Design recommendations for panel systems fire risk

To identify the appropriate solution, a risk assessment approach should be adopted. This would involve identifying the potential fire risk within the enclosures formed by the panel systems and then adopting one or more of the following at the design stage – (a) removing the risk; (b) separating the risk from the panels by an appropriate distance; (c) providing a fire suppression system for the risk; (d) providing a fire suppression system for the enclosure; (e) providing fire-resisting panels; and (f) specifying appropriate materials/fixing and jointing systems. In summary the performance of the building structure, including the insulating envelope, the superstructure, the substructure, etc., must be considered in relation to their performance in the event of a fire.