In the post-Grenfell landscape, fire safety in commercial washrooms is a critical issue. Carole Armstrong of Delabie UK explains how WC frames can sit at the centre of a project’s fire strategy for preventing the spread of flame.
Fire safety is not the first thing that springs to mind when specifying non-domestic washrooms. The very fact that there is water literally on tap makes the concept almost counter-intuitive. However, in the wake of the Grenfell enquiry, fire safety is firmly on the agenda and specifiers are now much more attuned to the risk that fire poses in all aspects of building design. What is less obvious is the role that the choice of sanitary fittings in washrooms can play in improving fire safety.
Fire requires three things to spread: heat, oxygen and fuel. Once the initial spark has ignited a fire, the rate of spread depends on the availability of all these three factors. A significant aspect of reducing the risk lies with preventative measures, i.e. eliminating fuel sources as far as possible and reducing the potential for heat transfer. Of course, the ready availability of oxygen means that trained firefighters are best placed to actively deal with limiting its access to burning material.
Fire-retardant sanitaryware
Post-Grenfell, material choice is definitely the topic-du-jour and in washrooms, fire-retardant finishes for floors, ceilings and wall surfaces can all contribute to slowing the spread of fire.
When specifying sanitaryware, flammability is not even a consideration. Porcelain does not burn and, in the event of a fire, it will not release toxic substances or produce smoke. Similarly, stainless steel does not carry a fire rating because it cannot ignite, and it will only start to melt at temperatures over 1,400°C. When it comes to fire safety, sanitaryware can be specified for its aesthetic qualities as well as its ability to prevent the spread of fire.
There is one aspect of washroom design that can have a positive impact on fire safety, and it is possibly the least obvious solution. In a situation where every second can make a massive difference to the outcome, there is one unsung washroom hero that can potentially be a life-saver. The toilet. Or, to be more precise, the components and frame that accompany the toilet pan.
Intumescent frame systems
This unassuming assembly of a steel frame, flush valve and evacuation pipe can reduce the spread of fire in three specific areas. Firstly, a fire-retardant frame can delay the spread of flames by up to 60 minutes. British Standard BS EN 13501-2 identifies three aspects of fire-resistance: ‘E’ indicating integrity and the ability to withstand flame and smoke to prevent their spread; ‘I’ for insulation, which prevents the transmission of heat; and ‘W’ which indicates the ability to restrict the spread of radiation and toxic gases. So, for example, a frame system with a rating of EI 60 will withstand smoke and flames as well as insulate against the transmission of heat for 60 minutes.
The second super power of a fire-retardant WC assembly derives from its valve housing which has an intumescent collar. The collar on the housing has inherent characteristics which allow it to swell when exposed to heat, increasing its volume and decreasing its density. It provides passive fire protection, sealing any apertures in the housing to prevent the passage of oxygen which is vital for fuelling the fire. In effect, there is no need for human intervention in a dangerous environment, closing off the fire’s access to oxygen without the need for a fire extinguisher.
The third life-saving aspect of this unassuming toilet frame is its soil pipe and connector which are also made from intumescent substances. Again, their ability to expand ensures that flames, smoke and noxious gases cannot pass from one room to another. In situations where the spread of smoke can pose as much of a threat to life as the actual flames, the ability to slow and prevent its spread can also be vital to preserving life.
Unlikely hero
Until recently, safer washrooms meant preventing scalding from hot water, or improving hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. In this new post-Grenfell era, it also means tackling the risks posed by fire and smoke.
Not all the solutions are immediately obvious, but the humble toilet frame system is a surprising one. By putting fire safety on the agenda during washroom design it is possible to provide washrooms that are safe for the user. A fire-retardant frame system can really make a difference when vital seconds count.
Carole Armstrong is senior marketing & communications manager at Delabie UK