Firefighting challenges with panel systems

When compared with other types of construction techniques, these panel systems therefore provide a unique combination of problems for firefighters, including – (a) hidden fire spread within panels with thermoplastic cores; (b) production of large quantities of black toxic smoke and rapid fire spread leading to flashover; and (c) hidden fire behind lining systems. These three characteristics are common to both polyurethane and polystyrene cored panels, although the rate of fire spread in polyurethane cores is significantly less than that of polystyrene cores, especially when any external heat source is removed. In addition, irrespective of the type of panel core, all systems are susceptible to delamination of the steel facing, collapse of the system and hidden fire spread behind the system.