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Glass in BuildingFire Escape
Glass can play a major part in the control of fire in buildings. It is not necessary to build opaque walls to restrict fires and the spread of flame. There is a range of glass from Pilkington that allows glass to be used to give extended fire protection both in internal screens and external windows. Fire rated glass allows natural light into the building with all the benefits that comes with it.
Externally the Pilkington fire range can be made into insulating glass units to provide thermal insulation. In the event of a fire the glazing can be designed to protect adjacent building and fire breakout from one floor to another via the outside of the building.
Internally the glass can be used in a single form to provide protection in specific areas or to provide an escape route through the building. Protected corridors also allow fire crew to enter further inside a building to control fires. Pilkington fire rated glass is a passive measure that is not reliant on electronic control or sprinkler systems to give the required performance. All of the product range is designed to protect even when sprinkler systems or fire hoses cause sudden chilling of the glass that might cause monolithic constructions to collapse.
Fire rated glass can be used in a variety of framing systems from timber, steel and even specialist aluminium systems. It is important to use materials that are compatible with each other and designed to give similar performance. The installation is best left to qualified and experienced installers to ensure that the glazed system works as a whole. Even seemingly insignificant details can play a part in the successful protection afforded by fire products.
There are numerous fire regulations that apply to different types and use of buildings. The products that protect against fire are tested either to British Standards or European Standards. Pilkington develop and test their products in a variety of frames and sizes to ensure that the products can be reliably used in most situations.
The performance of fire rated glass products is measured in 30 minute periods for integrity (the ability of the glass to hold back flames and hot gases) and insulation (the ability of the glass surface to remain below prescribed limits). A glass that provides 30 minutes integrity and insulation may be coded 30/30 or EI30 for the European standard. E is for integrity and I for insulation). There is no requirement for protection from radiation in UK fire codes of practice even though it is measured in the European tests.
Fire Protection
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