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Treatment, Anti-Fire Standard (M1, M2, M3, etc.) & Classification for EOP

For example, “M1,” “M2,” and “M3” refer to classifications of the fire-resistant standard NF P92-512, regulated by French legislation, and specifically apply to combustible materials used in buildings, such as textiles, wall coverings, ceilings, and decorative panels.

For establishments open to the public, it is crucial to respect fire safety standards based on the activities and maximum capacity to accommodate the public.
For example, “M1,” “M2,” and “M3” refer to classifications of the fire-resistant standard NF P92-512, regulated by French legislation, and specifically apply to combustible materials used in buildings, such as textiles, wall coverings, ceilings, and decorative panels.
The main objective of the NF P92-512 standard is to classify materials according to their behavior in the face of fire to ensure a certain level of safety in buildings in the event of fire.

Classification of flammability of materials

This classification consists of 6 categories based on the material’s resistance time at a given temperature. These are established by laboratories approved by the Ministry of the Interior, such as CSTB and LNE.

M0 : Non-combustible materials such as cement, brick, and glass. These materials do not burn at all.

M1 : Matériau combustible mais ininflammable comme le PVC, des matériaux composites et les
matériaux ignifugés tels que le bois. Ces matériaux peuvent brûler, mais ne s’enflamment pas facilement et limitent la propagation des flammes.

M2 : Retardantly flammable combustible materials such as certain treated fabrics and compressed wood fiber panels. These materials are more difficult to ignite and burn slowly.

M3 : Moderately flammable combustible materials such as untreated wood panels and certain types of plastics. These materials ignite and burn at a moderate rate.

M4 : Easily flammable combustible materials such as paper, cardboard, and certain thin plastics. These materials catch fire easily and burn quickly.

M5 : Very easily flammable combustible materials such as cellulose, untreated synthetic foams, and light textiles. These materials ignite very easily and burn very quickly.

In France, the majority of materials are classified M1, which are used in environments where fire safety is a priority, such as :

  • Public buildings : schools, hospitals, shopping centers.
  • Establishments open to the public : cinemas, theaters, performance halls.
  • Transport : interiors of trains, planes, and other means of public transport.
Fire reaction classification

Some details on the M1 fire standard

The M1 standard indicates that a material is fire-resistant. A material treated for M1 fire resistance will still be combustible, but it is not flammable. It will thus prevent a fire from starting. This standard ensures the flame-retardant nature of a material.

To obtain the M1 fire classification, materials must undergo rigorous tests in accordance with French standard NF P 92-507. These tests evaluate characteristics such as combustion, flame propagation, and smoke production in the event of fire. Materials are exposed to intense heat to simulate real fire conditions and observe their behavior.

The M1 rating is generally applied to materials such as textiles, wall coverings, and furniture used in professional or public spaces like hotels, restaurants, conference rooms, theaters, and educational establishments. Having M1-classified materials ensures that they will not contribute to the spread of fire, saving valuable time for evacuation and reducing the risk of injury or property loss.

The M1 fire classification offers several advantages. First and foremost, it guarantees a high level of fire safety. It is also often required by local regulations and authorities to obtain construction or operating permits.

It should be noted that the M1 rating does not mean that materials are non-combustible under all conditions. They are considered non-flammable and do not contribute to the spread of fire, but they can still degrade or melt under intense heat. Therefore, it is essential to complement the M1 classification with other fire safety measures, such as the installation of fire detection systems and proper evacuation procedures.

In conclusion, the M1 fire classification is a crucial fire safety standard in France, indicating that materials are non-flammable and do not promote the spread of fire. This classification ensures a safer environment in public spaces and commercial buildings. However, it is important to supplement this classification with other fire safety measures to ensure optimal protection against fire risks.

Which establishments are subject to these fire standards ?

Establishments open to the public, such as hotels, banks, and more, must ensure that their furniture complies with M1 or M2 fire standards.

