Fired Resistant Glazed Systems

CI/SfB
Ro
October 2009 Issue 4
A Guide to Best Practice

in the Specification
and Use of Fire-Resistant
Glazed Systems
Policy statement
Policy statement
The Glass
Glass and
andGlazing
GlazingFederation
Federation(GGF)’s
(GGF)’s Fire Resistant
Fire Resistant
Glazing Group
Group(FRGG)
(FRGG)isiscommitted
committed toto
the
thedevelopment
development
and advancement
advancementofofbest practice
best in the
practice manufacture,
in the manufacture,
testing, specification,
testing, specification,application andand
application installation of fire-
installation of fire-
resistant glazed
resistant glazedsystems.
systems.
goal is
Our goal is to
to work
work with
with the
the wider
wider fire
fire safety
safety community
community to to achieve
achieve the
the
optimum fire
optimum fire protection
protection in
in our
our buildings.
buildings. Our
Our target
target isis to
to develop
develop best
best
fire-resistant glazed
practice for fire-resistant glazed systems.
systems.
We will seek to meet our objectives
objectives by
by bringing
bringing together
together and
and making
making
available the latest expert advice of those who work work with
with fire-resistant
fire-resistant
day-to-day basis.We
glazed systems on a day-to-day basis.We will
will also
also lead
lead the
the industry
industry in
in
development and
the development and application
application of
of the
the most
most appropriate
appropriate best
best practice
practice
relevant to
relevant to such
such systems.
systems.
representative association
The GGF, as the representative association of
of the
the glazing
glazing industry,
industry, only
only
within the
recognises those within the industry
industry who
who endorse
endorse and
and subscribe
subscribe to
to the
the
objectives of
policies, aims and objectives of the
the FRGG
FRGG byby membership
membership of of the
the group.
group.
condition of
A necessary condition of FRGG
FRGG membership
membership is is that
that members
members follow
follow
the principles defined in this document and that they promote,
promote, develop
develop
application of
and champion the application of best
best practice
practice in
in the
the use
use of
of fire-resistant
fire-resistant
with a recognition
glazed systems with recognition ofof their
their responsibilities
responsibilities in
in ensuring
ensuring
fitness for purpose
fitness purpose in
in the
the event
event of
of fire.
fire.
Glass and Glazing

Glazing Federation
Federation
Street
44 – 48 Borough High Street
London
London
SE1 1XB
Telephone: 0870
Telephone: 0870 042
042 4255
4255
Facsimile: 0870 042 4266
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.ggf.org.uk
July 2009
April 2008
22 Best Practice
Best PracticeGuide
Guide
Disclaimer
This best practice guide is produced by the Glass and Glazing Federation
(GGF) and is issued for guidance only.The GGF takes no responsibility
for reliance on any advice given, for any omissions from the guide or for
the consequences of users acting in accordance with contents of the
guide.Whilst every attempt is made to present up-to-date information
and accurate guidance, any liability on the part of the GGF arising in
connection with this guide is expressly disclaimed.
Proprietary product names referred to in the guide are those produced
or supplied by members of the Fire Resistant Glazing Group of the
GGF.This is not to imply that products from non-members are
unsuitable for use in fire-resistant glazed systems. Such products may be
suitable, always conditional upon the availability of appropriate evidence
of performance founded on relevant test information.
Best Practice Guide 3

Table of contents
Introduction
Introduction 66
Terms used
Terms used 77
A quick
A quick reference
referenceguide
guidetotothe key
the factors
key to be
factors to considered
be considered
in specifying fire-resistant glazing
in specifying fire-resistant glazing 88
A reference
A reference to
tothe
theprincipal
principal regulations, codes
regulations, of practice
codes of practice
and guides relevant to fire-resistant glazed systems
and guides relevant to fire-resistant glazed systems 99
Summary of
Summary of key
keybest
bestpractice
practice points
points 10
10
Section 1:
Section 1: Basic
Basicprinciples
principles 13
13
– Design flexibility
– Design flexibility 13
13
–– Planning
Planning 13
13
– Fire-resistant glazed
– Fire-resistant glazed systems
systems 14
14
–– Responsibilities
Responsibilities 15
15
– Main components
– Main components of of fire-resistant
glazed systems
systems 16
16
– Applications
– Applications 18
18
–– Applicable
Applicable standards
standards for for fire-resistance
fire-resistance 18
18
–– Regulations
Regulations covering
covering fire
fire protection
protection 19
19
– Classification of fire-resistance
– Classification of fire-resistance for for UK
UK regulations
regulations 19
19
– Approved Document B (England
– Approved Document B (England and Wales) and Wales) 20
20
–– Fire
Fire safety
safety legislation
legislation 25
25
–– Building
Building Regulation
Regulation 16B
16B 26
26
– Classification of fire-resistance
– Classification of fire-resistance to to European
European standards
standards 27
27
– Property protection
– Property protection 28
28
Section 2:
Section 2: Evidence
Evidenceofoffire fireperformance
performance 30
30
– Introduction
– Introduction 30
30
–– Test
Test reports
reports 31
31
– Assessment reports
– Assessment reports 31
31
–– Third-party
Third-party certificates
certificates 32
32
– CE Marking process
– CE Marking process 33
33
•• EC
EC Certificate
Certificate of
of Conformity
Conformity 33
33
•• Classification
Classification report
report 33
33
•• EC
EC declaration
declaration ofof conformity
conformity 33
33
•• Field
Field of
of application
application 33
33
•• CE
CE Marking
Marking and
and harmonised
harmonised European
European Product
Product Standards
Standards
and European Technical Approval Guidelines
and European Technical Approval Guidelines 34
34
Section 3:
Section 3: Fire-resistant
Fire-resistant glass
glass 36
36
– Glass types
– Glass types 36
36
–– Performance
Performance in in the
the event
event ofof fire
fire 37
37
– Fire-resistant insulating glass
– Fire-resistant insulating glass units units 39
38
–– Horizontal
Horizontal and
and sloped
sloped glazed
glazed systems
systems 39
38
– Decorative treatments
– Decorative treatments on glasson glass 40
39
–– Multifunctional
Multifunctional performance
performance 40
39
Section 4:
Section 4: Fire-resistant
Fire-resistant glazing
glazing seals
seals 41
40
– Importance of the glazing
– Importance of the glazing seal seal 41
40
–– Function
Function of
of the
the seal
seal 41
40
– Available forms
– Available forms of of seals
seals 42
41
–– Intumescent
Intumescent seal
seal types
types 42
41
– Non-intumescent
– Non-intumescent seal seal types
types 43
42
– Seal combinations with different glass
– Seal combinations with different glass types
types 44
43
4 Best Practice Guide

Table of contents
Section 5:
Section 5: Timber
Timberscreens screensand and doors
doors 46
45
–– Behaviour
Behaviour of of timber
timber in in fire
fire 46
45
–– Timber
Timber density
density 46
45
– Particular considerations concerning
– Particular considerations concerning timber
timber fire
fire doors
doors 48
47
– Timber glazing
– Timber glazing beads beads 49
48
–– Additional
Additional information
information concerning
concerning glazing
glazing beads
beads used
used in
in timber
timber fire
fire doors
doors 51
50
–– Bead
Bead fixings
fixings 52
51
– Setting blocks
– Setting blocks 52
51
– Integrity
– Integrity andand insulation
insulation glazing
glazing within
within timber
timber fire-resistant
fire-resistant systems
systems 53
52
– Glazing apertures
– Glazing apertures in doorsin doors 53
52
–– Linings
Linings for
for glazing
glazing apertures
apertures 54
53
–– Particular
Particular considerations
considerations to to achieve
achieve 60
60 minutes
minutes integrity
integrity
performance in glazed
performance in glazed systems systems 54
53
–– Particular
Particular considerations
considerations for for 60
60 minute
minute fire
fire doors
doors 56
55
– Fanlights
– Fanlights 56
55
Section 6:
Section 6: Metal
Metalsystemssystems 57
56
– Behaviour
– Behaviour of of metals
metals inin fire
fire 57
56
– Metal screens
– Metal screens 58
57
–– Metal
Metal fire
fire doors
doors 58
57
– Beads and fixings
– Beads and fixings 60
59
–– Installation
Installation 60
59
– Edge cover
– Edge cover requirements
requirements 60
59
– Key factors affecting performance
– Key factors affecting performance 61
60
– Pressure glazed
– Pressure glazed systemssystems 63
62
–– Glazing
Glazing seals
seals for
for metal
metal frames
frames 64
63
–– Frames
Frames for for external
external applications
applications (drained
(drained and
and ventilated
ventilated systems)
systems) 64
63
– Curtain walling
– Curtain walling systemssystems 64
63
Section 7:
Section 7: Frameless
Frameless(butt-jointed)
(butt-jointed) systems
systems 65
64
– Types of systems
– Types of systems 65
64
–– Perimeter
Perimeter framing
framing 66
65
–– Available
Available systems
systems 66
65
Section 8:
Section 8: Fire
FireResistant
Resistant Loadbearing
Loadbearing Glass Floors
Glass Floors 67
66
– Essential requirements
– Essential requirements 67
66
–– Fire
Fire performance
performance requirements
requirements and
and testing
testing 67
66
–– In
In service
service functional
functional requirements
requirements 68
67
– Additional functional considerations
– Additional functional considerations 69
68
– Systems
– Systems 70
69
–– Connections
Connections and and gasket
gasket 70
69
Section 9:
Section 9: Installation
Installation 70
69
– Refurbishment
– Refurbishment of of fire-resistant
glazed doors
doors and
and screens
screens 71
70
– Marking of fire-resistant glass
– Marking of fire-resistant glass 74
73
–– Supporting
Supporting construction
construction 75
74
– Maintenance
– Maintenance and and aftercare
aftercare 76
75
–– Fire
Fire stopping
stopping 76
75
– Storage
– Storage andand transport
transport ofof fire-resistant
fire-resistant glass
glass 76
75
– Records and documentation
– Records and documentation 77
76
Section 10:
Section 10: Frequently
Frequentlyasked asked questions
questions 78
77
Appendix A:
Appendix A:Membership
Membershipofof
the Fire
the Resistant
Fire Glazing
Resistant Group
Glazing Group 82
81
Appendix B: Summary of impact safety requirements
Appendix B: Summary of impact safety requirements 83
82
Appendix C:
Appendix C: Requirements
Requirements ofofglazing manifestation
glazing manifestation 86
85
Appendix D: Contact details for associated
Appendix D: Contact details for associated organisations
organisations 87
86

