A system has been launched to address fire safety concerns in multi-storey timber frame construction after a 12-month research programme and collaboration across the timber frame sector.

Intelligent Wood Systems used Ecobuild to launch its IWS-FR (fire retardant) system, comprising fire retardant-treated studs, engineered timber floors, and plywood sheathing, together with a 40-page research report which concludes that, when adopted, the system, will minimise fire safety concerns during the timber frame build phase.

The development process has also involved the UK Timber Frame Association, Frame UK, Milner Associates, Chiltern International Fire, Kingspan, Arch Timber Protection and BM TRADA Certification.

Timber frame industry efforts have so far concentrated on preventative measures, whereas IWS has focused on limiting fire growth, reducing peak heat output and making it more difficult for a fire to develop.

“Preventative measures will not solve the problem in isolation,” said IWS. “A determined arsonist will find a way on to site and into a position where he can start a fire. That is why protecting the actual building fabric itself is absolutely key.”

Laboratory and large-scale tests, witnessed by senior fire health officers and health and safety managers, demonstrated that the IWS-FR system can reduce the amount of heat generated in a timber frame fire by more than 70 times. Tests also showed the capacity for a fire to self-extinguish.

IWS says this reduction combined with reduced ignitability and spread of flame gives fire crews more time to tackle the fire and could reduce insurance costs.

The water-based double vacuum treatment fire retardants used were developed with partner Arch Timber Protection to provide fire protection for the lifetime of a building.

A purple dye added during treatment provides a way of identifying that timber components are IWS-FR treated.

IWS director Doug Cullen described the launch of IWS-FR as a big first step in the right direction and advocated its use in conjunction with the UKTFA’s 16-step risk assessment approach.