insulated panels the fire safety order (2005) · insurance industry. from 2004 only pir (lpcb...

Advice and guidance on insulatedpanels for responsible persons and enforcers implementingthe Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)Order 2005

Revised April 2015

Insulated PanelsThe Fire Safety Order (2005)

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 –Effective October 2006The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005was approved by Parliament on 7 June 2005. TheOrder makes a number of changes as part of thereview to reduce death, injury and damage causedby fire. It applies to England and Wales. NorthernIreland and Scotland have their own laws.

The main effect of the Order is to place greateremphasis on fire prevention in non-domesticpremises. Fire certificates will be abolished andthe responsibility for compliance with the FireSafety Order will rest with the ‘ResponsiblePerson’. The ‘responsible person’ is generally theperson/people in control of the premises or in aworkplace, the employer and any other personwho might have control of the premises, e.g. theoccupier or owner.

The ‘responsible person’ must carry out a ‘fire risk assessment’, which shall focus on the safety in case of fire of all ‘relevant persons’.This task may be passed to some othercompetent person but the ‘responsible person’will still be responsible for meeting the Order.

The fire risk assessment will help the ‘responsibleperson’ to identify risks that can be removed orreduced and to decide the extent of the generalprecautions that should be taken to protectpeople against the fire risks that remain.

Responsibility for enforcement of the new ruleslies with the Local Fire and Rescue ServiceAuthority who will carry out regular inspections,especially to premises that present most risk tothe community. These inspections will be carriedout within the context of the new Integrated RiskManagement Planning (IRMP) agenda for the FRS.

Insulated Panels used in construction – EPIC and the RR(FS)OThe RR(FS)O requires the ‘responsible person’ toidentify any hazards within their premises. Theseinclude sources of ignition such as naked flames,heaters or hot processes in some commercialorganisations. Also included are ‘sources of fuel’and Insulated Panels have been included as one ofthe materials that might provide fuel for a fire orcause it to spread to another fuel source.

Guidance for fire risk assessorsSince 1999, EPIC has been the leading provider ofinformation on the performance of insulated panelsin fire. This Guide has been prepared to assist firerisk assessors in the identification of insulated panelsystems and to determine whether they need to betaken into account in the fire risk assessment.

This EPIC Guide will be of interest to:

� The designated ‘responsible person’

� Competent persons undertaking the Fire Risk Assessment

� The Fire and Rescue Services

� Insurance Surveyors(1) www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-safety-law-

and-guidance-documents-for-business contains:

• A ‘Short Guide to making your premises safe from fire’ and

• Guidance notes for 11 different construction sectors ‘totell you what you have to do to comply with fire safetylaw, help you to carry out a fire risk assessment and identifythe general fire precautions you need to have in place’.

EPIC Guide to Fire Risk Assessment of Insulated Panels under the RRFSOThe EPIC Guide complements and significantly extends the general guidance notes that have been prepared by theDepartment of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for 11 identified construction sectors(1).

The DCLG guides briefly identify ‘insulated core panels’ as a potential source of fuel. This EPIC Guide looks at theuses of Insulated Panels throughout construction according to their application and gives guidance on their likelyperformance in fire, based on extensive research into actual fires and large scale laboratory tests. This informationhas been prepared for the designated ‘responsible person’ so that a fully reasoned fire risk assessment can be madefor the premises concerned.

Download information from the EPIC websiteThis Guide to Insulated Panels and the RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order together with the other EPICGuides can be readily downloaded from the EPICwebsite at www.epic.uk.com

2

Introduction and foreword

Summary

Contents

3

Insulated panels

Section 1 What is an insulated panel? 4

Section 2 Where are they used in buildings? 6

Section 3 Performance of insulated panels in fire 10

Fire risk assessments

Section 4 Principal guidelines for conducting a FRA for Industrial Panels 14

4.1 Introduction to Fire Risk Assessment for Insulated Panels 14

4.2 Insulated Panels used as the external envelope 14

4.3 Insulated Panels used for internal applications 16

4.4 Insulated Panels used as internal linings 17

4.5 Insulated Panels used as internal compartment walls 17

Section 5 Identifying Insulated Panels and other cladding systems 18

5.1 Identifying Insulated Panels for Fire Risk Assessment 18

5.2 Identifying Insulated Panels used for the building envelope 18

5.3 Identifying Insulated Panels and other systems – Internal 21

5.4 Identifying the core insulating material 22

5.5 Identification checklist 24

Section 6 Best practices to reduce fire risks 25

References 26

Whilst every attempt has been made to verify the guidance given, it should not be regarded as definitive. Because individualmanufacturers’ products vary, the performance should always be confirmed with them.

Fire safety assessment summaryExtensive fire tests and research into fire case studies carried out following some major fires in the foodprocessing industry in the mid 1990s have produced the following conclusions:

� Insulated panels forming the roof and wall envelope of a building have not contributed significantly to thedeveloping stage of a fire

� External claddings that are LPCB approved to LPS 1181(2) can be regarded as satisfying the original grade2 construction rules or be classed as a non-combustible building. (Note: This does not imply that thematerial is non-combustible) ABI technical briefing (3)

� For all other panels expert guidance should be sought in relation to Fire Risk Assessment, especially whenbeing used for internal applications.

1.1

1What is an Insulated Panel?

This section describes the ranges of metal facedinsulated panels used in the construction of non-domestic buildings excluding Cold Stores.

Insulated panelsInsulated panels normally consist of two metalfacings either side of an insulating core. The coreis either bonded to the facings using an adhesive,or by autoadhesion in the case of polyurethane,polyisocyanurate and phenolic cores. There is noair gap between the core and the facings. Thepanels are manufactured in a factory and deliveredto the construction site as a single piece unit.Panels are generally 1 m in width and aredelivered to site in lengths from 1 m to 20+ m.

Insulated panels are generally regarded as non-structural although they are strong rigid units thatact compositely when under load. This strengthallows loads such as wind or static forces to betransmitted to the supporting structure and it isthis property that distinguishes panels fromboards with thin facings such as foil facings. It isimportant to make this distinction because themechanical and fire properties of panels comparedto boards are totally different.

Metal facingsThis guide only covers panels manufactured withmetal facings. The metal facings can be flat orprofiled and normally have a PVC, PVDF or otherpaint coating for protection against weather orother environments and a thin paint finish on thealternate facing. Other coatings are used forspecific applications e.g. hygienic ‘food safe’coatings for use within the food industry.

Small quantities of insulated composite systemsare made with other facings such as plastics, GRPand various timbers and boards. These are outsidethe scope of this guide.

Insulation boards with thin facings on either sidee.g. aluminium foil or bituminous felts are oftenwrongly described as ‘panels’.

Great care should be taken to check whether a wallor wall lining is a panel and not a board whenconducting a fire risk assessment (see 5.3).