They must provide proof of treatment through a certificate issued by the seller of flame-retardant products or the service provider who performs the fireproofing treatment. The certificate must detail the references of the products used and must be presented to the safety commissions.

How to fireproof your materials ?

To fireproof your fabrics, plants, or furniture, there are several methods. We recommend fireproofing by spraying. Alternatively, you can treat your products by soaking.

A material treated with M1 fire resistance will still burn and lose its properties upon contact with fire, but no flames will be released. It helps slow the spread of flames and smoke. The M1 fire treatment provides safety when a fire starts, without requiring human intervention. This is about prevention.

Alfaflor vous propose des produits ignifugeants pour traiter le bois, les plantes artificielles, le carton et les tissus. La quantité de produit à utiliser pour traiter le matériau diffère de la densité et de la surface à traiter.

Different standards for different materials in EOP and communities

For all establishments open to the public, construction materials must meet strict fire safety standards to ensure the protection of occupants. Here are the main requirements for these materials :

Types of Materials Concerned :
Walls
Ceilings
Partitions
Interior and exterior coverings


Standards and Requirements :
Classification Non-Feu (Euroclasses) :
Building materials must be classified according to European standard EN 13501-1, which assesses their reaction to fire.
Classes range from A1 (non-combustible) to F (no performance declared), with intermediate categories A2, B, C, D, and E depending on their fire behavior.

French Classification (Old System) :
Materials can also be classified according to the old French fire reaction system, ranging from M0 (incombustible) to M4 (highly flammable).
This classification remains relevant in some national regulations and for certain types of materials.

Fire resistance standards :
Load-bearing and separating construction elements must be tested for fire resistance according to EN 1363-1 standards (fire resistance tests – general requirements).
Standards EN 1364-1 (non-load-bearing elements) and EN 1365-1 (load-bearing elements) are also applied to evaluate the performance of different structural elements.

Fire behavior tests :
Materials must pass specific tests such as EN 13823 (Single Burning Item – SBI) to assess their fire behavior when exposed to a heat source.
The EN 11925-2 tests evaluate the ignitability of products subjected to direct flame exposure.

Documentation and certification :
Materials must be accompanied by certificates of compliance with fire safety standards.
Manufacturers must provide test reports and certifications issued by accredited laboratories.

Installation and maintenance :
Building materials must be installed according to manufacturer recommendations and current construction standards.
Regular maintenance and periodic inspections are necessary to ensure that materials maintain their fire-resistant properties.

Conclusion :
These standards ensure that construction materials used in EOP meet strict fire safety criteria, contributing to the protection of occupants and preventing the spread of fires. Classification, documentation, and installation requirements ensure that buildings are constructed and maintained to the highest fire safety standards.

For all establishments open to the public, the furniture must comply with strict fire safety standards to ensure the protection of occupants. Here are the main requirements for this equipment :


Types of furniture concerned :

Bars
Counters
Changing rooms
Libraries
Shelves
Cabinets
Box springs
Lockers
Stages


Standards and Requirements :
Non-Fire Treatment :

Furniture must be professionally treated with fire-resistant products to limit fire risk.

Classification Non-Feu :
Depending on the ERP classification, furniture must generally meet the M2 (retardantly flammable) or M3 (moderately flammable) fire standards.

Positioning :
Furniture must not obstruct traffic routes or narrow escape paths.
It must not hinder the evacuation of people during a fire.

Fixation :
Furniture may be fixed to the floor or wall to ensure stability and avoid movement during an emergency.

Materials used :
For large, immobile furniture, wood or derived materials with a thickness greater than or equal to 18 mm are recommended to ensure better fire resistance.

Documentation and certification :
Manufacturers must provide certificates confirming compliance with fire safety standards.
Test reports and certifications from accredited laboratories must be available for inspection.

Care and maintenance :
Furniture should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it retains its fire-resistant properties.
Damaged or worn furniture should be replaced or repaired immediately.

