When designing safe, compliant, and durable facilities, there are often factors that are simply overlooked, one of which is the fire rating of the wall panel product. Fire ratings are so important to protecting property, saving lives, and achieving compliance across all industries (food processing, pharmaceuticals, cannabis, etc.).
When it comes to specialized applications like clean rooms, controlled environments, and grow facilities, wall panels can impact both safety and performance. Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) panels outperform other options when it comes to durability and fire safety.
What are Fire Ratings and Why do they Matter?
Fire ratings refer to how well building materials can prevent fire and slow down its spread. Fire ratings are determined by prescribed testing, like ASTM E84, whereby:
Flame spread index (the speed at which flames move across the surface) and smoke development index (how much smoke is produced) are checked.
A lower flame spread and smoke index tells you the material is more fire safe, which is a crucial consideration for any build, and even more so for buildings with high electrical loads, flammable materials, or sensitive equipment.
FRP Panels - A Smart Decision for Safety from Fire
FRP panels are not only lightweight and easy to clean, but they can also be produced and manufactured with a Class A fire rating. Which means that they offer:
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Little to no flame spread in the event of a fire.
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Very little smoke production to reduce the risk to occupants.
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Ability to meet building codes regulations in industries where having a high standard of safety is paramount.
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Not only do Class A fire-rated FRP panels guarantee safety in the infrastructure of clean rooms, cannabis grow facilities, and food processing plants, but they can also keep those working inside safe.
Examples in Industry with Critical Fire Ratings
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Cannabis Grow Rooms - with humidities as high as 90%, high-intensity lighting systems and electrical setups, fire safety is truly a top priority. Class A FRP panels offer protection that will not sacrifice hygiene or make fire safety a lower priority.
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Pharmaceutical Clean Rooms - regulatory compliance requires materials that are fire-resistant and anti-microbial.
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Food & beverage processing plants - FRP wall panels comply with the exposure of surfaces to sanitation, while offering protection from fire as well.
Safety from Fire, Safety from Harm, & Protection of DurabilityÂ
Fire ratings can be more than a building code; they are a vital protection for people, processes, and property. FRP panels provide the ultimate safety, hygiene, and durability when it comes to wall panel selection for today's facilities. Explore our collection of FRP wall panels today.Â