Insulating coresInsulated panels are designed for specificapplications as illustrated in Section 2 and thecentral insulating core can be manufactured usingvarious insulating materials. The choice ofinsulation may have a direct bearing on theperformance of a panel in fire and may influencethe associated fire risk assessment as described inSection 4. Insulating materials used in themanufacture of panels are:

� Polyisocyanurate PIR (LPCB certificatedsystems)(2). From 2000 these certificatedpanels have been increasingly used to satisfy themore demanding fire test requirements fornon-combustible buildings required by theInsurance Industry. From 2004 only PIR (LPCBSystem) certified panels have beenmanufactured by the UK panel industry for theexternal envelope and the majority of internalapplications.

� Polyurethane (PUR) was the mostcommonly used core material for insulatedpanels until the late 1990s gradually beingreplaced by PIR systems (see above). Someuncertified PIR panels were manufactured priorto 2004 but volume was very low.

4

1.2

1.3

External roof panel application

External wall panel application

1.4

Fixing and securement

External envelope panels, compartment wall andsome lining panels are securely fixed through thefacings to the structural framework of the building.This means that in the developing stages of a firethere is no collapse exposing a combustible coredue to the delamination of the facings as a resultof exposure to high temperatures. (Section 3)

Panels used internally are generally designed to befreestanding and often interlocking without fixingsto a supporting structure. Ceiling panels are oftensupported on the wall panels and may have theadditional support of hangar systems connected tothe external face of the panel or to a gridframework into which the panel is placed. As thefire develops and the temperature rises, theunrestrained facings buckle with the result that thecore can become increasingly exposed. (See 4.3Fire risk assessment)

PIR (LPCB certificated systems) from 2004 andsome IACSC system designs (4) from 1999 arerequired to have an approved structural support torestrict early collapse and exposure of the corematerial.

Alternative namesInsulated Panel is now the generally acceptedterminology for the panels covered in this Guide.Other terms used to describe insulated panels are‘Composite’ and ‘Sandwich’. ‘Composite’ is usedthroughout construction to refer to anycombination of materials that may be classed as a‘panel’ or might also be assembled on site andtherefore not a true panel. The other commonlyused term was ‘Sandwich’ panel, especially in thefood processing industry. It is still a terminologyused in the rest of Europe but has been replacedin the UK by ‘Insulated Panel’ in recent years. 5

1.5

Internal panel

Internal: Simplertypical T&G Joint

External: Typicalengineered joint

� Mineral fibre (MF) cores are used in avariety of panels for walls, ceilings and internalcompartment walls

� Polystyrene (PS) has been used as a corematerial for over 30 years mainly for panelsused internally and for Cold Store panels

� Phenolic (PF) cores have been used onselective projects for internal walls and ceilings.

Other features ofinsulated panelsTwo other features of insulated panels have aninfluence on fire performance and fire riskassessment. These are:

� the manner in which panels are joined toadjacent panels and

� the way panels are secured to the buildingframework or supported in other ways.

Panel-to-panel joints

Complex joints such as those used for theexternal envelope are fully engineered joints thatare designed to be weathertight and to prevent air leakage. Their robust interlocking naturecombined with secure fixing to the buildingframework simultaneously gives better protectionof the core from direct flame attack.

For internal panels, which do not have towithstand wind forces and driven rain, a moresimple tongue and grove arrangement is used thatalso aids the demountability and relocation of thepanels. These internal panel systems are mainlyused in a freestanding form to create anenvironmentally controlled internal space.

2 Insulated Panels in buildingsExternal

Insulated panels can be divided into twomain groups:

� Panels designed for the external roofs andwalls of buildings

� Panels designed for use internally (see 2.3)

The 2005 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Orderstates that insulated panels used in buildingsshould be assessed as a possible ‘source of fuel’when undertaking a fire risk assessment.

External roofs and wallsInsulated panels have over the past 15 yearsbecome the preferred choice for the externalmetal cladding of a wide range of buildingsacross virtually every construction sector.10 million m2 per year are installed and manybuildings in each sector will have insulatedpanels for the roof and/or walls.

Since their introduction in the 1970s, insulatedpanels have been predominantly used in:

� Factories and industrial premises

� Warehouses and distribution

� Workshops and transport depots

� Retail: out-of-town stores; and distribution

From the 1990s insulated panels have beenincreasingly used in the following areas:

� Offices, particularly low/medium storey height

� Leisure including stadia, sports halls, cinemas

� Education – schools, colleges and universities

� Hotels, apartments and studentaccommodation

� Health – smaller hospitals; hospitalextensions; clinics

� Transport buildings – airports, bus stations,motorway services

6

2.1

Education

Industrial

Retail

Office

Most IPs

Can be confused with:

PUR corepre 2004

PIR (LPCBcertified systems)

Can be confused with:

All IPsSite assembled

systems (see 5.2)

MFcore

<10% of IPs

PScore

Rare in IPsSite assembled

systems (see 5.2)

Factories andwarehouses andretail distribution


systems (see 5.2)

Majority of IPs

20% of IPs

Occasionally ininfill panel units(see below)


systems (see 5.2)

Most IPs <10% of IPs Rare in IPs

Site assembledsystems (see 5.2)


systems (see 5.2)




systems (see 5.2)

Most IPs <10% of IPs



systems (see 5.2)

Most IPs

Most IPs

Majority of IPs

Most IPs

All 3 core materials used

Most IPs

Most IPs

All 3 core materials used

<10% of IPs Rare in IPs

Rare in IPs



systems (see 5.2)


Offices

Retail – especially largeout-of-town

Leisure – stadia, sports halls and cinema

Education, Health, Hotels,Apartments

Transport – depots, hangarsworkshops, etc

Transport – transit buildings

PUR corepre 2004

All IPs

All IPs

All IPs

All IPs

All IPs

All IPs

All IPs

7

Which panels are used on the external envelope?Table 1 provides a useful summary of the types of panels and the core insulants that can be found in thevarious external applications.

There are few hard and fast rules as many of panels can be specified for a variety of applications. Guidelinesand hints on how to identify the different types of panels, or even whether it is a panel, are given in Section 5.

2.2

Table 1 External building envelopeSummary table – Use of the various types of Insulated Panels [IPs] by Construction Sector.

Guidance notes to accompany Table 1

Roofs.This is probably the most straightforwardarea as all the roof panels used in the UK have aPIR or PUR core. The main consideration is toconfirm that it is an Insulated Panel and not a site-assembled or ‘built-up-system’ roof. Guidance onthis is given in Section 5.

Walls. Again the first step is to confirm that thewall is an Insulated Panel and not a site-assembledsystem (Section 5). The majority of panels in mostsectors will have a PIR (LPCB certificatedsystems) or PUR core. MF cored panels have beenused to a much lesser extent in all sectors. PS

cored panels occur rarely in external wall claddingsand also as infill panels.