Conclusion :
These standards ensure that furniture used in ERPs not only meets fire safety requirements but also contributes to the protection of occupants by reducing the risk of fire spreading and ensuring safe evacuations. Compliance with these standards is essential to maintain a safe environment that meets current regulations.

For establishments open to the public, textiles must meet strict fire safety standards to protect occupants in the event of fire. Here are the main fire-resistant requirements and standards for textiles :


Types of textiles concerned :

Curtains and sheers
Rugs and carpets
Textile wall coverings
Furnishing textiles (cushions, covers, etc.)


Standards and requirements :
European standards :

EN 13773: European standard for curtain and blind textiles, classifying materials based on their fire behavior.
EN 1101 to EN 1103: Standards for reaction to fire testing of textiles – ignitability, flame propagation, etc.

French standards :
NF P 92-503 to NF P 92-507: Standards for classifying textiles used in buildings, ranging from M0 (non-combustible) to M4 (highly flammable).
NF D 60-013: Standard for furnishing textiles (seats, curtains) used in EOP.

Non-fire treatment :
Textiles should be treated with flame retardants to minimize the risk of ignition and spread of fire.

Classification non-feu :
Textiles must meet fire safety classifications, such as M1 (non-flammable) or M2 (flammable), depending on the use and location in the ERP.

Documentation and certification :
Manufacturers must provide certificates of compliance with fire safety standards.
Test reports and certifications from accredited laboratories must be available for inspection.

Marking :
Textiles must be marked to indicate their compliance with applicable fire-resistant standards and the tests carried out.

Installation and positioning :
Textiles installed in ERPs must not obstruct evacuation routes or safety devices.
They must be properly secured to avoid becoming obstacles during an emergency.

Care and maintenance :
Regular inspection of textiles to ensure they maintain their fire resistance properties.
Immediate replacement of any damaged or worn textiles.

Conclusion :
These fire standards ensure that textiles used in EOP meet strict fire safety criteria, reducing risks during a fire and ensuring occupant protection. Compliance with these standards is essential to maintain a safe environment and adhere to current regulations.

For establishments open to the public, cardboard boxes used for packaging, storage, or any other application must comply with strict fire safety standards. Here are the main fire-related requirements for cardboard boxes :


Types of cardboard concerned :
Packaging boxes
Storage boxes
Display and decoration boxes


Standards and requirements :
European standards :

EN 13501-1: Classification of construction products and building elements based on fire behavior. While this standard primarily applies to construction materials, it can be used to evaluate cartons in specific contexts.
EN 1363-1: Fire resistance tests – general requirements.


French standards :
NF P 92-501 to NF P 92-507: Standards for classifying materials, including cardboard, based on their fire reaction, ranging from M0 (non-combustible) to M4 (highly flammable).

Non-Fire safety requirements :
Non-Fire treatment :

Cardboard should be treated with flame retardants to minimize the risk of ignition and spread of fire. This treatment must meet applicable standards.

Classification Non-Feu :
Boxes must meet fire safety classifications, such as M1 (non-flammable) or M2 (flammable), depending on their use and location in the EOP.

Documentation and certification :
Manufacturers must provide certificates of compliance with fire safety standards.
Test reports and certifications from accredited laboratories must be available for inspection.


Marking :
The boxes must be marked to indicate compliance with applicable fire-resistant standards and the tests performed.

Use and storage :
Cartons must be used and stored to avoid blocking escape routes or safety devices.
They should be kept away from heat and flame sources to prevent fire risks.

Care and maintenance :
Regular inspection of cartons to ensure their fire resistance.
Immediate replacement of any damaged or worn cardboard.

Conclusion :
These fire standards ensure that cardboard materials used in EOP meet strict fire safety criteria, minimizing the risk in case of fire and ensuring occupant protection. Compliance with these standards is crucial for maintaining a safe environment and adhering to current regulations.

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