Introduction to the 2nd edition
By the Chairman of the Fire Resistant Glazing Group (FRGG)
When the FRGG originally published this unique best practice guide in May 2005
we were very much aware of a gap in the publicly available information on best
practice in the specification, testing and use of fire-resistant glazed systems,
whilst the application and importance of such systems was rapidly increasing
with the widespread use of glass throughout all types of modern buildings. Our
intent was to fill the information gap and raise the profile of fire-resistant
glazed systems as important elements of fire safety that require special care and
attention. Our commitment has been reinforced since the original publication:
the guide has been in high demand and we have now reached the stage where
we need to restock.
Our objective with the 2nd edition remains the same.That is to establish and advance practical
standards in the application of fire-resistant glazed systems.The core content remains unchanged. But
we have taken the opportunity to update and revise the guidance where appropriate in view of
developments in external factors influencing fire safety.We have also added some new sections and
expanded some key aspects.
There have been three significant changes in particular since the first edition.These are the
introduction from October 2006 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 replacing
previous fire safety legislation; the publication of the revised Approved Document B (England and
Wales) in April 2007 with its renewed emphasis in particular on workmanship, competency, product
and installation accreditation, and documentation ; and the formation of a specific sector skills council
for the glass and glazing industry which the FRGG is encouraging to include fire-resistant glazing on
its agenda.These are all important changes which emphasize the need for development and
communication of best practice principles.
It is critical that the products we provide for fire resistance measure up to the highest possible
standards concerning both the level of performance and the consistency and reliability of
performance. In that respect we have a shared duty of care with all those involved in the chain from
specification through to installation.The guidance is still based on a broad cross section of the glass
and glazing industry. Contributors include core manufacturers of glass, glazing seals and frames, as
well as framing associations, product testing authorities, certification bodies, and glaziers – all of
whom are members of the FRGG.The guide remains as the output of the industry based on its
pooled expertise and knowledge.All members of the FRGG committee have participated in its
development, endorse its content and stand by its principles.
A primary objective of the FRGG is still to lead by example in setting appropriate standards for the
fire-resistant glazing industry. It is also our policy to encourage the widespread adoption of these
standards and to support other associations whose members use and depend on the performance
of fire-resistant glass. Looking to the future, it is the policy of the FRGG to advance national
vocational qualifications in fire-resistant glazed systems.And we intend that this Glass and Glazing
Federation best practice guide will be maintained as a core reference for those who seek, assess and
carry out training for that qualification.
Mike Wood,
Pilkington,
Chairman FRGG
(The latest information can be found on the GGF’s web site www.ggf.org.uk.)
Terms used
Note: the following terms are used in this guide:
Responsible Person
This is the person who owns the premises subject to fire safety regulation and is responsible for
ensuring that appropriate fire safety risk assessments are carried out to safeguard occupants
against fire hazards under the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
Where two or more Responsible Persons share this responsibility then they must co-operate, share
information and collaborate to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place in the
premises (e.g. tenant and landlord, multiple tenancy occupancy, adjacent premises).
Competent Person
This is anyone appointed by the Responsible Person to undertake fire safety risk assessments, fire
safety management of the premises, or work associated with the installation and operation of fire
safety systems within the premises under the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)
Order.
The Competent Person may be an employee of the Responsible Person or a subcontractor with
delegated responsibility for the safety of building occupants against fire. If the Competent Person is an
employee then the Responsible Person must ensure that appropriate and sufficient training is
provided so that the fire safety obligations can be competently discharged. If the Competent Person
is a subcontractor then it is implicit that the subcontractor must be able to demonstrate
appropriate levels of competence, for example by third party accreditation.
Expert Judgment
Expert judgment is a permissible method of demonstrating compliance with the functional
requirements of UK regulations, including the assessment of fire-resistance performance of
systems, assemblies, and constructions.This can involve, for example, complex engineering evaluations
of structures which are not amenable to the application of prescriptive solutions, or relatively less
complex evaluations of the expected fire performance of variations on a particular fire-resistant
system which has appropriate test evidence.
It is implicit that the expert is a practising professional in the relevant field of fire safety and can
demonstrate the appropriate knowledge, qualifications and experience.
It is also implicit that the judgment is related to one or more of the following: known fire
behaviour, known material behaviour, test information, appropriate case studies, fire science
principles, appropriate engineering-based equations and processes.
Responsibilities
The occurrence and development of fire is essentially unpredictable and uncertain, and its effects
can be catastrophic for both life and property.There is therefore a shared duty of care incumbent
on all those involved in the specification, testing, supply and installation of fire-resistant glazed
systems. It is essential to ensure that the final installed system is fit to protect the building and its
occupants against the effects of fire. Critical factors in achieving the intended performance in the
event of fire are both quality and reliability of product performance and satisfactory workmanship
on installation.

A quick reference guide to the key factors to be
considered in specifying fire-resistant glazing
Define the performance specification

Confirm:
• Guidance in Approved Document B • Bead designs
• Alternatives to meet building regulations • Performance class
• Application – integrity only, or
– internal or external, – integrity with insulation
– façade, screen or door, • Required classification time
– vertical, horizontal, or inclined • Other performance requirements
• Frame material (timber or metal)
Reference
Section 1 – Basic Principles
Identify an approved fire-resistant glazed system

Check:
• Test evidence of performance
– test report – classification report
– assessment report – declaration of conformity
– certificate from a third party scheme – Certificate of Conformity
Confirm:
• Details of glazed system to meet the specification
Reference
Section 2 – Evidence of Fire Approval
Confirm material and system specification

Confirm:
• Glass type and name • Bead fixings
• Seal type and name • Details of assembly
• Frame materials and frame design • Details of any finishes and decoration
• Bead material and design • Check relevant drawings
Establish:
• Points of detail governing fire performance
Reference
Section 3 – Fire-resistant glass Section 6 – Metal systems for screens and doors
Section 4 – Fire-resistant glazing seals Section 7 – Frameless (butt-jointed) systems
Section 5 – Timber screens and doors
Ensure installation is correct

Check with installer:
• Third party certification (e.g. FIRAS) • Labelling of the glass
• Glass handling and storage • Refurbishment proposals
• Core competencies • Surrounding construction
• Key skills and knowledge • Records and documentation
Reference
Section 8 – Installation
Obtain answers to your key questions

• Contact member of FRGG
Reference
Appendix A

A reference to the principal regulations, codes of
practice
Approved Documents
These are documents created by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) for the
purpose of providing practical guidance on the requirements of the Building Regulations.
If a designer fails to follow the recommended guidance given by the Approved Documents
then it is for them to prove (if prosecuted) that an equally effective method or practice
has been followed as an alternative.Those particularly relevant to fire-resistant glazed
systems and their application are as follows:
• Approved Document B – Fire safety: 2000, 2006 Edition

• Approved Document E – Resistance to the passage of sound: 2004
• Approved Document K – Protection from falling, collision and impact:
1988, amended 2000
• Approved Document L – Conservation of fuel and power: 2006 Edition
• Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings: 2004
• Approved Document N – Glazing – safety in relation to impact, opening
and cleaning: 1998, amended 2000
Relevant codes of practice and standards

BS 5234-2: 1992, Partitions (including matching linings) – Specification for performance
requirements for strength and robustness including methods of test
BS 5588-1 to BS 5588-12: 1997, Fire precautions in the design, construction and
use of buildings (Parts 1–12)
BS 6262: Part 4: 1994, Safety related to human impact (under review 2004)
BS EN 12600: 2002, Glass in building – pendulum test – Impact test method and classification
for flat glass
BS 6180: 1999, Barriers in and about buildings
BS EN 12758: 2002, Glass in building – Glazing and airborne sound insulation –
Product descriptions and determination of properties
BS 8000: 1990, Workmanship on building sites. Part 7. Code of practice for glazing
BS 5588: 1997 to 2004, Fire precautions in the design, construction and use
of buildings (Parts 1–12)