Infill panels. Curtain walling systems generally usean assembly for the opaque elements comprisingthe external facing, insulation (slab) and an internallining. However Curtain Walling ‘stick’ systems usefactory produced infill panel units of the samewidth as the window module and often with thetwo metal skins glued to the insulating corematerial. Historically the three main insulants – PS,PUR and MF were used. From 2002, PIR and MFhave been the predominant choice.

Sector External wall


Roof

Internal walls and ceilingsInsulated panels used internally account for lessthan 5% of the total panel usage. There are threeprincipal applications:

� As the walls and ceilings of internalcompartments to control temperature andhygiene.

� As lining panels, generally within existingbuildings

� As separating, usually fire resisting wallsbetween different sections of a building.

Panels designed for internal use are similar indesign to those for external applications with theexception of the joint (Section 1.4). This isgenerally a simple construction designed for easeof construction and demountability to enablechanges in configuration and layout to be maderetrospectively.

Which panels are usedinternally?Table 2 provides a useful summary of the types ofpanels and core insulations that can be found inthe various internal applications. The mostfrequent use of panels has been in foodprocessing; controlled assembly areas; and somefactories, warehouses and retail distribution.

There are few hard and fast rules as all theinsulation types have been specified for most ofthese applications.

Guidance notes to accompany Table 2

Internal compartments – box within boxThese compartments are common within thefood processing industry and also in someindustries where a ‘clean’ environment is required.Wall panels are generally freestanding andinterlocking and are not connected to asupporting framework. Ceiling panels are generallysupported by the wall panels with the addition ofsupporting hangers where larger spans are used.

Panels incorporating a polystyrene (PS) coredominated this type of application until the mid1990s, when substitution by PIR and MF panelsstarted due to concerns about fire performance. A number of fires where PS cored panels wereused extensively for the box-within-box type ofconstruction have highlighted the particular dangersthat may be associated with this form of insulationand construction, particularly where the core canbe exposed and contribute to the fire hazards.

Lining panelsPanels used for lining are similar in terms of corematerials and joint design to the compartmentpanels described above. The performance in fire willin general be similar to the compartment panels.

NOTE: Aluminium foil faced lining boards shouldnot be confused with metal-faced insulated panels.Foil facings offer little protection and any fire riskassessment should be carefully considered if theselining materials are used.

8

2 Insulated Panels in buildingsInternal

Internal walls

Internal – environmental room

2.3 2.4

As above

— — —

— — —

— — —As above As above

9

Separating wallsInsulated panels are sometimes used as an alternative to the more general masonry compartmentwall constructions. These panels have varying degrees of fire resistance and are fully supported on astructural frame. Core materials are predominantly MF with some PIR (LPCB certified systems).Performance in fire is similar to that of the MF and PIR (LPCB certified systems) panels used for theexternal envelope (see Section 3).

Table 2 – Internal building applicationsSummary table – Use of the various types of Insulated Panels [IPs] by Construction Sector

Internal wall liningCompartment wallInternal wall and ceilingSector


MFcore

PIRcore

PScore

MFcore


MF core

PS core

Majority of panels for

Comp.wall are MF panels

Some PIR panelsused for

Comp.wall

See Food

Factoriesbelow

Occasional useOccasional use

As aboveAs above

PS panels used in manyfood factoriespre 1995reducing inrecent years

MF panels have replaced PSpanels in areasaround hot

processes andelsewhere from

1995

PIR LPCB certified panelshave graduallyreplaced PS

panels from 1995

— — —As above As above

As above — — —

Some LPC PIR

MF Panels most likely to be used

— —MF Panels most likely to be used

— — —

Occasional use

Occasional use

Few IPs used internally in this sector





Offices

Education, Health, Hotels

Retail – especially largeout-of-town

Factories andwarehouses andretail distribution

Factories – food preparation,packaging, handling etc

Leisure – stadia,sports halls andcinemas

Transport – depots, hangarsworkshops, etc

Transport – transit buildings;motorway services etc.

Note. Phenolic (PF) cored panels have also been used in small volumes as internal walls and ceilings in some food factory and cold store applications.

3.3

10

This section summarises the latest research andinformation on the fire performance of InsulatedPanels for both external cladding and internalapplications.

IntroductionFire Safety Assessment under the RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order is primarily concernedwith life safety and the prevention of fire. This isdifferent from assessing a building from theviewpoint of property protection or that of theFire Services where the fire is likely to be fullydeveloped rather than a developing fire. For lifesafety the prime focus is on the evacuation ofoccupants and on the safety of the fire rescueservice, which is mostly related to the earlierphases of the fire.

Secondly, in a fire safety assessment, theperformance of the panel should be viewed inrelation to the performance of the specific buildingarea, and should take into account the scale and fireload of the building contents and all other sourcesof fuel.

Therefore, full account has to be taken of the factthat the major source of heat, smoke and toxichazard at the critical personnel evacuation phase ofa fire, in buildings clad in PUR, PIR and mineral fibrepanels, is created by the other materials involved inthe initial fire. It is these hazards that are mostlikely to be critical in terms of life safety and whichshould be the principal element of the Fire SafetyAssessment.

Factors affecting performancein fire of insulated panels Insulated Panels consist of an insulating corebonded to two metal facings as described in section1.1. The core can be made of various insulatingmaterials, ranging from limited-combustibility tocombustible and highly combustible. InsulatedPanels are considered by the Regulatory ReformFire Safety Order to be one of the potentialsources of fuel and therefore have to be assessedas part of the Fire Safety Assessment.

In order to complete a Fire Safety Assessment it isessential to understand the way Insulated panelsmay perform in fire in its particular application.

The following have to be taken into consideration:

� The type of panel and its core insulating material

� Whether the panel is securely fixed orfree-standing

� Factors that have a direct influence on thescale of the fire i.e. type and magnitude of thefire load of the contents of the building

� Other factors such as open edges or cut holesthat expose the core and could influence thecontribution of any combustible core materialto the fire and which might affect the FireSafety Assessment.

Influence of the type ofpanel systemThe metal facings of insulated panels effectivelyprotect the insulating core. The primary influencein the fire behaviour is temperature, the severityof the effect increasing with rising temperature,especially where the flames impinge directly onthe panels. Differing fire hazards are associatedwith each of the common types of insulation (PIR; PUR; MF; PF and PS see 1.3) used in Insulated Panels.

External claddings with MF and PIR (LPCBcertificated systems) that are LPCB approved toLPS 1181 are regarded by the Association ofBritish Insurers as satisfying the original grade 2construction rules or be classed as a non-combustible building. (Note: This does not implythat the material is non-combustible)

In a fire the following may occur,

� Production of smoke, less with MF, PIR (LPCBcertificated systems) and PF

� Buckling and delamination of the facings butnot necessarily collapse where the facings arefixed to the framework

� Charring and burning of non-meltingcombustible materials – PIR (LPCB certificatedsystems) and PUR – but not in amounts thatmay significantly contribute to the fire growth

3 Performance in fire of Insulated Panels

3.1

3.2

assessment and life safety.

