Leading Australian insulation manufacturer Kingspan Insulation recently commissioned a study to ascertain the compliance requirements for exposed insulation in the walls and ceilings of warehouses and commercial or industrial sheds.

Kingspan Insulation engaged independent chartered professional fire safety engineer, Ignis Solutions to evaluate whether exposed insulation was considered a wall or ceiling lining, and if so, the fire performance requirements it needed to satisfy the National Construction Code’s (NCC) Building Code of Australia (BCA).

The fire safety report submitted by Ignis Solutions is the basis for Kingspan Insulation’s new Fire Safety Compliance Guide: Wall and Ceiling Linings, which examines what constitutes a wall or ceiling lining, and confirms that insulation is considered a wall or ceiling lining if it is left exposed to the interior of the building.

The Fire Safety Compliance Guide highlights key advice areas including NCC fire performance requirements for wall and ceiling linings; how fire hazard properties are classified and ratings achieved; the differences in test methods and relevant testing for different materials; what common insulation products need full scale fire testing (AS ISO 9705) to achieve a rating (Group Number); and what Group Number is required for Australian warehouses and commercial or industrial sheds.

The guide also considers why small scale testing is not acceptable for exposed insulation acting as wall and ceiling lining and what to do if a product supplier claims a Group Number based on smaller scale tests (AS/NZS 3837 or ISO 5660.1).

Describing the report as essential reading for builders, roofing contractors, building surveyors and businesses engaged in the construction and finishing of warehouses and commercial or industrial sheds, Kingspan Insulation Technical R&D and Accreditations Manager Keith Anderson also recommends the guide for all businesses looking to invest in new warehouses and commercial or industrial sheds. He believes the guide will help all property owners and businesses understand the regulatory requirements for their premises and their compliance responsibilities as they could have significant implications on their insurance premiums.

Managing Director of Ignis Solutions, Benjamin Hughes-Brown, says it is critical that building professionals and businesses occupying or engaged in the construction of warehouses and commercial or industrial sheds around the country, clearly understand fire safety compliance requirements for exposed insulation that forms wall and ceiling linings, and take every step to fulfil their legal obligation.

Benjamin adds that exposed insulation in the walls and ceilings of warehouses and commercial or industrial sheds must be considered as wall and ceiling linings and fully meet every fire safety compliance requirement.

Architecture & Design Team

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Kingspan Insulation

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