fire ratings for noticeboards

[Pitts Presentation Product]

Hi There

 

i'm hoping someone can help, I am looking to clarify the exact fire regulations for fabric covered noticeboards in schools / public buildings, through RIBA they have been stating that noticeboards need to be Class O fire rated but I thing it needs to be Class 1 as there are escape area's in all school corridors. Also as noticeboards have card and paper stapled to them, what does this do to the fire rating?? Also would noticeboards be under fixed or loose furniture and also as these have fabric glued to them, is the fire rating under drapes and curtains

[Tom Sutton]

Décor and surface finishes of walls, ceilings and escape routes

The materials used to line walls and ceilings can contribute significantly to the spread of flame across their surface. Most materials that are used as surface linings will fall into one of three classes of surface spread of flame. The following are common examples of acceptable materials for various situations:
Class 0: Materials suitable for circulation spaces and escape routes

• Such materials include brickwork, blockwork, concrete, ceramic tiles, plaster finishes (including rendering on wood or metal lathes), wood-wool cement slabs and mineral fibre tiles or sheets with cement or resin binding. Note: Additional finishes to these surfaces may be detrimental to the fire performance of the surface and if there is any doubt about this then consult the manufacturer of the finish.

Class 1: Materials suitable for use in all rooms but not on escape routes

• Such materials include all the Class 0 materials referred to above. Additionally, timber, hardboard, block board, particle board, heavy flock wallpapers and thermosetting plastics will be suitable if flame-retardant treated to achieve a Class 3: Materials suitable for use in rooms of less than 30m2
• Such materials include all those referred to in Class 1, including those that have not been flame-retardant treated and certain dense timber or plywood and standard glass-reinforced polyesters.

The equivalent European classification standard will also be acceptable. Further details about internal linings and classifications are available in Approved Document B.24 Appropriate testing procedures are detailed in BS 476-732 and where appropriate BS EN 13501-1.33

Notice boards are acceptable in escape routes if fitted in a cabinet and it advisable to use poly carbonate and not glass for the frontage.

Loose paper should not be fitted to the walls of escape routes but could be acceptable in class rooms on the back wall furthest from the door.

Check out DCLG guidance document for schools  and BB100 fire safety for design of schools  depends if its new build or existing building.

[Pitts Presentation Product]

Thank you Tom, so i would take it that our noticeboards being class 1 fire rated with polycarbonate cover is acceptable on circulation / escape area's 

[Tom Sutton]

If they are absolutely necessary, it's about the best solution and should be considered also there must be an alternative means of escape situation.