Posted By Helen Flinn Hi All Just wondering if I could pick some collective grey matter on this subject. We are a housing association who have a number of sheltered schemes for elderly tenants. We are in the process of programming redecoration works in these schemes and there is a big push at the minute to use fire retardant paints. (Personally I feel that it's a bit of a marketing scam by the paint suppliers hawking the old "health and safety" excuse for whacking extortionate prices on the stuff, but..) Does anyone have any idea if this is being written into legislation or codes of practices in the building regs etc? As a point to note, the schemes in question are very low on the fire risk stakes. We have multiple layers of paint on the walls at present as the schemes went up in the 60s, so we are wondering if we are going to have to strip it right back or if it's ok to slap the FR stuff on top. Stripping it back of course raises issues with the dreaded A word, as several of the buildings are riddled with white asbestos. It's perfectly safe and encapsulated as it is, but if we have to strip back the exisiting paint... That then raises the question of if it's full of acm is the fire retardant paint just expensive, but ultimately pointless "icing"?? Answers on a postcard please. Thanks

Posted By J Knight Hi Helen, We use fire-retardant stuff throughout in common areas, technically its called Class O. We do this because its required by the codes of practice we use for fire, which are all part of the NHS Firecode series; sheltered housing wouldn't need to follow such stringent guidance. Protected escape routes should always have flame limiting surfaces and its a very good idea to use flame retardant paints and wallpapers on any escape routes, even where not actually required. We use a company called Envirograph as suppliers and consultants for this kind of thing, they themselves market a range of flame retardant and intumescent paints and papers. Other suppliers exist, but it would probably be a good idea to talk to somebody in their line, John

Posted By J Knight Hi Jeff, No, building regs aren't retrospective, but the need to protect escape routes should probably be a finding of the Fire Safety Risk Assessment process, and fire retardant paints and papers are helpful in this. Class 0 paints and wall coverings won't support combustion, but there is a class beyond this of intumescent materials which will actually impede combustion. The company we use market products which will upgrade a standard door to 20 minutes fire-retardancy just with a lick of paint or the application of paper; very helpful when you have Grade II listed interiors, JOhn

Posted By shaun mckeever As I recall the main problem with using coatings such as fire resisitant paints is that a minimum thickness has to be maintained. Daily wear and tear may reduce the thickness of the paint layer as will scratches and dents. Your supplier must advise you of this and must make you aware of any other pitfalls such as ensuring a constant thicknes across the entire surface.