The fourth in the government’s series of large-scale fire safety
tests, that will allow experts to better understand how different
types of cladding panels behave with different types of
insulation in a fire, has been completed by the Building Research
Establishment (BRE).
This fourth test was of a wall cladding system consisting of
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding with a fire resistant
polyethylene filler (category 2 in screening tests) and stone
wool insulation (a form of mineral wool). This combination of
materials has passed the test.
The government’s Expert Panel advise that the results show
that this combination of materials can be compliant with current
Building Regulations when installed and maintained properly. It
could therefore offer a possible solution for some buildings with
other cladding systems which have been identified as a hazard.
However the Expert Panel note that cladding and insulation
materials can vary between manufacturers and can have different
calorific values. The way materials have been fitted and
maintained can also affect the safety of the cladding system.
Therefore the clear advice from the
Expert Panel is that building owners need to continue to take
professional advice as to whether any remedial work is necessary
to ensure the safety of their building. The test results
published today (11 August 2017) will help inform this work but
they must also take into account the specific circumstances of
their building.
13 buildings over 18 metres tall in England are known to have
this combination of ACM with a fire resistant polyethylene filler
(category 2) and stone wool insulation. Following initial
screening tests, government issued advice to
building owners detailing immediate interim safety measures that
needed to be undertaken. These measures have been completed for
all 13 of these buildings.
The government announced the independent review of
building regulations and fire safety on 28 July 2017.
This forward-looking review will examine the regulatory system
around the design, construction and on-going management of
buildings in relation to fire safety as well as related
compliance and enforcement issues.
Results of the first 3 tests have already been published. Results
of all remaining large-scale tests will be published when they
are available.