Summary: key points of best practice
Applications
• Glazed internal and external fire doors

• Interior partitions and compartments
• Roofs, floors and ceilings
• Façade glazing
• Escape and access corridor walls
• Stairways, lobbies and enclosures to protected shafts
Function
Fire-resistant glazing may be used as a barrier for fire separation or compartmentation
as part of an integrated fire safety strategy for the building.
Both integrity-only and integrity with insulation performance ratings are available.
Products span the range of standard test times of 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and even 180 minutes
according to either BS 476-22, BS EN 1364-1 or BS EN 1634-1, as well as special types
to resist the higher intensity petrochemical fire test curve (if required).
The fundamental Golden Rule

Fire-resistant glass must only be used as part of a fire-resistant glazed system – which
includes the glass, the glazing seal, beads, fixings and frame.All the essential components of
such a system must be compatible under fire conditions, and the performance must
be referenced to appropriate and relevant test evidence.
Main factors that can affect performance
• Glass type
• Maximum glass pane size (by height and width, not just area)
• Glass pane aspect ratio (i.e. height to width)
• Overall screen size and fenestration layout within the screen
• Glazed system components (i.e. frame material, glazing seal, and fixings)
• Framing system design for screens and facades
• Type of door, materials and construction
• Fabrication of the glazing aperture in doors
(i.e. strictly according to manufacturer’s instructions)
• Type and profile of glazing beads
• Type and mode of fixing for the beads

• For timber beads: retaining screws, pins or nails must be angled to ensure that the
glass is still held in place should the beads burn away
• The amount of edge cover and edge clearance when glazed, especially for modified
soda lime toughened fire-resistant glass types (typically 10mm maximum for this type of
glass)
• Quality of installation and workmanship
What to look for on site
• Official evidence from a competent authority demonstrating the fire-resistance

performance of the glazed system
• Evidence of installer competence (e.g. a UKAS-accredited certification body)
• A permanent stamp on the glass that indicates, as a minimum, product name
and manufacturer/supplier, and possibly the fire performance rating as well
• The stamp must be visible and readable after glazing
• Marking of the applicable impact performance class (ie either class 1, 2, 3 according to
BS 6262 Part 4
• Appropriate and proper storage of glass types and availability of appropriate
handling equipment
• Full appreciation of health and safety aspects by those handling and installing fire-
resistant glazed systems
Maintenance
• Visual inspection is required during routine fire risk assessments
Refurbishment
• Confirm with the Responsible Person that the fire risk and fire hazard have
not changed
• Any necessary refurbishments must be carried out according to the originally
installed glazed system specification as approved, on a like-for-like basis
• All components must be replaced with a new complete approved fire-resistant
glazed system if the original glazed system specification cannot be established
Always:
• Install the fire-resistant glazed system according to configuration, design and materials
as tested or assessed
• Ensure that manufacturer’s installation instructions are followed

Never:
• Approve and use a fire-resistant glazed system that does not have relevant and
applicable evidence of performance
• Substitute one glass for another, even if they have nominally similar specifications
• Assume that standard impact safety toughened or safety/security laminated glass
is fire rated
• Use standard, non-fire rated glazing seals and bedding materials
• Allow the mixing and matching of components between different approved fire-
resistant systems
• Allow on-site modifications which are not approved
• Install insulation performance glass in an integrity-only rated frame system where
the requirement is for an insulation performance assembly
• Apply surface treatments or modifications to the glass after installation,
unless approved and endorsed by the glass manufacturer

Section 1: Basic principles
Section Contents:
• Design flexibility
• Planning
• Fire-resistant glazed systems
• Responsibilities
• Main components of fire-resistant glazed systems
• Applications
• Applicable standards for fire-resistance
• Regulations covering fire safety
• Classification of fire-resistance for UK regulations
• Approved Document B (England and Wales)
• Fire safety legislation
• Building Regulation 16B
• Classification of fire-resistance to European standards
• Property protection
Design flexibility
The use of fire-resistant glazed systems encourages freedom and flexibility of design
because of the unique performance range of glass, whilst providing the means to satisfy
fire safety and other functional performance benefits at the same time. It is sometimes far
too easy to assume that fire safety regulations impose a straightjacket on design. This is
far from being the case when fire-resistant glass is used.
There are a large number of approved fire-resistant glazed systems now available based on
a varied range of fire-resistant glasses. Choice is far from restricted; design innovation and
creativity can be advanced, rather than inhibited, by using one of the many different fire-
resistant glazed systems that are available.
Some types of fire-resistant glass have a wider range of approved glazed system solutions
than others, and the performance capabilities can also vary tremendously from one glass
type to another. An assumption must never be made that what can be achieved with one
fire-resistant glazed system can be automatically achieved with another. Direct dialogue
with glass manufacturers, or their agents, to identify the range of approved glazed systems
that are possible is therefore always advisable and recommended.
Planning
Consideration must be given to the required fire-resistant glazed elements at an early
stage in project planning and specification. This should include all aspects of specification
and supply, in addition to those directly related to realizing the required design
performance. Important factors to take into account from the outset include

procurement, ordering, delivery and handling and

storage on site. All preparations should be carried Best Practice Rule No. 1
out in good time; last minute changes or
adjustments should be avoided otherwise the Only use fire-resistant glass as part
building performance may fall short of of a fire-resistant glazed system,
requirements. and ensure that all components
are compatible.
Suitable delivery and lead times should be built
into the project plan, and agreed with the supplier
in good time before expected arrival on site, in recognition that fire-resistant glazed
systems are special high performance products based on several matched components.
Fire-resistant glazed systems

Fire–resistant glazing provides excellent protection for lives and property in the
event of fire.
The fire environment is a hostile one for all materials, and its occurrence and development
is essentially unpredictable of uncertain outcome.
It is therefore critical that the specification, selection, and installation of fire-resistant
glazing are all carried out with close attention to detail.
Fire-resistant glass can only achieve its designed performance when it is part of a
complete fire-resistant glazed system.This means that all component parts, such as the
glazing seal, beads, fixings, and frame material, must all be compatible and work together to
achieve the required performance.
The fire-resistant glazed system must also be installed as tested or assessed by an
appropriately qualified authority. Different types of fire-resistant glass may require
different glazing details, e.g. concerning glass edge cover, which must not be changed or
assumed to apply to other glass types.
Installation must be carried out by competent individuals who can demonstrate the
necessary knowledge and skills (see Section 8).
Always:
• Check with the supplier that there is relevant and appropriate evidence
of fire-resistance performance.
• Ensure correct installation of the glazed system, which is fundamental
to the achievement of its stated fire-resistance performance.
Never:
• Assume that the substitution of one component for another will result in the same
level of fire-resistance, even if the components in question are nominally similar.
• Mix and match components from different approved systems, unless approved by an
appropriate product certification scheme based on relevant and applicable test
evidence.
• Be tempted to take short cuts by reducing the performance specification.

Responsibilities
There is a shared duty of care incumbent on all those involved in the specification,
manufacture, testing, supply and installation of fire-resistant glazed systems, to ensure
that the final installed system is fit to protect the building and its occupants against
the effects of fire.
All those involved in the process need to be aware of their individual responsibilities and
obligations, in particular taking particular responsibility for the consequences of what
they do, or might not do, concerning the fire-resistance performance of the glazed system
in the event of a fire.
Figure 1 – Example: components of a typical glazed timber door leaf

Main components of fire-resistant glazed systems

Glossary of terms
The cross sections in Figures 1 and 2 show fire-resistant glazed systems labelled with
most commonly used terms and components.These terms are used throughout this
best practice guide.
Figure 1 – Example: components of a typical glazed timber door leaf

Figure 2 – Example: components of a typical glazed timber screen

Applications
The glass must be tested and classified in a proposed end-use application, e.g. screen, door,
roof, floor, or façade in a glazed system appropriate for that application.
Any test or assessment report for one application must not be used to cover other
applications.
Approval in a vertical orientation must not be taken to imply approval in a horizontal
or inclined orientation.
Key factors that influence fire-resistance of a glazed system
• Glass type
• Maximum pane area, height and width
• Glass pane aspect ratio
• Fenestration layout and the overall size of the screen
• Type of glazing seal
• Frame material
• Frame design and construction
• Type and shape of glazing beads
• Extent of glass edge cover (for example, for modified toughened soda-lime glass)
• Type, location and application of fixings, for both frame and beads
• Type of door, materials and construction
• Orientation: vertical, horizontal, inclined
Applicable standards for fire-resistance

Fire-resistance is a characteristic of an element of construction or of a complete assembly.
A classification of fire-resistance for the glass in isolation is therefore not possible.
Fire-resistance is always stated with reference to defined criteria which can only be
determined on the basis of a furnace test carried out in accordance with a given test
standard. Relevant standards for the UK are as follows:
BS 476-22: 1987, Fire tests on building materials and structures – Methods for the determination
of the fire-resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction
BS EN 1363-1: 1999, Fire-resistance tests – General requirements
BS EN 1363-2: 1999, Fire-resistance tests – Alternative and additional procedures
BS EN 1364-1: 1999, Fire-resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements – Walls
BS EN 1634: 2000, Fire-resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies – Fire doors and shutters

