Glenalmond Timber has been named as the first company to achieve certification under the Wood Protection Association’s (WPA) new quality assurance scheme for flame retardant performance of materials used in timber frame.
Called Benchmark FR Build, the scheme evolved from the WPA’s Benchmark scheme for preservative treatment and was developed following an approach from the UK Timber Frame Association as part of its strategy to boost the timber frame sector’s performance and image in fire prevention and safety.
“Benchmark FR Build has been developed in collaboration with UKTFA and relates to all products applied under factory-controlled conditions to give timber frame components, including engineered wood products, appropriate protection from fire during the construction phase,” said WPA director Steve Young.
To achieve compliance with the new scheme, companies must have products fire tested by an accredited testing operation, such as Chiltern International Fire or Exova Warringtonfire. Subsequently they have to submit to regular audit by WPA-appointed independent inspectors.
Glenalmond Timber achieved Benchmark FR Build approval for its treatment of the full range of timber frame elements with the newly launched IWS-FR (flame retardant). The latter has been developed with timber construction system specialist sister company, Intelligent Wood Systems (IWS), over the last 18 months.
The new product, said IWS, is a non-hazardous blend of fire retardants which reduces ignitability, fire propagation, spread of flame and generated heat. The latter helps limit the risk of fire spreading to neighbouring buildings and can reduce HSE-required separating distances between surrounding structures and the new building.
Director Fraser Steele said Glenalmond was “delighted” to be the first to achieve Benchmark FR Build accreditation. “Flame retardants are too important not to have the correct checks and balances in place and the FR Build scheme ensures we do.”
