Insulated Upvc panels

[st1]

I've read this forum a lot over the past year and have decided to join in as its a fantastic source of information.

What are fire risk assessors recommending where mid rise residential blocks (6-7 storeys) have Upvc  windows/Upvc panels covering in what used to be the external walkways which effectively form part of the escape routes? 

[Tom Sutton]

Schedule 1 Section B4(1) of the Building Regulations 2010 requires that: “The external walls of the building shall adequately resist the spread of fire over the walls and from one building to another, having regard to the height, use and position of the building”. Approved Document B (ADB) provides guidance on how to meet that requirement.

It all depends on how it is put together, you can get Upvc doors that meet a 30 minute fire resistance so you need to know how it was constructed, the thickness and type of materials used. Then you need to contact the manufacturer to find out how it behaves in fire and any fire tests that may have been subjected to. Finally compare it with Approved Document B vol 2 and see if it conforms to ADB, building control should be able to help.