The results indicate that:

� Insulated Panels fixed to the building structure,in particular the roofs and external walls ofbuildings, remain secure without collapse evenwhen the fire changes from a developing todeveloped stage

� Contribution of a combustible core to the firei.e. as a source of fuel, is limited and gradual inthe developing stage of a fire

� The contribution in terms of smoke and gases is minimal for MF, PIR and PF but slightly greater for PUR

� The contribution from PS cores is greater atan earlier stage due to the low melting point(120°C) and can result in the generation ofblack smoke. The bond of the facing is alsocompromised at an earlier stage increasing thepossibility of collapse.

11

� Burning, shrinking away from the steel andmelting of combustible materials such aspolystyrene (PS) at an earlier stage withquantities of smoke and some potentialcontribution to fire growth particularly wherethe fire impinges on the panel.

In a developing fire, the fire will generally belocalised and the temperatures lower. At this stagethe core of the Insulated Panels is protected bythe metal facings unless the temperature causesthe facing or panel to collapse, e.g. with somefreestanding PS cored panels where the core isseriously affected at temperatures below 180°C.

For this reason it is important to distinguishbetween panels used for the external envelopethat are securely fixed to the building frameworkand remain in place to protect the core andinternal panels that are often freestanding orsupported on other panels. In the case of internalpanels the potential for collapse has to beconsidered in the Fire Safety Assessment.

With regard to fire prevention, the mainconsideration should be to keep any combustiblecore materials protected and the panels securelyfixed to prevent collapse. Guidance on this pointcan be found in Section 5 on Fire RiskAssessments and within the DCLG Guides onRR(FS)O.

Fire performance ofexternal panels

Information from Fire TestsExtensive large-scale fire tests on a range ofinsulated panels have been carried out by EPIC in conjunction with the major test laboratories.The information is available on the EPIC web sitewww.epic.uk.com/fire_tests_and_research.jsp##TheEpicFireTests

The tests give a clear understanding of the wayinsulated panels and insulated cladding systemsperform during the developing stage of a fire atthe most critical time associated with fire risk

3.4

“Buckling of the internal lining occurs in all panelsbut joints stay essentially intact”

“Observation & recording – The tests generate anaverage heat output of 510KW and a max outputof 1MW sufficient to represent a fire in the laterstages of development”

Information from firecase historiesEPIC and its professional fire consultants haveanalysed a number of fires, both internal andexternal, in which Insulated Panels have beenaffected by fire. The studies have concentrated onPUR cored panels and LPCB certified PIR panelsystems, which are the most common panel types,and relate to panels that have been subject to adeveloped fire as distinct from the developing fire,which is more relevant to fire risk assessment.

The case histories clearly illustrate how panelsperform in actual fires when they are used as theroofs and walls of buildings and are securely fixedto the building framework.

The findings from a variety of the case studies aresummarised below. These have been taken fromthe fire services or fire consultants reports. Thecase histories are available for view and downloadon the EPIC web site:www.epic.uk.com/fire_case_studies.jsp

Fire performance of insulated panelsExternal3

12

� Severe fully developed fire due to large amountof plastic components

� No fire spread through the PUR insulatedpanels to the adjacent manufacturing units

� PUR panel partition wall prevented fire spread

� Minimal smoke damage to adjacent units withminimal loss of production

� Internal fire reached a fully developed stage

� The PUR panels did not contribute to fire growth or fire spread

� The insulated panels did not collapse and remained attached to the building

� Fire fighters entered the building and extinguished the fire safely

� Severe fire sufficient to damage intumescent coatings and distort the steel beams

� PIR (LPCB Certified) panels did not collapse or ignite

� PIR (LPCB Certified) panels did not contributeto the fire spread

Example – Leisure

Example – HospitalExample – Industrial manufacturer

3.5

� Intense heat in the vicinity of the fire sufficient to damage the purlins

� Panel facings remained in place despite severe buckling and delamination and exposure of the core material

� The LPCB approved PIR panels helped toprevent fire spread across the top of thecompartment wall

Insulated panels used as the external roofs andwalls of buildings.

In all case studies the expert’s view was that thePUR insulated panels or PIR (LPCB certificatedsystems) did not contribute significantly to the firedevelopment and the fire load

Internal applications

History and applicationsExcluding cold stores, which are outside the scopeof this brochure, the primary use of insulatedpanels within buildings has been to create acontrolled internal environment, especially in thefood processing industry. Panel systems weredesigned to provide a hygienic solution with cleanlines and were mainly freestanding with few visiblefixings. Ceilings tended to be supported on thewall panels.

Similar controlled environments can be found inthe electronics, pharmaceutical and similarcontrolled process industries.

Up to 1995 the majority of applications usedpolystyrene insulated panels, often in associationwith a hot process e.g. cookers, fryers, ovens etc.Following a number of large-scale serious fires theuse of panel systems with a highly combustiblepolystyrene core was reviewed. From the mid1990’s the use of polystyrene panels rapidlydeclined in favour of PUR, PIR (LPCB certificatedsystems) and MF, with MF panels replacing PS inareas round hot processes.

It is a requirement of PIR (LPCB certificatedsystems) and some IACSC system designs (4) thatthey are securely fixed to a supporting frameworkto prevent early collapse in fire

Small quantities of phenolic (PF) panels have alsobeen used for internal applications.

Potential fire concernsEnvironmentally controlled spaces can presentvery different fire scenarios compared to openbuilding areas.

� Areas often have low ceilings leading to a morerapid temperature rise

� With PS cored panels, quickly rising temperature leads to delamination of the facings and exposure of the core

� Core exposure leads to dense smoke and an early onset of flashover. However personnel should have had time to vacate the space.

� Some controlled environments are in the form of a maze of rooms. Panel systems look strong.With polystyrene PS panels fire can travel within the core but this is relatively slow unlessthere is delamination or unless large voids havebeen formed because of shrinking or melting.

� Occasionally PS panels have also been used to lineout exit routes. This should be checked as part of the fire risk assessment.

13

Example – School

3.6

3.7

4 Fire Risk AssessmentsExternal

Introduction to Fire RiskAssessment forInsulated PanelsThis section on Fire Risk Assessment summarisesthe information on Insulated Panels relevant toconducting a Fire Risk Assessment and givesguidance on the factors that should be consideredby the ‘responsible person’.

It also includes some of the relevant guidancenotes from the DCLG Guides on RR(FS)O.

The Department of Communities and LocalGovernment (DCLG) have prepared generalguidance notes on how to comply with fire safetylaw and how to conduct a Fire Risk Assessment.

www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-safety-law-and-guidance-documents-for-business contains a ‘Short Guide to making yourpremises safe from fire’ and guidance notes ‘to tellyou what you have to do to comply with fire safetylaw, help you to carry out a fire risk assessmentand identify the general fire precautions you needto have in place’ for 11 different constructionsectors.