BS EN 13501-2: 2003, Fire classification of construction products and building elements –

Classification using data from fire-resistance tests, excluding ventilation services
BS EN 1365-2:2000, Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements – Floors and roofs
England and Wales

Building Regulations 2000,Approved Document B, Fire Safety, 2006 edition, amended 2007
Scotland, Technical Standards
Part D Structural Fire Precautions
Part E Means of escape from fire, facilities for fire fighting and means of warning of fire
Northern Ireland
Building Regulations Part E Fire Safety
Regulations covering fire safety

The UK Building Regulations are covered by three separate documents, based on common
principles with differences only in points of individual detail:
The principles can be illustrated by reference to Approved Document B.
Classification of fire-resistance for UK Building Regulations

Integrity is the ability of a material to withstand fire exposure on one side without the
transmission of fire as a result of the passage of flames or hot gases.An integrity barrier
acts in effect to physically stop fire movement.Alternatively, integrity may be referred to as
non-insulating.
Insulation is the ability of a material to withstand fire exposure on one side without the
transmission of fire to the unexposed side by limiting heat transfer due to conduction,
convection and radiation (in addition to integrity).
Note: Insulation fire performance must not be confused with the energy insulation
requirement of insulating glass units for external glazing to reduce low level energy losses
from buildings.
Partial Insulation
Partial insulation is a term used occasionally in the UK glazing industry to describe a fire-
resistant glass which does not achieve the insulation performance at 30 minutes in a standard
test but which does so for a lesser time, typically 15 minutes.Approved Document B has
some requirements for 15 minutes insulation, for example, in the upper storeys of 2-
storey dwellings and some external walls.A risk-based approach to fire protection, such as
that followed by fire safety engineers, may also take partial insulation into account when
designing with integrity-only glass types for an enhanced level of protection above that of
basic integrity for escapees, the building itself and contents.The insulation criterion is
precisely defined: it is a tested property measured by surface thermocouples, as specified
by test standards. It is therefore not correct to imply that other properties, such as
radiation reducing (EW), can be treated in effect as insulation performance since the two
criteria are totally different, providing different levels of radiant heat.Any implication of
equivalence between insulation (EI) and the EW class is therefore misleading.

Achievement of the insulation criterion is measured by thermocouples on the cold face of

the glass and frame. To qualify, the average temperature rise across the glass face or frame
must remain below 1400C, with no point rising by more than 1800C above ambient.
Note: Failure of insulation does not necessarily mean that integrity failure has occurred.
For the purposes of UK Building Regulations, performance is defined in terms of:
• either integrity only

• or integrity and insulation
• at a standard test time period, e.g. 15, 20, 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes
according to the building type, the application (e.g. walls, doors, floors) and location
(e.g. internal or external, corridor, lobby or stairway).
The final classification may be expressed in a concise form as follows, for example:
• 30 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation,“30/30”

• 30 minutes integrity only, no insulation,“30/0”.
Approved Document B (England and Wales): 2000, amended 2002

Approved Document B (AD B), or its equivalent in Scotland and Northern Ireland, is the
main point of reference for compliance with Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2000.
Building regulations are intended to ensure that a reasonable standard of life safety is
provided in the event of fire. The recommendations in AD B provide minimum levels of
guidance and apply to common building situations. There is no obligation to adopt any
particular solution contained in the approved document but in that case complying with
the relevant functional requirement should be met in some other way, with associated
substantiation and evidence. This would normally include either specific system and
assembly testing or a more wide-ranging engineering-based evaluation.
Property protection is not specifically included within the scope of regulatory guidance
and additional measures are therefore often required beyond those required for life safety.
The main provisions of AD B are to achieve a safe structure in the event of fire, to:
• allow occupants to reach a place of safety

• prevent structural collapse for a sufficient time period to allow evacuation
• limit further fire spread
• provide satisfactory means of access for firefighters.

Table 1: Sections in Approved Document B relevant to fire-resistant

glazed systems.
Part B1 Means of escape Insulating and/or non-insulating glass types can be used in lobbies, corridors and
stairways. Guidance typically is for a minimum of 30 minutes fire-resistance.
Part B2 Internal fire spread Glass is a material of limited combustibility which satisfies the requirements of the
(linings) highest performance class for surface spread of flame (i.e. Class ‘O’), provided
that there are no coatings or decoration that change combustibility.
Part B3 Internal fire spread The requirement for separation between compartments must be for integrity
(structure) and insulation up to a maximum of 120 minutes, depending on situation.Various
glass types can provide fire resistance up to these levels of performance.The
relevant fire protection strategy is compartmentation (i.e. a fire control and
separation strategy to prevent fire spread by restricting fire to its area of
origin).
Part B4 External fire spread This refers to the control of fire spread from building to building by using fire-
resistant products and classified surface spread of flame products when close
to facing buildings and relevant boundaries, according to defined distance
criteria. Additional measures to prevent fire movement in the same building
(e.g. use of fire-resistant glass facades) may also be relevant.
Part B5 Access for fire Access for firefighters into buildings is provided by fire safety access routes
brigades which require integrity and insulation as well as a Class ‘O’ surface spread of
flame. Some fire-resistant glass types can meet these requirements up to a
maximum of 120 minutes, if necessary.
Particular appendices and tables in AD B relevant to fire-resistant glazed systems are:

• Appendix A, Performance of materials, products and structures
• Table A1, Specific provisions for fire-resistance of elements of structure
• Table A2, Minimum periods of fire-resistance
• Table A4, Limitations on the use of uninsulated glazed elements on escape routes
• Appendix B, Fire doors
• Table B1, Provisions for fire doors.
If specifiers choose not to follow the guidance in Approved Document B then it is their
responsibility to demonstrate that the functional requirements of Building Regulations are
met in some other way, with the associated substantiation and evidence.
This would normally include either specific system and assembly testing or a more wide-
ranging engineering-based evaluation.

Summary of applications for fire-resistant glazed systems

Reference Approved Document B (or equivalent)
• Means of escape
– Corridors
– Doors
– Stairwells
– Lift shafts
– Protected lobbies leading to a protected stairway
– Protected refuges for phased evacuation
• Fire containment compartments
– Fire walls and protected openings in compartment walls
• Fire separation
– Protected areas within compartments
– Enclosures for spaces of special fire hazard
– Floors and horizontal glazing panels
– Separation of new storeys in existing dwellings
• External building envelope
– Walls
– Doors
– Skylights
– Roofs
• Firefighter access
– Protected shafts and corridors
• Load Bearing Fire Resistant Glass Floors
– Lobby areas leading to protected shafts
A summary of the range of applications for fire-resistant glazed systems is given below,
and Figure 3 shows an example of typical functional performance guidance.

The revised AD B, as issued in April 2007, is now in two volumes: volume 1, dwelling
houses; volume 2, buildings other than dwellings. Particular points of guidance relevant to
best practice are as follows:
• the need to carry out any building work in compliance with Regulation 7, with proper
materials and in a workmanlike manner
• recommendations on the role of independent schemes of certification for products and

accreditation of installers, as a way of providing evidence for the confidence of Building
Control in satisfying themselves of compliance with regulations
• the provision of appropriate information and documentation for effective fire safety
management of the building (Regulation 16B)
• the importance of inclusive design (e.g. taking into account Part M of the regulations,
Access to and use of buildings)
• advice that fire-resistant glass should be marked with manufacturer and product name,
Table A4 (see section 8 of this guide).
• a reminder that additional measures are often required and that insurers may ask for
higher standards (section 0.14)
• compartment walls should be able to accommodate the predicted deflection of the

floor above (section 8.27)
Note:Approved Document B can be accessed on the Communities and Local

Government web site, www.planningportal.gov.uk

Figure 3: Building plan showing typical fire-resistance requirements

Example – A single storey shop with office and storage areas
Fire doors�
Access to external escape route�
(30 minutes integrity, FD30)
Office
Storage
Escape� Corridor walls �
route (30 minutes �
integrity and �
Compartment walls� insulation)
(60 minutes integrity �
and insulation)
Office
Internal doors�
(minimum �
30 minutes �
integrity, FD20S)
Fire doors�
As part of a compartment wall�
(60 minutes integrity and insulation, with smoke control)
Retail
External boundary walls�

(60 minutes integrity and�
60 minutes insulation)
< 1 metre �
between wall �
and boundary

Fire safety legislation: The Fire Safety Order (FSO)
Ongoing control of the occupied building for effective fire safety, after design and
construction, is provided by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which came
into force on 1st October 2006.This order applies to England and Wales and covers all
non-domestic premises, including the common parts of premises that contain one or
more dwellings. (Separate laws apply in Scotland and N Ireland.)
The FSO is now the dominant piece of legislation governing fire safety, replacing previous
legislation such as the Fire Precautions Act 1971 under which fire certificates were
previously issued for defined building categories. It brings fire safety into line with
established health and safety principles and accordingly introduces a methodology based
on risk assessments for fire safety embracing fire precautions, management, protection and
preventative measures, training, and information.
Responsibility and accountability for compliance with the statutory requirements rest with
the person who is directly responsible for the building (normally the owner or employer,
as applicable, defined as the Responsible Person). Inspection and enforcement powers rest
with the Fire and Rescue Service, including the facility to impose enforcement orders in
cases of non-compliance.
Significantly, the provisions of the order cover contractors carrying out refurbishment or
re-construction work within the building, to ensure that the fire safety provisions are not
impaired by such work.This could specifically cover, for example, replacement glass, repair
of installed fire-resistant glazed systems and new glazed doors or partitions.
Note: Guidance documents can be accessed on the Communities and Local Government
web site, www.communities.gov.uk/fire

