ABI's Clarification of Fire Guidance Supported by Eurisol

Eurisol, the mineral wool association, welcomed the Association of British Insurer’s (ABI) decision to clarify its guidance document, Fire Performance of Sandwich Panel Systems – May 2003. A reference from paragraph 4.4 within the document was being widely used to endorse the potential inappropriate use of combustible PIR plastic foam filled composite building panels for a range of industrial and public buildings.

The following sentence has been used out of context to imply that Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Plastic Foam products are in some way 'non-combustible' and comparable to products that are truly non-combustible. "External claddings that are LPCB approved to LPS 1181 can be regarded as satisfying the original grade 2 construction rules or be classed as a non-combustible building. [Note: This grading does not imply that the material is non-combustible]."

Crispin Dunn-Meynell, from Eurisol, said: “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. 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 in relation to plastic PIR foam filled sandwich panels. 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.”

Dunn-Meynell added: “We are delighted with the decision of the ABI to correct the misuse of their guidance in relation to combustible-core panels. This should promote the appropriate specification of non-combustible materials such as mineral wool as the best option where protection against fire is paramount.”

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