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chrisbuk  
#1 Posted : 14 November 2017 17:19:29(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
chrisbuk

Hello!

We are an AV company installing digital displays in commercial properties (offices mainly). Whilst it's not something that we have been asked about yet, I want to ensure we are covered in terms of the fire loading of our installations and what impact that has on the building and us as a company.

We install in 2 configurations:

  • Wall mounted (using a standard TV bracket)
  • Flush Mounted (wall cut out and a screen installed in a recess)

We also keep a control cabinet somewhere in the building with IT equipment stored inside.

Has anyone had experience in this field, particularly with regards to providing documentation? We currently just provide them with an NICEIC certificate to sign off on the electrical installation.

Thanks

Messey  
#2 Posted : 14 November 2017 17:59:29(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Messey

What do you mean 'fire loading'?  This term usually relates to establishing the heat output of a theoretical fire. The fire loading in a tyre workshop is most likely to be far in excess of its neighbouring stone mason for example.

I cannot imagine display rquipment adding significantly to a space's fire loading unless its a huge media wall.

Perhaps the biggest risk in your business is ensuring fire stopping is carried out where the compartmentation has been breached by cabling or where fire resisting walling has been removed to enable flush mounting. It seems sensible to me for you to ask the client to highlight which walls, floors and ceilings are part of the fire compartment, and what rating their fire resistance is.

Then in you method statement, you could determine how you will fire stop to achieve the same level of protection both during the works and after on completion 

Steve e ashton  
#3 Posted : 15 November 2017 01:11:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Steve e ashton

I doubt the completed installation will add significantly to the fire load in most commercial premises... But... How much expanded polystyrene, polythene bubble wrap, cardboard and wooden pallets do you import during delivery and installation? How do you minimise the potential problems these materials may cause? Control may be simple... Or it may be completely absent...
chrisbuk  
#4 Posted : 15 November 2017 10:47:50(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
chrisbuk

What do you mean 'fire loading'

I probably should have been clearer here but I think you got what I was referring to. What I suppose I'm asking is will our screen/installation of our equipment impact significantly on the fire loading of the premises. Connected to this - are we obliged to provide any documentation to prove that it is all safe etc

Perhaps the biggest risk in your business is ensuring fire stopping is carried out where the compartmentation has been breached by cabling or where fire resisting walling has been removed to enable flush mounting.

This is a good point. I think this is probably something we definitely need to raise with the building manager at the point of design approval. With regards to the method statement we already list out where we install fire stops.

I doubt the completed installation will add significantly to the fire load in most commercial premises... But... How much expanded polystyrene, polythene bubble wrap, cardboard and wooden pallets do you import during delivery and installation? How do you minimise the potential problems these materials may cause? Control may be simple... Or it may be completely absent...
The materials that we deliver to site are very minimal and often delivered on the day with the installation team. Nevertheless there will still be some flammability there so I think we'll add that to the risk assessment as well.
Thanks for the replies so far - if anyone has any more suggestions/experience please let me know.
Hsquared14  
#5 Posted : 15 November 2017 13:29:47(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Hsquared14

The fire loading relates to the calorific value of the materials stored in the premises, the rate of likely release of the stored energy, the ease of ignition and the likely generation of toxic gases.  As you items are electrical they would add little to the actual fire loading but would be a potential ignition source. I would ask you public liability insurers to help you identify probabilities of your equipment initiating a fire, they should have access to this sort of specialist resource.

Invictus  
#6 Posted : 15 November 2017 13:38:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Odd's are it will add nothing to the potential but it is the fire stopping for the flush mounted screens that need the attention as the fire could spread through the inside of the wall without immediate detection.

There are a lot of products on the market, we insist that the wall has the same rated fire protection as when it was installed so the identification of fire walls is a must.

Building Regulations Approved Document B states that 'any penetrated fire rated wall should be reinstated to its original fire rating'.

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