The assessment of Insulated Panels as a potentialsource of fuel under the RR(FS)O is just one ofthe procedures for non-domestic buildings thatneeds to be undertaken by the ‘responsibleperson’ as part of the Fire Risk Assessment.

Insulated Panels are not always obvious to identifyand the range of core insulation materials can varyfrom limited combustibility to highly combustible.Sections 1-3 describe the types of Insulated Panelsthat are used in buildings, where they are mostlikely to be found (Tables 1 and 2) and mostimportantly how they are likely to perform in fire(Section 3). How to identify panels and the type ofcore insulation is set out in Section 5.

Insulated Panels used as theexternal envelope

SummaryAll external envelope panels are securely fixed tothe building framework. Fire tests and studiesshow that collapse does not occur until the mainbuilding structure starts to be challenged by a fullydeveloped fire.

The metal facings continue to protect the coreeven when the facings are buckled and the jointsstarting to open. Fire tests show that anycontribution of the ‘fuel source’ is gradual even forcombustible insulations and is not a significantcontribution to the main fire.

14

4.1 4.2

External: wall

External: roof and walls

Guidelines for Fire Risk Assessment1. Contribution from the insulation core as

a fuel source.The contribution to the overall fire load issmall and gradual. Some smoke will begenerated from the combustible core materialsbut this is generally low in the developingstages of a fire, unless the panels collapse (notlikely with fully fixed roof & wall panels), or ifthe core is exposed at an edge/opening or dueto damage.

With PIR, PUR and MF cores, fire does notpass through the core from an exposed edgeor opening, but can do so with a PS core.Greater amounts of smoke may be generatedwhen the core is exposed. Part of the Fire RiskAssessment should be to identify and seal anyopen or damaged areas – see following RiskReduction.

2. Internal Fire LoadInsulated Panels are primarily affected bytemperature (see Section 3). In offices andother applications where the fire load isgenerally low, the panels are unlikely to besignificantly affected by an internal fire and thefire risk assessment can be made accordingly.

Highly combustible materials should not bestored against panels, nor waste or rubbish tobe allowed to collect against panels.

3. High occupancyThe DCLG Guidance regarding InsulatedPanels recommends that ‘the use of panels withcombustible cores in areas of buildings with ahigh life risk, e.g. where large numbers ofpeople are present, should be carefullyconsidered. The fire risk assessment may needto be revised to ensure that any increased riskresulting from this type of construction isconsidered.

Identification and risk reductionOnce installed it is difficult to identify the corematerial of a panel and its potential fire hazard.Guidance on the identification of insulated panelsand cladding systems is given in Section 5.

The following best practices can help reduce risksassociated with insulated panels. This advice isgenerally equally applicable to any insulatedcladding system, not only insulated panels.

� Do not store highly combustible materialsagainst panels or allow rubbish to collectagainst panels.

� Have damaged panels or sealed joints repairedimmediately and make sure that jointingcompounds or gaskets used around the edgesof panels are in good order.

� Check where openings have been made fordoors, windows, ducts and cables to ensure thatthese have been sealed or closed with flashingsand the inner core has not been exposed.

� Check that there has been no mechanicaldamage e.g. by mobile equipment such as forklift trucks. Repair any damage that has occurred.

15

4 Fire Risk AssessmentsInternal

Insulated Panels used forinternal applicationsSummary

Insulated Panels used internally either to createenclosed areas or as internal linings will potentiallybe the closest to the initial fire. The most criticalfactors are the type of the core insulant and theway they are designed, mounted and secured toprevent early collapse.

PS cored panels placed around hot processes e.g.in food factories have been associated with majorfires and have been susceptible to early collapsedue to the loss of structure of PS even at lowtemperatures and the self-standing, unsecurednature of these types of panel.

All panels surrounding or adjacent to a hotprocess should be thoroughly checked andthe type of core material determined aspart of the Fire Risk Assessment.

Guidelines for Fire Risk Assessment1. Contribution from the insulation core as

a fuel source.As with external envelope panels the initialcontribution to the overall fire load is smalland gradual unless there is a collapse of thepanel of facing at an early stage in the fire.Some smoke will be generated from thecombustible core materials but this is generallylow in the developing stages of a fire unless thepanels collapse, or if the core is exposed at anedge/opening or due to damage.

With PIR, PUR and MF cores fire does not passthrough the core from an exposed edge oropening. However fire can pass through apolystyrene PS core and greater amounts ofsmoke may be generated when the core isexposed. Part of the Fire Risk Assessmentshould be to identify and seal any open ordamaged areas – see Risk Reduction on page15 and section 6.

2. Internal Fire LoadInsulated Panels are primarily affected bytemperature (see Section 3). In many factory,production and warehouse premises the internalfire load of components, goods and packagingcan be high and the fuel load within an InsulatedPanel will be small in comparison. Where thefire risk or fire load is high the establishment ofgood fire management procedures should formthe foundation of the Fire Risk Assessment.

3. Joint design and securementInsulated Panels used internally should becarefully checked, especially those featuresdesigned to prevent collapse. Assessmentsshould verify the form and tightness of thejoint and whether the panels are secured to asupporting framework (see section 1.4).Particular care should be taken to check thatthe core material is protected by secureclosures or flashings, especially where InsulatedPanels surround an obvious fire source e.g. ahot process such as an oven (see riskreduction procedures opposite) or whereopenings have been made through the panels.

In applications where the fire load is generallylow, the panels are unlikely to be significantlyaffected by an internal fire and this can betaken into account in the risk assessment. 16

4.3

Typical internal applications

Identification and risk reductionOnce installed it is difficult to identify the corematerial of a panel and its potential fire hazard.Guidance on the identification of insulated panelsand cladding systems is given in Section 5.The following best practices can help reduce risks associated with insulated panels.

� Do not install heating appliances, such as ovens, against the panels. Operate a cleardistance policy for cooking systems.

� The use of combustible panels round hotprocesses – ovens, fryers etc – should becarefully considered. It may be appropriate to consider their replacement with fireresistant panels

� Control ignition sources that are adjacent to,or penetrating the panels.

� Check for damage to heater tapes used tocheck ice build-up at doors.

� Do not use ceiling panels for storage or apply any loads to them unless the panelsystem has been specifically designed andinstalled to perform this function.

� Do not store highly combustible materialsagainst panels or allow rubbish to collectagainst panels.

� Have damaged panels or sealed joints repaired immediately and make sure thatjointing compounds or gaskets used around the edges of panels are in good order.

� Check where openings have been made for doors, windows, ducts and cables to ensure that these have been sealed or closed with flashings and the inner core has not been exposed.

� Check that there has been no mechanicaldamage e.g. by mobile equipment such as fork lift trucks. Repair any damage that has occurred.