Building Regulation 16B (Fire Safety Information)
The new AD B (2006) has been produced on the assumption that the building concerned
will be properly managed for life safety throughout its working life. This applies in
particular to the provision of information on the design and construction of buildings
which are covered by the Fire Safety Order, where the work potentially affects life safety.
Regulation 16B provides this link. And, its stipulations are mandatory. It is clearly of
fundamental importance for the Responsible Person to be made aware of both the details
of installed fire safety measures and applicable underlying assumptions.
The objective of Regulation 16B is to ensure that relevant information produced at the
construction stage is passed on to the Responsible Person so that the risk assessment
process can be as fully informed as possible.The regulation is obligatory and applies to the
information that should be provided on initial construction, extension or material change
of use.
General guidance on the type of information to be provided is given in Appendix G of

Approved Document B (2006 edition), volume 2.
For best practice in fire-resistant glazed systems, the GGF would expect the following
information to be provided by the installer:
• a precise description of the fire-resistant glazed system as installed, with a listing of

all the key components by name and manufacturer (i.e. glass, glazing seal, frame, type
of fixings and their specification, beads, fixings of the frame to the surrounding
structure)
• for timber frames, the type of timber and its nominal density
• location of the glazed system, ensuring correct recording on associated plans
• marking of the fire-resistant glass, to be clear and visible after glazing (reference
Table 4,AD B and section 8 in this guide)
• statement of the classified fire performance of the glazed system
• evidence of the classified performance, either with the relevant test report or
reference to where the test report can be obtained if necessary
• statement of performance for other key properties, e.g. for impact safety, acoustic
insulation, use as a barrier (Annex D)
• relevant guidance on maintenance and upkeep of the system during its working life
• special guidance on replacement or refurbishment, if applicable. (Note:The normal
GGF recommendation is to replace the glazed system as originally specified or
replace in its entirety, see section 8).

Classification of fire resistance to harmonised European norms (hEN’s)

The European classification standard BS EN 13501-2:2003 includes a provision for both
integrity and insulation according to the same definitions applicable to UK regulations.
Under the European scheme, the symbol E is assigned to integrity and I to insulation.
Provision is made within the classification scheme defined in this standard to use a range
of standard test time periods, i.e. 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes.
BS EN 13501-2 also introduces a supplementary criterion of radiation (designated by W)
to cater for those limited number of countries whose national regulations require this
performance category. Radiation is defined as the ability of a material to withstand fire
exposure on one side and reduce the probability of transmission of fire by significant heat
radiation to adjacent materials. Radiation must be determined by measurement in a
standard fire test.
An element which meets the insulation criterion is automatically deemed to meet the
radiant heat criterion without measurement.
Product classification to BS EN 13501-2 can then be described using shorthand as follows,
for example:
• integrity only for 30 minutes,“E30”
• integrity and radiation protection for 30 minutes,“EW30”
• integrity and insulation for 30 minutes,“EI30”.
An amendment was issued to Approved Document B in 2002 to provide visible recognition
to the new European technical specifications, classification standards and supporting fire
test methods, which have been developed in support of the Construction Products Directive
(CPD).Table A1 in the amendment provides the minimum provisions expressed in terms
of the classification scheme given in BS EN 13501-2 when tested to the relevant European
standard.There are no changes to the minimum periods of fire-resistance given in Table A2.
Note: Approved Document B can be found on the CLG planning portal web site:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk

Radiant heat and BS EN 13501-2

The radiation performance category (W) is defined in BS EN 13501-2 at a qualifying
maximum total heat flux of 15 kW/m².Values are determined on the basis of
measurements according to BS EN 1363-2 at a standard distance of 1 metre from the
glazed element at the end of the standard fire test time period (e.g. 30 or 60 minutes as
appropriate).This criterion can be achieved by only certain types of integrity glass (and
automatically by using an insulation glass). It is not necessary to measure radiant heat (W)
from insulation glazed systems because the total heat flux for such products is so low
(typically less than 1 kW/m²).
Guidance in UK Building Regulations (e.g.Approved Document B, or equivalent) does not
include radiation.
For those countries where the fire regulations require a radiation performance category
then this is typically applied at boundary conditions and along fire escape routes to allow
for the safer passage of people in the event of fire when compared with basic integrity
function.
Where levels of radiant heat are concerned, there are major differences between
insulation (EI) and integrity (EW) glass types.The EW category should not, under any
circumstances, be seen as a lower level of insulation performance.The EW category is a
diffuse one: the maximum limit allows inclusion of glazed elements with measured radiant
heat values from, for example, 3 kW/m² up to 15 kW/m² without differentiation; radiant
heat depends on critically on glass area, aspect ratio, orientation and distance from the
glass surface; and all integrity glass types can be included within the classification by
choosing an appropriate glass radiating area.The EW classification is therefore a feature of
the particular glazed element that has been tested and not a fundamental glass
characteristic.
Property protection
Issues concerned with property and asset protection fall under the responsibility of insurers,
who may impose their own design requirements. Reference should be made to the guidance
in “Design Guide for the Fire Protection of Buildings” published by the Fire Protection Association
(FPA) on behalf of the Association of British Insurers.The FRGG supports the FPA’s essential
principles for fire protection which are directly relevant to the application of fire-resistant
glazed systems.These are as follows:
• Principle 1
With the exception of joinery products, the building shall be constructed from building
materials and products that will not make a significant contribution to the early stages
of a fire nor contribute to the spread of fire.
• Principle 2
The building structure shall have fire-resistance sufficient to prevent premature
structural collapse and excessive deflection.

• Principle 3
The building shall be constructed in such a manner that, if a fire starts, the extent of fire
and smoke damage will be minimised and confined as close as possible to the source
of the fire outbreak, as far as is practical and feasible (e.g. fire-resistant glazed partitions
and doors within an integrated compartmentation fire control strategy).
• Principle 4
There shall be adequate provision to prevent arson attack, by a combination of
appropriate measures (e.g. security glazing for external glazing and windows).
• Principle 5
The building shall be so constructed that fire cannot spread into the premises from an
adjoining building or another external fire source (e.g. fire-resistant glazed facades).
• Principle 7
The fire protection systems shall be regularly maintained so that they are able to
perform their intended function throughout the life of the building (e.g. see Section 8 in
this guide).
• Principle 8
The building owner shall ensure an adequate standard of fire safety management
throughout the life of the building (e.g. reference fire risk assessments).
• Principle 10
As a minimum, all fire protection products shall be third party certified to an appropriate
product or performance-based standard (such as attestation level 1 for CE Marking).
• Principle 11
All fire protection products and systems shall be installed by adequately trained
specialist installers (e.g. see Section 8, reference the FIRAS third party scheme).

Section 2: Evidence of fire performance
Section Contents:
• Introduction
• Test reports
• Assessment reports
• Third-party certificates
• CE Marking process
– EC Certificate of Conformity
– Classification report
– EC declaration of conformity
– Field of application
– CE Marking and harmonised European Product Standards
and European Technical Approval Guidelines
Introduction
The guidance given in Approved Document B (England and Wales) or the equivalent for
Scotland and Northern Ireland is that fire-resistance performance is determined by
reference to tests either in British Standards, i.e. BS 476 series, or European Standards, i.e.
BS EN 1364 for walls or BS EN 1634 for doors.With the emergence of the European
market the European tests are becoming more prevalent and GGF members conduct fire
resistance tests to EN standards for future
applications.Test evidence generated to these
Standards may be used to generate a number of Best Practice Rule No. 2
different documents that demonstrate the
product performance claims: Always make sure that there is relevant
These are: evidence of performance for the installed
glazed system, based on test data.
• a test report
• an assessment report
• a certificate provided by a third-party product certification scheme (this is normally
voluntary)
• an EC Certificate of Conformity (used only for CE Marking and therefore is a
mandatory requirement in most European countries)
• a classification report (in accordance with BS
EN 13501-2)
Symmetry of test samples
• a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity
(used only for CE Marking and therefore is a If the glass or frame is asymmetric in
mandatory requirement in most European cross-section then the glazed system
countries) should either be tested with both sides
towards the fire or, if it has been
• a direct and/or Extended Application report
established that one orientation has
(in accordance with BS EN 15254-4 for glazed
a lower performance than the other,
partitions or BS EN 15269-2 or 3 for steel or
with that side towards the fire.
timber doorsets respectively)
Appropriate installation instructions
These are summarised on the opposite page. should be provided accordingly.

