Temporary floor protection present on construction or renovation sites gives assurance to builders of minimised damage, reducing the need for remedial works. When these products are combined with flame-retardant (FR) properties, they double the workers’ confidence in terms of fire safety.
Keep reading to learn more about FR, how it works, its application in temporary floor protection, and its importance.
What Does Flame Retardant (FR) Mean?
The term ‘flame retardant’ refers to a chemical applied to materials during manufacturing, which reduces the material’s flammability. In essence, flame retardants apply to what the chemical does rather than its composition.
So, when we refer to a product as FR-rated, we’re focusing on its function, such as how it works to stop or slow down fires, instead of the specific ingredients used to achieve this effect.
How Does Flame Retardant Work?
Flame retardant works by decreasing the material’s susceptibility to ignition and slowing down the spread of fire. For instance, the FR product will quickly self-extinguish, stopping the burning process when exposed to a spark. This mechanism is crucial in environments like construction or renovation sites, where the risk of fire ignition is heightened.
How Are FR Properties Used in Temporary Floor Protection?
Flame retardants are added to many construction and building products to achieve that extra layer of safety against fire hazards. They are mostly found in both temporary and permanent solutions for different surfaces, including floors.
Floor protection acts as a barrier between the floor and the object above against accidentally dropped tools or heavy foot traffic that could cause damage to the surface. It also helps block dust, debris, and other particles from settling onto your flooring during construction or renovation. And with its flame-retardant properties, it doubles the protection from potential fire exposure on-site.
Floorgard FR Corry Board is an excellent example. At its core, the corry board sheet is made from flexible corrugated plastic with a twin-walled structure that achieves impact protection. This design basically creates a gap that minimises pressure or load on the floor. For added peace of mind, this variant of Floorgard Corry Board is certified fire-retardant (FR) and accredited by LPCB. This certification confirms that it has undergone rigorous testing and quality control measures.
Note: LPCB is one of the organisations overseeing certification schemes in the UK for fire safety. This third-party approval confirms that products and services consistently meet certification standards.
Does FR Certification Matter for Floor Protection Products?
Yes, it matters as being ‘certified’ suggests that key standards on fire safety have been met. This certification also has a reassuring effect on the product, guaranteeing performance, quality, and reliability.
Temporary floor products labelled as ‘FR’, such as Floorgard FR Corry Board, indicate they have passed such tests to ensure their effectiveness. They are more reliable in reducing the risks of fire hazards during tasks like soldering, compared to non-certified alternatives, like FR Breathable Fleece. We recommend prioritising certified varieties for greater assurance.
SP Group offers a wide range of floor protection solutions, including carpet protectors and tacky mats. For consultation and quotations, reach out to us at +44 28 9442 8611 or email hello@s-pgroup.com.