potential inappropriate use of PIR foam filled panels for a range of applications.
“In the last few years we have seen a strong growth in the use of combustible PIR plastic foam filled sandwich panels to construct a range of buildings,” said Crispin Dunn-Meynell of Eurisol. “In some cases ABI’s guidance has been misinterpreted to justify the specifying of combustible sandwich panels in areas where non-combustible materials would be safer.”
Eurisol believes the construction industry, and particularly the manufacturers, must show the highest possible duty of care when fire is a consideration. The true fire performance of products must be made clear and accurate guidance must be given by manufacturers based on proven and appropriate standards.
MP Alun Michael was a leading figure involved in lobbying the ABI to have the use of the LPS 1181 fire standard clarified. He commented: “The accurate identification of combustible and non-combustible materials is essential for fire risk assessment and the elimination of fire hazards. I was very worried when I was told that the ABI technical briefing was being construed in a way that could be misleading in terms of the fire safety and performance of some products. I am very pleased that the ABI has listened to the concerns raised and has decided to amend its guidance.”
This latest development follows criticism last month from mineral wool core panel manufacturer Eurobond about what it said is the lack of clarity of the LPS 1181 scheme. LPCB responded that there is scope for misrepresentation in any certification scheme, and that it is the responsibility of specifiers to satisfy themselves about performance claims.