Test reports
Fire-resistant glazed system test reports should only be accepted if they are from an
appropriately accredited test laboratory, e.g. a Notified European Test laboratory or one
accredited by UKAS.The test report is only applicable to the specific system as tested and
the evidence provided therein should not be used beyond the specific application tested.
Test reports are confidential to the sponsor of the relevant testing and must not be used
in support of a particular construction without their permission.
The test report is only applicable to the specific system as tested.
Test reports are confidential to the sponsor of the relevant testing and must not be used
in support of a particular construction without their permission.
Assessment reports (in lieu of fire resistance tests)

Fire-resistant glazed systems have a range of possible variations suitable for particular
applications.These variations may be cosmetic
features with no significant effect on performance The Passive Fire
or more fundamental changes which are likely to Protection Federation
influence fire performance, such as bead thickness
or timber treatment.The range of possible The Passive Fire Protection Federation
variations makes it uneconomic to test all options gives guidance on the preparation of
and, in some cases, the glazed assembly may be assessments and how to use assessments.
too large to test in the available test furnaces. The GGF, as a member of the PFPF,
recommends that only assessments which
In these cases, variations to the tested system may comply with this guidance should
be approved on the basis of technical assessment be used in support of glazed system
to the appropriate standards, using the test performance claims.
evidence that is available.
www.pfpf.org
The fundamental guiding principle
governing assessments is that the
assessed performance would be achieved if the glazed system were to
be tested.
The following points should be kept in mind when referring to, or relying on,
assessment reports:
• assessments must only be carried out by appropriately qualified persons who can
demonstrate the necessary knowledge and experience of fire-resistant glazed systems
• only assessments carried out to the criteria defined by the Passive Fire Protection
Federation should be used (PFPF Guide to Undertaking Assessments in lieu of
Fire Tests)
• the use of test data from tests that are not observed by the responsible assessment

authority is not best practice

• the test data must be relevant and applicable both to the glazed system under
consideration and its proposed application
• assessments may be either interpolation between test data or extrapolation from
test data
• test data relating to one type of glass must not be used to support the application
of another
• if test evidence that contradicts the conclusions of the assessment subsequently
becomes available then the assessment must be withdrawn
• an assessment gives no guarantee concerning the system’s consistency of manufacture
• the validity date of the assessment report must be verified
Third-party certificates
These relate to national schemes developed by certification bodies to provide reassurance
relating to the manufacturing process and product consistency of fire-resistant glazing
systems.Third Party Certification is a higher level of attestation than tests and/or
assessments used in isolation.The requirements of certification should include fire
performance and other relevant key parameters (especially impact safety and durability).
The use of appropriate third-party product certification schemes is recommended, as
these can help to ensure that products are made consistently, that their intended end use
is supported by appropriate test evidence and that this end use is properly defined.
Appropriate third party product certification schemes within the UK include:
Appropriate product certification schemes include:
• CERTIFIRE, from Warrington Fire Research Group

• Q MARK, operated by BM TRADA
• The GGF endorses the Certifire certification scheme for fire-resistant glazing
(Bodycote Warrington) and notes that the Q Mark scheme for fire doors (Chiltern
Fire) is also applicable given the widespread use of fire-resistant glass in fire doors
Third party product certification schemes should:
• be accredited by an accreditation body, e.g. UKAS

or equivalent
• include independent sampling and testing of fire
performance of the glass
• include independent testing and sampling of other key Signifying compliance with
properties relevant to the application (e.g. impact safety harmonised European technical
and durability) specifications under the
CPD essential requirement
• require surveillance of the factory production control “Safety in case of fire”.
system by scheme personnel (or their authorised
representatives) to check product consistency to check product consistency

• require auditing of independently selected glass product from either the production
line or the market (as required)
• define scheme qualification criteria
• define procedures in the event of demonstrated non-compliance including the
possibility of product recall if necessary
CE Marking process
EC Certificate of Conformity
This is a document signed by a Notified Body (i.e. a body nominated and approved by
Member State authority). It confirms compliance with the relevant European (EN) product
standard, attests that the claims of the manufacturer are accurate and that the product has
been manufactured using an appropriate factory production control system which meets
the requirements defined in the relevant European product standard.
Classification report
The European process requires a classification report to be issued following a successful
test or series of tests.This is to convert the test results into a classification in accordance
with EN 13501-2, applicable across the European Community.All the relevant tests used
as a basis for the classification shall be referenced in the report.The classification report
should contain a brief description of the tested element, test results and any Direct or
Extended Applications (see below) that may determine the scope of the final classification.
The classification is based on E to signify integrity,W to signify radiant heat and I to signify
insulation.The appropriate classification letter is followed by a number which designates
the standard test time period achieved (e.g. E 30, integrity 30 minutes; EI 30, integrity and
insulation 30 minutes).
EC declaration of conformity
A declaration of conformity is signed by the manufacturer or supplier.This declaration can
only be made once a Certificate of Conformity – which references an appropriate
classification report – is available.
By signing this declaration the manufacturer/supplier is taking responsibility that the
product will achieve its declared characteristics in the particular end use applications, as
defined in the scope of the declaration. It refers specifically to CE Marking for the product
in question.
Field of application
This refers to the extent to which the results of test data can be used to provide
increased scope of application for a specific fire-resistant glazed system. Using the test
data as a basis, the field of application defines parameters such as the limits of glass size,
frame requirements and supporting construction requirements.

There are two types of application:

a) Direct application
BS EN 1364-1 and BS EN 1634-1 allow for certain extensions for the glazed system
under consideration, according to specific clearly defined rules as defined in the test
standards.These applications always apply to the test result and test report under
consideration.
b) Extended application
Further extension beyond the direct field of
application is possible, but only on the basis CE Marking: Summary
of rules defined in accordance with BS EN
15254-4 for glazed partitions or BS EN Process:
15269-2 or 3 for steel or timber doorsets • Certification and supervision by a
respectively.These rules are based on the Notified Certification Body (NCB)
collective judgment and experiences of
industry experts. Extended application applies • Independent sampling of
to the data from one or more test results, specimens for initial type
and is only allowed within the scope of the testing, under the authority of a
provisions given in governing European Notified Certification Body
standards.They are the equivalent of carrying • Independent verification of factory
out UK assessments, except that the production control, by a Notified
extended applications are based upon Certification Body
published ‘rules’ and have validity
• Tests to European Standards carried
across Europe.
out at a Notified Test laboratory
CE Marking and harmonised European
Associated documentation:
Product Standards and European
Technical Approval Guidelines • Test report(s) (from the Notified
EN standards apply across the European Economic Test Laboratory)
Area (EEA) and are produced by the European
• Extended Application report
standards body, CEN. Such standards are of four
(if relevant)
types, covering testing, products, classification, and
Extended Application.The CE Mark demonstrates • Classification report (from the
compliance with the European standards that have Notified Test Laboratory)
been developed under the Construction Products • Certificate of Conformity (from the
Directive (CPD).The prime objective of CE NCB)
Marking is to facilitate cross-border movement of
goods within the European Community by • Manufacturer’s declaration (provided
removing technical barriers to trade.The CPD is a by the manufacturer/supplier)
European directive adopted by all member
Governments by their national legislation.“Safety
in case of fire” is one of the six essential requirements under the CPD. In order to be able
to CE mark a product under the CPD it is required that a harmonised Product Standard
or A European Technical Approval Guideline is available. For most glass products these are
now applicable and therefore CE marking is mandatory in most European countries (the
UK is currently a notable exception to this requirement unless products are offered for
sale in other European countries).

Alternative routes to demonstrate fire-resistance performance
Carried out by UKAS-accredited body Carried out by Notified Body for CE Marking
Test(s) to BS 476 or Test to BS EN 1364

BS EN 1364/BS EN 1634 or BS EN 1634
Test
Test Report(s) Test Report Test Report Test Report
Report(s)
Extended Extended
Application Application
Assessment Appraisal,
Including Classification
Auditing Report
Certificate of
Conformity
Declaration of
Assessment Third Party Classification
Test Report Conformity
Report Certification Report
(CE Marking)
Documents that can be used to demonstrate test evidence for the purposes
of compliance with UK Building Regulations
Note:
• CE Marking is not a quality mark (although the process of
demonstrating conformity does include elements similar to those
normally associated with product quality schemes)
• CE Marking may only be claimed by the manufacturer through a
‘Manufacturer’s Declaration’ which refers to a test report and a
classification report provided by a Notified Certification Body
• CE Marking for glass products may be shown either on the product,
or on packaging, or on associated documentation
• False declarations carry financial and/or custodial penalties, under
the surveillance of Trading Standards

