Posted By Brenda H Is it normal practice, or advised anywhere, that you should use fire retardent paint in communal areas in properties, i.e. lounge areas in hostels? Thanks,

Posted By Mitch Brenda, No nothing specific in law. What does your FRA say? Would the application of flame retardant paint to an existing structure help any potential hazard identified? Mitch

Posted By Mitch Brenda, Have a look at Building Regs Doc B. Mitch

Posted By CFT Brenda You may already have intumescent paint or retardant paint in place without realising it, in such areas as you describe so as to comply with part B (part 7 I think)of the building regulations whenever change of use, modification or building works were undertaken; works would not of course be restricted to just the wall coatings. It would therefore be quite correct to continue with this; you can also, (to enhance the workability of your FRA) ensure it is done when re-decorating and there are many products that currently exist to select from. I have included some links that you may find helpful. http://www.planningporta...ls/en/1115314683691.html http://www.emeraldinsigh...=lnkpdf&contentId=876841 http://www.wealden.gov.u...BCInformationSheet11.PDF Others no doubt will assist. All the best CFT

Posted By CFT Hi Richard I have no experience that would suggest one coat of matt vinyl paint would make any determinable change in fire patters or characteristics; you would probably need to talk with the manufactures to request test information. The concept behind many retardant paints but not all, is that on contact with flame it releases a gas that helps to keep the fire at bay. This would ultimately make a difference, but when dealing with an 'out of control' fire I doubt that it would add many seconds, hopefully everyone would be safely evacuated. All the best CFT

Posted By CFT Brenda Part B2 section 7 is wall & ceiling linings, I thought too I didn't recognise the load bearing reference. http://www.planningporta...s/br/BR_PDF_ADB_2000.pdf CFT

Posted By Mitch Brenda, do a tinternet search on Approved Document B this covers fire safety, http://www.planningporta...ls/en/4000000000084.html As mentioned some paints release gases, some are intumescent etc etc they are of varying prices so it might be with shopping around, try talking to a reputable fire protection company as an alternative to a decorating company. If cost is an issue there are also proprietary systems that can be installed to protect load bearing structures. Mitch

Posted By DPK Brenda To answer your question, it is not normal practice, but it is best practice. One coat of fire retardant paint covering multiple layers of none fire retardant paint will not offer much if any protection as the heat generated by any fire will expose the flammable paints underneath. Fire loading can be greatly reduced by ensuring combustible materials are not used , kept or stored in protective fire escape routes e.g. bags & coats in school corridors. Protected routes are exactly that, and practical measures should be made to maintain them as such. I know very few fire safety officers who would pull you up for using none fire retardant paint, however i know numerous how would pull you up for storage of combustibles in these areas. Don't forget fire retardant is not the same as inert, so sooner or later fire retardant paint will become affected by the effects of fire. So if it has no significant fire loading on the building i wouldn't focus on it too much. If you need a chat feel free to give me a call. Regards DPK