I have some misgivings over someones assertion that fire retardent expanding foam has been used as fire stopping in certain locations in a building I have recently fire risk assessed. How would I go about having a sample lab tested to put the matter beyond doubt?

Any help much appreciated.......Bleve.......Chris?

Hi Smurf

You would need a test house for BS476 Part 20, preferably UKAS accredited.

Probably need the assembly rather than just the foam.

don't think the assembly is an option, I'll try and explain myself better.

There is air-con ducting passing through a compartment wall. This has been made good (or not) around the edges with expanding foam. I don't believe the foam used is intumescant.

Hi Chris, sorry, no it doesn't, I meant fire rated. Just about to trawl through the O&M manuals to see if it's listed but I doubt it's in there and even if its been specified, I doubt it's whats been used.

What I'd like to be able to do is send a chunk of it to someone who could test it and tell me whether or not it's fire rated.

I would also suggest Warrington.

Notwithstanding the fire resistance of the expanding foam, you need to determine the level of fire resistance required, depth and width of sealant, Is backing required and if so width and depth.

i.e.

Max width is typically 40 mm and min sealing depth 200 mm

or sealing depth 180 mm with 20 mm stone wool backing material (density of 100 Kg/m^3).

I would make the recommendation that properties of sealant must be supported by documentary evidence. In addition, where construction method is not declared, then depth and use of backing material must be determined by physical examination.