Fire safety class linoleum

The choice of high-quality finishing materials that will comply with fire safety standards can significantly reduce the risk of fire. And if such a situation occurred, then extinguishing and saving people will be much easier. Since linoleum is one of the most common flooring covered, it is necessary to approach its choice responsibly, paying particular attention to such a characteristic as the fire hazard class.

Fire safety class is a set of characteristics that determine the important properties of resistance to an open flame in finishing materials, buildings and structures.

REFERENCE! All norms are spelled out in the SNiP documents and are regulated by law.

For the construction and finishing materials, 4 types of combustibility are installed:

• KM1 - do not pose a danger;
• KM2 - fire hazard is negligible;
• KM3 - average software;
• KM4 - high fire hazard.

Flammability is the most important characteristic when choosing fireproof linoleum. Floor coatings marked K4 are contraindicated for use in rooms that are visited by a large number of people.

In addition to the main characteristics, for finishing materials there are also additional ones. These include:

1. Flammability. Shows how quickly the material will light up, the lower the value, the longer the ignition will take place.
2. Toxicity. It characterizes the amount of harmful substances released during a fire.
3. Smoke formation. Shows the amount and density of smoke generated by a fire.
4. Fire propagation time. A characteristic indicating how quickly open flame spreads on the surface of the coating.

ATTENTION! All indicators have a digital designation from 1 to 3. The lower this value, the more resistant to open flame construction and decoration materials.

Quality building materials indicate these characteristics in quality certificates.

In addition to such qualities as wear resistance and resistance to mechanical damage, when choosing linoleum, it is necessary to take into account all the main fire safety indicators. Fireproof linoleum is most often used to decorate places that are visited by a large number of people. It:

• polyclinics, hospitals and other medical institutions;
• places for catering;
• hotel complexes;
• educational institutions;
• office buildings;
• entertainment and sports centers.

Since there are usually a large number of people in such places, the linoleum chosen must meet all the fire safety requirements:

• should not emit various toxic and caustic substances in case of fire;
• should not form a smoke;
• the speed of flame propagation over the surface of linoleum should be minimal.

REFERENCE! All linoleum, which refers to fire, has a special protective layer.

Polymers are the main component of linoleum, therefore, polyvinyl chloride floor coverings occupy the largest niche in the market of finishing materials. However, when burning, they emit a huge amount of caustic and toxic substances, and also cause severe smoke. Such coatings are not suitable for crowded places. Therefore, in the manufacture of fireproof linoleum, special non-toxic additives are used. They help the coating fight high temperatures and prevent the release of corrosive substances into the atmosphere.

IMPORTANT! Even the most fireproof linoleum can not withstand the high temperatures of an open flame for a long time, however, corrosive substances will not be released during combustion.

All the most important characteristics of the floor covering must be confirmed by the necessary package of documents. It includes:

1. Conclusion SanPiN, confirming the fire safety of the coating.
2. Fire Safety Certificate. It indicates the flammability class of linoleum. For fireproof, this value should be K1.
3. Declaration of compliance with laws and regulations.

IMPORTANT! The entire set of documents must be with the seller. If there is no such set, then we can talk about counterfeit goods.

It is worth considering that fire-resistant linoleum is available in two types:

1. Homogeneous. It is made of one dense layer and has a foam base. The picture goes right through. It is usually used for industrial premises, as it has a limited number of patterns and colors.
2. Heterogeneous. The structure is heterogeneous. However, it has several protective layers. Suitable for placement in kindergartens and clinics.

All modern and high-quality floor coverings are carried out in accordance with established fire safety standards.