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Life
safety and protection of property are important considerations
in the design and specification of acoustical ceiling systems.
Specially formulated 'Firecode' (FC) rated ceiling panels are
a crucial component of USG's tested fire protection systems. Specification
and installation must be in accordance with the fire test description
of system. For further information or advise on our testing, products
or relevant standards please contact our USG
Technical services department.
Reaction
to fire
Ceiling
products are generally considered suitable for multi-use buildings
when the products conform to ASTM E 84 class A and BS476 pt 6/7
class 1/0.
BS476 part 6 is the fire propagation classification which compares
the constitution of combustible materials to the development of
fire - performance class O
BS476 part 7 is the surface spread of flame classification which
indicates the tendency of materials to support the spread of flame
across the surface. Best performance Class 1, worst performance
Class 4.
All USG tiles achieve Class 1 and Class O as designated by BS476
part 6 and 7 and as required by the building regulation approved
document B.
ASTM E84 defines the flame spread and smoke evolved classification
of the product.
Fire
protection
Structural fire protection BS 476 parts 21 and 23
Suspended
ceilings can be used to provide protection to the structural elements
of a building. In the event of a fire, the ceiling membrane protects
the structure for a period of time enabling evacuation and fire
fighting. The period of protection is determined by testing to
BS476 part 23. testing to BS476 part 21, section 7, determines
the protection provided to a loaded timber floor structure. in
order to ensure the validity of a 'fire protecting' ceiling, installation
must be as described in the relevant test report. Any alteration
or substitution of materials may affect the fire protection capabilities
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