Frequently Asked Questions |
|
? |
 |
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. |
|
? |
|
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. |
|
? |
|
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. |
|
? |
|
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. |
|
? |
|
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. |
|
? |
|
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. |
|
? |
|
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.
|
|
? |
|
How do I know how much Bro-steel I am applying to the steelwork. |
|
A |
|
With every can of Bro-steel you will be supplied with a wet film thickness gauge. This can be used to measure the amount of paint that you are applying to the surface. Follow the guidance notes on the gauge to use correctly.
|
|
? |
|
Can I obtain some sort of certification to verify that the paint has been applied. |
|
A |
|
We will organise for a certificate of supply when the project has been completed, providing certain information has been supplied. Contact our technical support staff to discuss this matter further. |