Section 3: Fire-resistant glass
Section Contents: Best Practice Rule No. 3

• Glass types Do not use test data from one product
• Performance in the event of fire to substantiate the use of another,
• Fire-resistant insulating glass units and never mix and match components
• Horizontal and sloped glazed systems from different fire-resistant
• Decorative treatments on glass glazed
glazed systems.
systems.
• Multifunctional performance
Glass types
Fire-resistant glass can be based on a number of different glass technologies.These are
summarised in Tables 2 and 3.
Table 2: Glass
Table 2: Glasstypes
types
Glass type
Glass type Fire-resistance
Fire-resistance Trade
Trade name
name Manufacturer/
Manufacturer/
(relevant
(relevant EN product
EN product main
mainFRGG
FRGG supplier
supplier
standard
standard in
in brackets)
brackets) ref
refAppendix
Appendix AA
Pyrostem
Pyrostem (safety)
(safety) CGI
CGI International
International
Pyroshield
Pyroshield Clear
Clear
Wired
Wired Integrity
Integrity Pyroshield
Pyroshield Texture
Texture
(EN
(EN 572)
572) Pilkington
Pilkington
Pyroshield
Pyroshield Safety
Safety Clear
Clear
Pyroshield
Pyroshield Safety Texture
Safety Texture
Ceramic Firelite
Firelite
Ceramic
(EN 1748) Integrity Firelite Southern
SouthernCeramic
CeramicSupplies
Supplies
(EN 1748)
Integrity Firelite Plus
Plus
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
Verotech
Keralite
PyrocetFR
Modified toughened
Integrity Pyrosec C3S Securiglass
soda lime silicate Pyrocet
Modified toughened C3S Securiglass
(EN 12150) Integrity Pyrosec
Fireswiss CGI International
soda lime silicate
(EN laminated
Resin 12150) Integrity & Pyroguard Wired
Fireswiss CGI International
(EN 12543) partial insulation Pyroguard Clear CGI International
Heat
Heat soaked thermally
soaked thermally C3S Securiglass
toughened Pyrobelite
SGG Vetroflam Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
toughened Integrity Rankins (Glass)
VerotechCo Ltd
Soda SGG Pyroswiss Greenberg Saint-Gobain
Vetrotech
Soda lime
lime silicate
silicate safety
safety glass
glass Glass Ltd
(EN 14179)
Laminated intumescent Integrity & Pilkington
(EN 12543) partial insulation Pyrodur Anders Glass Ltd
Resin laminated Integrity & Pyroguard Wired
CGI International
(EN 12543) partial insulation Pyroguard Plus
Pyrodur Clear Nicholls and Clarke
Float Glass Industries
Laminated glass Integrity SGG Pyroswiss
Fireswiss Stadip
Foam CGI International
With PVB interlayers Integrity & SGG Vetroflam Stadip
partial insulation C3S Securiglass
Pyrobel Greenberg Glass Ltd
Laminated intumescent Integrity & Rankins
C3S (Glass) Co Ltd
Securiglass
Pyrobelite
Pyrobelite C3S Securiglass
(EN 12543) insulation Rankins (Glass)
Pilkington Co Ltd
Rankins (Glass) Co Ltd
Greenberg Glass
Anders Glass Ltd Ltd
Pyrostop Nicholls and Clarke
Laminated intumescent Pilkington
(BS EN IS00 (12543) Integrity & Pyrodur Float GlassGlass
Anders Industries
Ltd
/EN 14499 partial insulation Pyrodur Plus
Systemglas Nicholls and
Promat Clarke
Pyranova Schott
SGG Contraflam lite Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
Gel laminated Integrity & Verotech
SGG Swissflam
Paraflam Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
CGI International
(EN 12543) insulation
Fireswiss Foam CGI International
Toughened borosilicate
(EN 13024) Integrity Pyran S Schott
C3S
C3S Securiglass
Securiglass
Pyrobel Greenberg
Rankins Glass
(Glass) CoLtd
Ltd
36 Best Practice Guide Pilkington
Laminated intumescent Integrity & Anders Glass Ltd
Pyrostop
With PVB
With PVB interlayers
interlayers Integrity &
Integrity & SGG Vetroflam
SGG Vetroflam Stadip
Stadip glazed systems.
partial insulation
partial insulation
Section 3: Fire-resistant glass C3S
Pyrobelite C3S Securiglass
Securiglass
Rankins
Rankins (Glass)
(Glass) Co
Co Ltd
Ltd
Greenberg Glass Ltd
Laminated intumescent
Laminated intumescent Pilkington
Pilkington
Each
(BS
Table
Table glass
EN
(BS EN2: IS00
2: type has
(12543)
Glass
Glass
IS00 its
types
types
(12543) own characteristics,
Integrity
(continued)
Integrity && which can give
Pyrodur
Pyrodur rise to significant
Andersdifferences
Anders Glass Ltd
Glass Ltd
/EN
in behaviour. 14499 partial insulation
partial insulation Pyrodur
Pyrodur Plus
Plus Nicholls
Nicholls and
and Clarke
Clarke
/EN 14499
Float Glass
Industries
Glass type Fire-resistance Trade name Manufacturer/
Fire performance depends on the glass type and
(relevant EN product SGG the fire-resistant
Contraflam lite glazed system
Vetrotech
main FRGG
design
Saint-Gobain
supplier
SGG Contraflam lite
and construction.Also,
standard in brackets) the approved fenestrationSGG
SGG
layout and glass pane
Swissflam
Swissflam
sizes
Vetrotech
ref generally
Verotech A vary
Saint-Gobain
Appendix
according to the particular approved glazed system being
Pyrostem considered. CGI International
(safety) Fireswiss Foam
Fireswiss Foam CGI International
CGI International
Pyroshield Clear
Performance Wired in the event of fire
Integrity C3S Securiglass
(EN 572) Pyroshield
PyrobelTexture
Pyrobel Greenberg
Rankins Glass
(Glass)
Pilkington CoLtd
Ltd
Pyroshield Safety Clear
The table below provides a general description of the performance Rankins (Glass)
of various types ofCo Ltd
Pyroshield Safety Texture
Pilkington
glass offered by GGF members. Firelite
Pilkington
Laminated Ceramicintumescent Integrity && Anders
Anders Glass Ltd
Glass Ltd
Laminated intumescent Integrity Pyrostop
Firelite Plus Southern Ceramic Supplies
(BS EN 12543) Integrity
insulation Pyrostop Nicholls and Clarke
(EN 1748) Nicholls and
Verotech
Vetrotech Clarke
(BS EN 12543)
Table 3: Glass types and performance in
insulation Keralite
fireFR GlassSaint-Gobain
Float Glass
Float Industries
Industries
Systemglas
Pyrocet
Systemglas Promat
Promat
Modified toughened
Glass
soda type Trade name examples
lime silicate Integrity Method of providing Pyrosec
Pyranova fire-resistance Securiglass
C3S
Schott
Pyranova Schott
Wired (EN 12150) Pyroshield Clear Fireswiss CGI International
Due to thermal stress the glass breaks early on in the fire but
SGG Contraflam
SGG Contraflam lite lite Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
(EN 572) Pyroshield Texture is securely held together and in place by the Verotech
integral wire mesh.
Heat soaked thermally SGG
SGG Swissflam
Swissflam Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
Heat soaked thermally Pyroshield Safety Clear The integrity limit is generally reached when the glass reaches
toughened
Gel laminatedPyroshield Safety Texture
Integrity & its softening SGG
point Vetroflam
and pulls out of the glazing pocket or if
Geltoughened
laminated Integrity&
Integrity VetrotechVerotech
Saint-Gobain
Soda lime (ENsilicate
12543) Pyrostem
safety glass (safety)
insulation cracks openSGG Paraflam
within Pyroswiss
the panes.
Paraflam CGI International
CGI International
Soda lime(EN 12543)
silicate safety glass insulation
(EN 14179)
Toughened borosilicate Firelite
Ceramic borosilicate
Toughened Integrity Due to its composition
Integrity Pyran SS and micro crystalline Schottstructure this
Schott
(EN 1748)(EN
Resin 13024)
laminated
(EN 13024) Integrity & glass type has aPyran
Pyroguardnear Wired
zero thermal expansion coefficient.
(EN 12543) partial insulation Pyroguard Clear CGI International
Thermally toughened The glass remains intact and performance is not edge cover
Thermally toughened dependant.This glass alsoExtra
has a very high softening point
alkaline
Laminatedearthglass
silicate Integrity
Integrity SGG
SGG Pyroswiss
SGG Pyroswiss
Integrity so its integrity Pyroswiss Stadip
Extra Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
alkaline earth silicate limit is not normally reached.
safety
With safety glass
PVB interlayers
glass Integrity & Firelite Plus
SGGisVetroflam Stadip
EN14321 partial insulation
a laminated version based on an impact
laminate interlayer, for impact safety rated applications.
Modified Pyrocet toughening stresses in theC3S