Insulated Panels used asinternal liningsPanels used for lining the inside of a building aresimilar in core materials and joint design to theinternal panels described above.

The performance in fire will in general be similarto panels used for internal separation (see 4.3).The following additional comments apply:

� In general lining panels will be fixed to someform of framework. Not all panel systems willbe secured through the exposed internal facingand therefore these panels may be more likelyto buckle and lose structural strength thanexternal panels.

� In older buildings there may be cavities behindthe panels where they are used to create aninternal envelope. It is possible for a fire tospread behind the panels, unnoticed andunchecked by fire barriers.

NOTE: Aluminium foil faced lining boards shouldnot be confused with metal-faced insulated panels.Foil facings offer little protection and any fire riskassessment should be carefully considered if theselining material are used.

Insulated Panels used asinternal compartment wallsWhere Insulated Panels are used as a fire resistantcompartment or separating wall between areaswithin a building, the type of core and its fireresistance rating must be checked as part of theFire Risk Assessment.

In addition the materials or system to which theseparating wall abuts – wall roof or ceiling –should have the same fire resistance rating orbetter than the separation wall.

The joints between the separating wall and roof,wall or ceiling elements should be capable ofstopping the transmission of flame, smoke andgases and any insulation materials and sealants usedshould be proven to the same fire resistance rating.

17

4.4

4.5

Best practices to reduce fire risks associated with Insulated Panels is summarised in table 5which can be found on page 25.

5 Identifying Insulated PanelsExternal

Identifying Insulated Panels for Fire Risk Assessment Sections 2 and 3 of this Guide illustrate howpanels are used in modern constructions andindicate how they are likely to perform in fire.

In order to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment andassess whether the Insulated Panel will contributeas a source of fuel it is necessary to determinethree points:

� Is the construction an Insulated Panel

� What is the insulating core material

� How are the panels fixed

There are a number of potential sources ofinformation available to assist in the identificationof the cladding system and to confirm that theconstruction is an Insulated Panels and not a siteassembled or built-on-site system.

CDM health and safety fileFor buildings built after 1995/6 the primary sourceof information should be the Construction Designand Management [CDM] Health and Safety File.This file should contain the as-built specification ofthe materials used in the building and copies ofthe manufacturer’s literature. It will also identifywhether the panel is LPCB/FM certificated. Copiesof the file should be retained by the BuildingOwner. Copies will also be retained for some timeby the Architect and the Planning Supervisor.

In cases where the building was built before theintroduction of CDM or the H&S File is notavailable, other sources of information are:

� The architect/designer, or Design and Buildcompany

� The construction company

� The cladding contractor for the project

� The building owner or property company’srecords.

Identifying Insulated Panels –the building envelopeSite assembled cladding systems

Metal clad industrial and commercial buildingsbuilt prior to the mid 1980’s were mainlyconstructed using a site assembled claddingsystems for the external roofs and walls. Theseconsisted of:

a. A profiled metal external weather sheet

b. A glass fibre quilt type insulation

c. A lining system usually comprising plasterboardin ‘T’-bars, or occasionally a flat faced metallining sheet

Introduction of Insulated Panels from 1980Insulated Panels, delivered to site as a single piececomponent and incorporating a polyurethane[PUR] insulating core, started to be used ingreater quantities from 1980, accounting for 10%of the market by 1990, 40% by the end of the1990’s and over 60% by 2006.

18

5.1 5.2

Is it a panel or a siteassembled system?The shape of the external profile can provide avaluable clue to the type of cladding system.

Deep profilesIf the external facing is a regular deep profiletypically 35-40 mm, it is most likely to be a siteassembled system with a glass or mineral fibrequilt insulation. A hollow sound when tapping thecrown of the profile should indicate this type ofsystem. This type of system is found on roofs, andwalls of older buildings.

If the external face has an irregular profile withlonger distance between crowns then the claddingis most likely to be an Insulated Panel. These panelsare found on both roofs and walls of buildings.

Standing seam profilesRoof systems where the external sheet has anarrow raised rolled seam at the joints is mostlikely to be a site assembled ‘standing seam systemwith MF quilt insulation. However a small amountof insualted panels with standing seam joints havebeen used since 1998. To confirm if it is a panel,check for firmness and solidity of the roof systemand also whether the internal facing has a micro-box profile.

Micro-rib profilesWall claddings that run vertically from ground orshort wall to eaves and which have a micro-rib orflat profile will be an Insulated Panel System.Similarly cladding running in a horizontal formatbetween columns will be Insulated Panels. (See also cassette panels below).

Roofs without easy accessWhere roof access is not easily possible to identifythe cladding system, inspecting the internal liningcan provide valuable clues. The internal facing of aninsulated panel will be relatively flat with a mini-boxprofile. The corresponding metal liner sheet forsite-assembled systems will have a profiled linerapproximately 20 mm or slightly deeper.

Cassette systemsWall cladding systems that are a multiplicity ofsmall panels i.e. 2.5 x 1.2 m tightly supported in asupport frame or grid are likely to be panels.However the type of insulation should be carefullychecked as some panel types were manufacturedwith polystyrene cores.

CurvesCurved roofs where the radius is quite noticeableare most likely to be constructed using thestanding seam system. Curved roofs with a veryshallow curve with or without a standing seamjoint system could be constructed from InsulatedPanels. The end of the panel/cladding at the eavesor gutter should be checked to confirm the typeof system that has been used.

A general summary guide is shown in Diagrams 1and 2.

19

external face

i

internal face

window

Recessed gasket oraluminium framebetween cassette panels

e

external faceSt clipinsulation

liningheat barrierfixing screwsvapour check

St clipinsulation

internal face

1000 mm Cover Width

1000 mm Cover Width

M

Site assembled system profile

Insulated panel profile

Typical cassette panel arrangements oftenwith polystyrene insulation.

Typical standing seam roofing built-upsystem with quilt insulation

external face

internal face

e

5 Identifying Insulated PanelsExternal

Profile identification summary

FixingsThe majority of Insulated Panel systems and all site assembled systems use through fixings that secure both external and internal facings to the building structure. This prevents collapse of the panels in fire and allows the metal facingsto remain in place and provide a degree ofprotection to the insulating core.

Some external wall Insulated Panel systems aredesigned with an engineered interlocking joint that combines hidden (non-visible) fixings and aseparate interlocking fixing plate. These systemsare also effective in retaining the facings during the developing stages of a fire.20

Flat Mini Rib

Cassette Panels - Front View S

Gasket or

1.5 - 3 m0.5

-1.5 m

Alum. Frame

Rain Screen - Front View

OpenJoints

1 m

30 cm

Built-up-system (Quilt Insulation) Insulated Panel

Diagram 2. Walls – identification by profile shape

standingseam

curvedroofs

30 cm

Built-up-system (Quilt Insulation) Insulated Panel

90 cm - 1 m

Diagram 1. Roofs – identification by profile shape

Illustration of a secret fix joint

Internal insulation behind sheet weather cladding

T

Internal insulation behind sheetweather cladding

Plasterboard / insulated boards - as internal wall linings tothe external cladding

Typically 1200 x 600or 1200 x 600

G

Plasterboard/insulated boards as internalwall linings to the external cladding.

