Landlords warned of potential fire risk
Thousands of properties across the UK could be
falling short of strict new fire safety standards, because of the
often unrecognised hazard presented by painted walls and ceilings.
As walls and ceilings are the main surfaces
conducting fire spread around buildings, they are mainly
constructed from non-flammable materials such as plaster,
plasterboard, and concrete. However, the materials that are then
applied to them can increase the risk posed by fire.
The continued application of conventional
paints to these surfaces is likely to have a negative effect on the
fire performance in terms of spread of flame, leading to walls and
ceilings no longer meeting the Class 0 rating recommended in
legislation.
Property managers, including council housing
officers and housing association representatives, were given
information on the potential problem, and solution, at a special
fire safety seminar organised by property services specialist Ian
Williams. The seminar was run in partnership with Crown Paints.