FM Approval Requirements
FM Global, formally known as Factory Mutual, has a quite different – but equally severe - test standard for assessing reaction to fire.
This test standard is FMRC 4880 (1994) Approval requirements for Class 1 fire classification with no height restriction.
Achievement of Class 1 with no height restriction is dependent on performance in a number of tests that include –
- ASTM E84 Surface Burning Characteristics
- ASTM D482 Ignition Residue tests
- ASTM E711 Oxygen Bomb tests
- UBC 26-3 Room Test
- FMRC 50ft Corner Test
The 50 ft wall test is very severe. Two walls 15.24m high with a small ceiling are lined with panels and a large fire source (345kg dry timber) is positioned in the corner. To achieve approval there has to be no flame spread or fire propagation to the extremities of the panel construction. Kingspan FM approved panels are well within these limits with no flame spread away from the fire source.
Fire Risk Assessment - The Way Forward
Risk Management Considerations
When considering building design and fire protection, it is strongly recommended that early and close liaison is established between the client, building designer and insurer. This will provide all parties with the opportunity of discussing and developing the most cost-effective passive and active fire protection measures appropriate to the specific property and business protection needs.
The Risk Assessment Process
Insurers will identify with the client, the component parts of the business operation and the effect that loss of each will have, not only in direct financial loss terms but also in the profitability of the business.
The following is a broad summary of the aspects of the business that will need consideration:
Occupancy
Usage and Processes Involved;
- Fire load arising from the occupancy, e.g. type of goods stored and storage heights proposed
- Premises layout, e.g. proximity of production storage
Hazardous Processes;
- Critical business process, equipment and/or components and stock, e.g. electronic equipment, high value components etc
Estimated Values at Risk
Buildings;
- Contents excluding stock
- Stock
- Business interruption exposure
Surroundings
Exposure from other Premises:
- Type of area, e.g. residential/industrial
Fire Protection
- Distance from the nearest public fire brigade
- Availability of adequate water supplies for fire fighting
- Fire detection/protection systems required to augment
- passive fire protection
Security
Site Security Requirements
Insurer Certification
- UK & Ireland property insurer building fire performance requirements are based on the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) stringent testing, certification, approval procedures and guidance contained in the LPC Design Guide for the Fire Protection of Buildings which ensures the approved systems/ equipment operates in the manner
designed when needed
- Factory Mutual (FM) is also an insurance approval company for testing of materials, services and design construction methods
Kingspan 
Solutions Service
Kingspan Fire Engineering Department provide a best practice, project specific solutions service.
UK Tel: +44 (0) 1352 716 101
Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 42 96 98500
Email: fireinfo@kingspanpanels.com
www.kingspanpanels.com