Fire-retardant treatment is the process of treating materials to make them resistant to fire. It delays their combustion and reduces their flammability. Fire-retardant treatment is therefore part of passive protection in firefighting.
Fire-retardant treatment : A passive protection process
There are two types of complementary protections against fires :
- Active protection, which primarily consists of detecting and extinguishing fires using smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency services.
- La protection passive a un rôle de prévention durable. L’objectif est de tout mettre en œuvre pour éviter les feux et qu’ils provoquent le moins de dégât possible. Elle va notamment permettre :
- Prevent the spread of flames using retardants
- Slow down the progression of smoke
- Slow the degradation of the mechanical and thermal properties of structures.
Passive fire protection processes include flocking (the insulation of buildings), the installation of fire doors, and the fire-retardant treatment of materials.
ERP regulations
Fire protection is strictly regulated for Establishments Open to the Public. The ultimate goal is to protect people and limit the risks and dangers for visitors in public spaces, buildings, events, or transport.
This is why regulations require all materials used in these areas to be treated with a fire retardant. Fire-retardant treatment ensures preventive protection to mitigate damage caused by fire.
What elements are affected ?
All furniture and materials—such as wood, plastics, fabrics, etc.—are vulnerable to fire and can cause significant damage. Even non-combustible materials can lose their mechanical strength when exposed to fire. Depending on the material, quantity, and density of the furniture to be treated with a fire retardant, the correct volume of product must be applied.
Fire standards
To verify that materials have been properly treated with a fire retardant, establishments must present a classification test report to the Safety Commission. Alfaflor products come with a sticker to be applied to the classification test report. This guarantees that the treatment meets the necessary fire standards.
How to fire-retardant materials ?
Fire-retardant treatment is carried out using two processes :
- By spraying : A flame retardant product is sprayed onto the material.
Discover our flame retardant sprays in our store.
- By soaking : The material is immersed in the flame retardant product.
Do you have a question about fire-retardant treatment your materials ? Contact us today.