Abstract
This paper highlights the challenges the fire and rescue services can meet at façade fires involving EPS insulation during construction and use of a building. The EPS characteristics are discussed in respect to the fire and rescue operation and results from orientating fire tests performed at a fire and rescue services training and test field are presented. Types of evacuation solutions, involving the fire and rescue services, where façade fires can delay or completely rule out the possibilities for safe evacuation, are presented. The restrictions in the Swedish building codes regarding use of combustible insulation are analysed and reflections over the practical problems with following the instructions to keep an EPS insulated façade safe through the building's whole lifespan are made. A number of occurred fires involving EPS are discussed and analysed from a fire and rescue perspective. Finally, recommendations are given for the fire and rescue services and future research fields are proposed.
Highlights
In order to save energy and simplify the installation work activities, insulation material for façades more and more often is changed from the more traditionally used stone or glass wool to expanded polystyrene (EPS) or other types of combustible types of insulations
The EPS characteristics are discussed in respect to the fire and rescue operation and results from orientating fire tests performed at a fire and rescue services training and test field are presented
The challenges can mainly be divided into four main topics; fire and rescue service aided evacuation through windows in multistorey apartment buildings, fire spread between buildings and along façades, fire extinguishment and increased heat exposure on the fire fighters
Summary
In order to save energy and simplify the installation work activities, insulation material for façades more and more often is changed from the more traditionally used stone or glass wool to expanded polystyrene (EPS) or other types of combustible types of insulations. The use of EPS is in many cases very favourable; it is light, easy to install and has a low coefficient of heat transmission. The increased use of EPS in façades creates new challenges for the fire and rescue services. The challenges can mainly be divided into four main topics; fire and rescue service aided evacuation through windows in multistorey apartment buildings, fire spread between buildings and along façades, fire extinguishment and increased heat exposure on the fire fighters. Enclosure fires are daily work for an urban fire and rescue service, but risk assessment and strategic decisions are based on earlier experiences and traditional building technology. The use of EPS in façades can create fast fire spread both along a façade and between buildings and put both inhabitants in need of rescue and the fire fighters at risk. At a construction site larger quantities of EPS can be openly exposed and represent a higher risk of ignition both applied on facades and at open storages before installation
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