Identifying Insulated Panelsand other systems – Internal

Internal walls and ceilingsInsulated panels are frequently used to createenvironmentally enclosed spaces within buildings.These are illustrated in section 2.3. The panelshave micro-box or flat facings and will be ofvarying thickness according to the temperaturei.e. ambient activities, chilled storage etc.

The type of panel and the insulating core can onlybe determined by inspection at an end or cutsection – see Section 5.4.

Metal liner sheets or tray systemsWhere metal linings or claddings are used, formost constructions tapping the liner willdetermine if it is a solid insulated panel or ahollow built-up system. It should be noted thatsome thick structural linings have been used insports halls etc where the incidence of damage ishigh. These liner sheets are generally mountedhorizontally and may not exhibit a hollow sound.

Other internal wall lining systemsOver the years a variety of wall lining systems thatshould not be confused with panels have beenused, particularly in industrial and warehouseapplications.

Most 15-20+ year old buildings have non metalliclinings. These are typically made from plasterboardsheets in ‘T-bars’ as part of a built-on-site system.

Alternatively many older buildings have beenretrofitted with faced insulation boards where theinternal joint has been sealed with a tape. Thefacing of some boards is made of aluminium foil.

In fire the thin aluminium foil facings and similar do not offer protection from fire and the T-barsdo not retain the boards. Fire can therefore breakthrough behind the wall lining and involve theinsulation or spread unseen in the cavity behindthe system. If there is a probability of thishappening then this should be taken into accountin the fire risk assessment.

Two foil-faced board systems have LPCBcertification and an improved fire performance.These boards can be identified by checking for glass fibres that are visible within the PIR core.

Lined-out buildingsSome buildings are constructed of a basic shellwith roof and wall cladding that acts as a weathersheet and which has been lined out with panels. In most of the buildings the panel core will bepolystyrene. As with lining boards above, this formof construction creates a potential hiddenchimney behind the wall lining allowing an internalfire to spread unnoticed.

21

Identifying Insulated PanelsInternal

Structural metal liner trays

P

Structural metal liner trays.

5.3

Fire risk assessmentsThe earlier sections of this Guide have emphasisedthe importance of determining the type of coreinsulation as part of the Fire Safety Assessment.

The first stage should be to check whether thetype of core material is recorded in the records(5.1). If no record is available a visual check is theonly alternative.

There are some other helpful guidelines. The useand distribution of various types of InsulatedPanels and their respective core insulant isdescribed in Tables 1 and 2. PIR/PUR coreinsulation has exclusively been used for insulatedroof panels. The only task therefore is todetermine that the roof is an Insulated Panelsystem and not a site assembled system.

PIR/PUR is the main core material used for wallpanels. MW is used for external wall panels andvery occasionally PS has been used for some infillpanels. In internal applications all core materialshave been used. It is therefore necessary tovisually check the core to identify the type ofinsulation used in wall panels.

Checking for LPC/FM certificatedpanels with PIR insulation� Check CDM and other records

(see section 5.1)

� Check the longitudinal edge of the panels, ifaccessible – some manufacturers use a printedidentification tape

� Check for a UV identification code printed onthe internal face by some manufacturers

Checking the core insulationIt is sometimes possible to find a small exposedarea at the top or end of a panel or wall section.The core can also be exposed by unscrewing/removing a short section of flashing at a corner,reveal, or edge detail. It is not recommended tocut holes in the facing of a panel.

Identifying the type of insulation

Mineral fibre (MF) and glass fibre Site assembled systems use a quilt form of thisinsulation. It is of low density, spongy and verysimilar to loft insulation.

In Insulated Panels a high density form of MF withthe fibres running perpendicular to the panelfacings is used. This core material is quitedistinctive and obviously fibrous in nature.

Polystyrene (PS)Well known and recognisable from its use as apackaging material.

Polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR)If not MF or PS the core is most likely to be PURor PIR, which is used in the majority of InsulatedPanels.

It is not possible to visually distinguish betweenPUR and PIR(2). The majority of panels installedbefore 2000 will be PUR cored.

PIR (LPCB certificated systems)Some PIR (LPCB certificated panel systems) weremanufactured before 2000. From 2000 theurethane panel manufacturers steadily changedproduction and from 2005 all UK producedexternal panels and most internal panels weremanufactured as PIR (LPCB certificated systems).External claddings that are LPCB approved to LPS1181 can be regarded as satisfying the originalgrade 2 construction rules or be classed as a non-combustible building. (Note: This does not implythat the material is non-combustible)

Phenolic (PF)It is difficult to distinguish between PF, PUR andPIR. PF is denser and more friable but the onlysure differentiation is by laboratory test (2).

22

5 Identifying Insulated PanelsCore insulation

5.4

NOTE 1.

An indication of the fire performance of PUR andLPC PIR panels is given in Section 3. PIR (LPCBcertificated systems) (2) has an improvedperformance but for external applications of panelit should not normally be necessary to distinguishthe type of rigid urethane for Fire RiskAssessment. Similarly for internal applications withlow fire load or low fire risk it should not benecessary to determine the exact type ofurethane. The need for precise identification willbe as required by the Fire Risk Assessment.

NOTE 2.

Panel systems certificated by Factory Mutual (FM).A number of projects have been built using PIRpanels tested and certificated by FM. These panelsystems are very similar in formulation and designto the PIR (LPCB certificated systems) panels andhave a similar fire performance but with differentfixing requirements. These panels have primarilybeen used on buildings constructed for AmericanCorporations where American Insurance isinvolved. FM panel systems should be identifiablefrom the project records.

(2) It is possible using laboratory tests to identifywhether the core is likely to PIR or PUR (fewpanels manufactured before 2000 will be PIR).Panels with Loss Prevention Council LPCB orFactory Mutual FM certification will have a PIRcore. Similar tests can identify phenolic (PF) core material.

23

24

Wall

Roof

Internal linings to buildingWalls and ceilings X X

Fire resisting compartmentwalls separating different X X X X

Environmentalcompartments (Section 2.3)Walls and ceilings

X X

Identification checklist5.5

External building envelope Type of cladding system Type of core insulation

Insulatedpanel

BUsystem

Othersystem

CW sticksystem

PIR (LPCB)certificated PUR MF PS PF

X

Key Cladding system BU System = Built-up or site assembled system (see Section 5): CW stick system = Curtain walling panel system (see 2.2)Other system = Slates/tiles; asbestos roof; flat roof; any other non-metallic roof.

Insulation Types described in section 1.3. PIR = polyisocyanuratePUR = polyurethaneMF = mineral fibrePS = polystyrenePF = phenolic

Colour codes � Care required to assess whether affects risk assessment as potential fuel contributor.

Key Insulation Types described in section 1.3. PIR = polyisocyanuratePUR = polyurethaneMF = mineral fibrePS = polystyrenePF = phenolic

Colour codes � Care required to assess whether affects risk assessment as potential fuel contributor.

� Potential fuel contributor. Specialist assistance recommended when making Fire Risk Assessment.

Internal applications Type of cladding system Type of core insulation

Box within box (Section 2.3)Walls and ceiling

Insulatedpanel

Othersystem

Foil liningsystems

Other liningsystem

PIR (LPCB)certificated PUR MF PS PF

X X

Tables 3 and 4 provide a useful checklist to support a Fire Risk Assessment. The checklists can be separatelydownloaded from the EPIC website – www.epic.uk.com

Table 3

Table 4

25

Sections 4.1 to 4.5 illustrate that for the majority of applications the probability of Insulated Panels providinga fuel contribution that might affect life safety is low.

DCLG in their guidance documents (1) and the Insurance Companies have identified best practices and good fire management procedures to assist companies minimise any risks associated with Insulated Panels. It should be noted that this advice is applicable to all metal cladding systems and not just to panels

Table 5 lists the principal points that should be checked and the actions to be carried out. These issuesshould be part of standard regular Fire Management Procedures and not just points that should be checkedduring the Annual Fire Risk Assessment.

Table 5. Best practices to reduce fire risks associated with some Insulated Panels.

6 Best practices to reduce fire risks

1. Check there is no damage to panel or sealedjoints. Only use repair materials of equal orbetter fire performance to the panel system.

Have damaged panels or sealed joints repairedimmediately and make sure that jointingcompounds or gaskets used around the edges ofpanels are in good order.

2. Check that there is no exposed core material. Check where openings have been made for doors,windows, ducts and cables to ensure that thesehave been sealed or closed with flashings and theinner core is not exposed.

3. Check for mechanical damage. Check that there has been no mechanical damageand repair any that has occurred e.g. by mobileequipment such as fork lift trucks.

4. Check the type of panels and core materialsused round hot processes.

The use of combustible panels round hotprocesses – ovens, fryers etc. – should be carefullyconsidered. It may be appropriate to consider theirreplacement with fire resisting panels.

5. Check the distance from hot processes. Do not install heating appliances, such as ovens,against the panels. Operate a clear distance policyfor cooking systems.

6. Check potential ignition sources. Control ignition sources that are adjacent to, orpenetrating the panels.

7. Check heater tapes. Check for damage to heater tapes used to checkice build-up at doors.

8. Check there is no waste, rubbish or flammablematerials e.g. flammable packaging storedadjacent to panels.

9. Check that ceiling panels are not being used tostore materials or being used as access.

Fires are often started accidentally or deliberatelyin skips and rubbish containers located adjacent to panels that are the external wall of the buildingor to flammable materials stored against panelsinternally

Do not use ceiling panels for storage or apply any loads to them unless the panel system hasbeen specifically designed and installed to performthis function.

Advice and actionsBest practice and fire risk reduction

References

26

1. DCLG documents and guides on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order can beobtained from www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-safety-law-and-guidance-documents-for-business

2. PIR (LPCB certificated systems) and FM certificated panels are Insulated Panels that havebeen tested to the specific fire test requirements of the Loss Prevention Council orFactory Mutual Insurance. These requirements are well in excess of the requirements ofthe UK Regulations in Approved Document B. Further details are given on the EPICwebsite – www.epic.uk.com

3. The ABI technical briefing on the fire performance of sandwich panel systems can befound on the EPIC websitewww.epic.uk.com/fire_tests_and_research.jsp##CertificatedPanelsAndTesting

4. Design, construction, specification and fire management of insulated envelopes fortemperature controlled environments. International Association of Cold StorageContractors (1999).

Additional information

Fire tests. Information on extensive large-scale fire tests carried out on behalf of EPIC by WarringtonFire Research and ARUP Fire Consultants is available on the EPIC web site:www.epic.uk.com/fire_tests_and_research.jsp##TheEpicFireTests

Case Histories. A series of fire case histories illustrating the performance of insulated panels in actual fireswith commentary by Tenos Ltd, Fire Consultants are available for view and download on theEPIC web site: www.epic.uk.com/fire_case_studies.jsp

Download information from the EPIC websiteThis guide on Insulated Panels and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order has beendesigned to assist professionals and ‘the Responsible Person’ when undertaking a Fire RiskAssessment under the above Order. The guidance document and the check list can beseparately downloaded from the website at www.epic.uk.com

EPIC has also published a series of other Guides including:– Insulated Panels, Requirements and compliance – Building Regulations: Conservation of fuel and power 2014/5

– Fire safety, Specification and Installation of Insulated Panels– Insulated Panels, Identification and disposal** These guides are available in hard copy form through the website.

Information on CD RomEPIC has produced a Guide to the performance of insulated cladding systems in fire. This can be ordered directly from EPIC or through the EPIC website.– Insulated cladding systems – performance in fire: The CD provides essential data about thefire performance of external cladding panels based on extensive research programmes.

EPIC was set up in 1991 to promote quality roofing and cladding systems through the useof factory-engineered panels. Insulated panels maximise thermal efficiency whilst reducingthe risk and effects of condensation and significant energy loss through air leakage.

The new building regulations and today’s cost competitive and quality conscious environmentrequire that industrial and commercial buildings are high performance designs workingwith maximum efficiency and minimum running costs. Rigid urethane insulated panels allowdesigners to achieve these goals with confidence and minimum risk.

THE EPIC MEMBERS ARE:

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

StepanPO Box 7893, Ashbourne,

Derbyshire DE6 9DATelephone: 01335 360 215

Dow PolyurethanesStation Road, Birch Vale, High Peak,

Derbyshire SK22 1BRTelephone (International Toll Free):

[email protected]

www.dow.com/polyurethane

Kingspan Insulated PanelsGreenfield Business Park No 2, Greenfield, Holywell,

Flintshire CH8 7GJTelephone: 01352 716100 Fax: 01352 716161

[email protected] www.kingspanpanels.co.uk

Panels and Profiles (Tata Steel)Shotton Works, Deeside,Flintshire CH5 2NH

Telephone: 0845 30 88 330 Fax: 0845 30 11 [email protected]

www.tatasteelconstruction.com/en/about_us/panels_profiles

A. Steadman & Son LimitedWarnell, Welton, Carlisle CA5 7HH

Telephone: 0169 74 78277 Fax: 0169 74 [email protected]

Contact EPIC St Lukes Church, Pavilion Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 3LU Telephone: 0330 221 0499 www.epic.uk.com

insulated panels the fire safety order (2005) · insurance industry. from 2004 only pir (lpcb...

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