Relatively highPyrobelite glassSecuriglass
C3S are intended
Securiglass
toughened Pyrosec Pyrobelite
to retain integrity on exposure to fire, Rankins
but edge (Glass)
coverCo and Ltd
Rankins
Greenberg (Glass)
GlassCo Ltd
Ltd
soda lime Tempaflam edge clearance requirements
Each glass type has its own characteristics, which can give rise to significant differences are critical to avoid failure.
silicate intumescentFireswiss
Laminated The integrity limit is reached when the glassPilkington reaches its
in(BS
(EN behaviour.
12150)
EN IS00 (12543) Integrity & softening pointPyrodurand pulls out of the glazing pocket,
Anders or Ltd
Glass if
/EN 14499 the glass shatters
partial insulation Pyrodur prematurely.
Plus Nicholls and Clarke
Fire performance depends on the glass type and the fire-resistant glazed Float system design
Glass Industries
and construction.Also,
Laminated PyroguardtheWired
approved fenestration
The integrity oflayout and glass
these types of glasspane sizes generally
is achieved through thevary
(EN 12543) Pyroguard Clear use of a SGG
resin-based
according to the particular approved glazed system being considered. Contraflam lite
interlayer Vetrotech
formulated to haveSaint-Gobain
resistance
Verotech
SGGflaming.
against fire and Swissflam Vetrotech
In a fire, the glass Saint-Gobain
layers crack and
the interlayer carbonizes to give an opaque layer, which holds
Performance in the event of fire Fireswiss Foam CGI International
the glass together and reduces heat radiation. Its integrity
limit is reached when the interlayer breaks C3S
C3SdownSecuriglass
and/or the
Securiglass
The table below provides a general description ofPyrobel
glass layers develop theopen performance
cracks. ofGreenberg
various typesLtd
Glass of
glass offered by GGF members. Rankins (Glass) Co Ltd
Laminated Pyrostop These types of glass have a sodium silicate-based interlayer
Pilkington
intumescent Pyrodur formulated to turn opaque and swell onAnders exposure to fire
Table
Laminated
(EN 3: intumescent
12543) Glass types and
Pyrodur Plus performance
Integrity & and provide ain fire level of insulation.The glassGlass
Pyrostop
known layers
Ltd
(BS EN 12543) Nicholls and Clarke
Pyranova insulation crack but are bonded together by theFloat interlayer.The
Glass Industries
Fireswiss Foam performance
Glass type Trade name examples Method of providing fire-resistance limit is reached when the interlayer breaks
Systemglas down, and thisSystemglas
progresses as each interlayer intumesces. Promat
Wired Pyroshield
PyrobeliteClear Due products
The to thermal are stress
based the
on glass
a breaks
glass early on
interlayer in the fire but
sandwich
Pyranova Schott
(EN 572) Pyroshield Texture
Pyrobel is securely heldallows
structure.This together and fire
a wide in place by the integral
performance range to wire mesh.
Pyroshield Safety Clear The integrity
be achieved limit
by is
buildinggenerally
SGG Contraflam lite up the reached
structure when
based
Vetrotech theonglass reaches
alternate
Saint-Gobain
Pyroshield Safety Texture its softening point and pulls out of the glazing Verotech
pocket or if
sheets of glass and interlayer.
SGG Swissflam Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
Pyrostem (safety) cracks open within the panes.
Gel laminated Integrity &
Ceramic (EN 12543) Firelite insulation Due to its compositionParaflam and micro crystalline CGI International
structure this
Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
(EN 1748)
Guide
Toughened borosilicate
glass type has a near zero thermal expansion coefficient.
Integrity The glass remains intact
Pyran S and performance is not edge cover
Schott
5
37
(EN 13024)
dependant.This glass also has a very high softening point
Performance in the event of fire
Section
The table below3: Fire-resistant
provides a general description glass
of the performance of various types of
glass offered by GGF members.
Table
Table 3:
3: Glass
Glass types
types and
andperformance
performancein
infire
fire (continued)
Glass
Glass type
type TradeTrade
namename
examples Method of providing
Method fire-resistance
of providing fire-resistance
Wired Pyroshield Clear Due to thermal stress the glass breaks early on in the fire but
Gel laminated Paraflam These products are composed of gel-filled double or
(EN 572) Pyroshield Texture is securely held together and in place by the integral wire mesh.
(EN 12543) multiple-glazed units using toughened glass.The gel is
Pyroshield Safety Clear The integrityto
limit is generally reached whentothe
formulated release water on exposure fireglass reaches
to provide
Pyroshield Safety Texture its
a known level of insulation.The integrity and insulationif
softening point and pulls out of the glazing pocket or
Pyrostem (safety) cracks
limit isopen within
reached the the
when panes.
interlayer breaks down and/or
the glass shatters.The performance range is achieved
Ceramic Firelite Due to its composition and micro crystalline structure this
by varying the thickness of the gel.
(EN 1748) glass type has a near zero thermal expansion coefficient.
The glass remains intact and performance is not edge cover
Toughened Pyran S On exposure to fire, the glass remains intact due primarily
dependant.This glass also has a very high softening point
borosilicate to its composition and low thermal expansion.
so its integrity limit is not normally reached.
(EN 13024) Manufacturer’s specified edge cover requirements must be
Firelite Plus is a laminated version based on an impact
complied with, but this type is much less sensitive to edge
laminate interlayer, for impact safety rated applications.
cover requirements than modified toughened soda lime
Modified Pyrocet glass.The high
Relatively integrity limit is stresses
toughening reached inwhen the glass
the glass passes
are intended
toughened Pyrosec its softening point and pulls out of the glazing “pocket”.
to retain integrity on exposure to fire, but edge cover and
soda lime Tempaflam edge clearance requirements are critical to avoid failure.
silicate Fireswiss The integrity limit is reached when the glass reaches its
Fire-resistant
(EN 12150) insulating glasssoftening
units point and pulls out of the glazing pocket, or if
the glass shatters prematurely.
Insulating glass units (IGUs) do not offer fire-resistance unless they incorporate one or more
Laminated
of Pyroguard Wired
the types of fire-resistant The integrity
glass shown in Tableof2these
andtypes
haveofbeen
glass fire
is achieved through the
performance tested.
(EN 12543) Pyroguard Clear use of a resin-based interlayer formulated to have resistance
Important considerations are that: against fire and flaming. In a fire, the glass layers crack and
the interlayer carbonizes to give an opaque layer, which holds
the glass
• the IGU must have its own fire test together and reduces
or assessment reportheat radiation.
based on testIts integrity
evidence
limit is reached when the interlayer breaks down and/or the
• it must be possible to confirm the
glassdirection of use
layers develop openbefore
cracks.installation
• the components
Laminated used in the IGU
Pyrostop must
These be of
types proven by atest
glass have or assessment
sodium silicate-based interlayer
intumescent Pyrodur formulated to turn opaque and swell on exposure to fire
(EN• 12543)
the fire-resistant glazing system and
must be appropriate for the application of the IGU,
Pyrodur Plus
e.g. drained andPyranova
ventilated for use
provide a known level of insulation.The glass layers
in external façade applications
crack but are bonded together by the interlayer.The
Fireswiss Foam performance limit is reached when the interlayer breaks
In all cases, the manufacturer/supplier
Systemglas must
down, andbethis
consulted
progressesfor evidence
as each in support
interlayer intumesces.of the
fire-resistant glazedPyrobelite
system. Special glass units containing
The products are based onintegral
a glass Venetian blinds may
interlayer sandwich
Table 3: Glass types and performance
Pyrobel structure.Thisinallows
fire a(continued)
wide fire performance range to
also be available fire rated.
be achieved by building up the structure based on alternate
Glass type Trade name sheets of glass of
Method andproviding
interlayer. fire-resistance
Horizontal and sloped glazed systems Best Practice
Gel laminated Paraflam These products are composed of gel-filled double Rule
or No. 4
Fire-resistant
(EN 12543) glazed systems are most often usedunits using toughened
multiple-glazed
Never
glass.The gel is
assume
Best Practice Guide formulated
in a vertical orientation. However, there are some to release water on exposure to firethat a vertical
to provide 37
a known level of insulation.Thefire-resistant glazed system
integrity and insulation
specialist approvals available for application in
limit is reached can be usedand/or
when the interlayer breaks down either
the sloped and horizontal orientations,the including
glass shatters.The performance range is achieved
horizontally or inclined.
fire-resistant floor constructions. by varying the thickness of the gel.
Toughened Pyran S have tested
A number of manufacturers On exposure to fire, the
and approved glass remains
systems intact due primarily
available.These structures
borosilicate to its composition and low thermal expansion.
must also
(EN 13024)
be able to take the imposed loads defined in BS 6399-1, Loading for buildings
Manufacturer’s specified edge cover requirements must be
–
Code of practice for dead and imposedcomplied
loads. with, but this type is much less sensitive to edge
cover requirements than modified toughened soda lime
Specific details must be obtained directly from
glass.The the manufacturer/supplier
integrity of the
limit is reached when the glass system.
passes
its softening point and pulls out of the glazing “pocket”.
Fire-resistant insulating glass units

38 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
Insulating glass units (IGUs) do not offer fire-resistance unless they incorporate one or more
Table 3: Glass
Decorative types andon
treatments performance
glass in fire (continued)
It must
Glass
Glass not
type
type be assumed
Trade that decorative effects
Trade name
name Method
Method can be appliedfire-resistance
ofofproviding
providing to all types of fire-resistant
fire-resistance
glass without affecting fire-resistance. Some types of glass may be decorated with surface
Heat soaked
Gel laminated Paraflam screen printing,
These
Both ofproducts
these areimpairing
glasses composed of gel-filled
are toughened rateddouble
glass butorthey both
fire fire-resistance
treatments, e.g. sandblasting, without their
thermally
(EN 12543) multiple-glazed
react differently.units
SGG using toughened
Vetroflam glass.The
has a Special coatinggelthat
is reduces
performance.
Toughened soda Others cannot be surface
SGG Vetroflam treated.Test
formulated
the radiated to release
heat evidence
of no water onmust
more than always
exposure
15kW/M2 to be
at afire provided.
to provide
distance of 1 metre.
lime silicate SGG Pyroswiss aThis coating
known helps
level it achieve its fireintegrity
of insulation.The rating ofand
EW60 or E60.
insulation
In all cases,
Safety glass the specialist advice of the manufacturer/supplier
Pyroswiss
limit has nowhen
is reached coating must
resistbe
thebutinterlayer
will obtained
smoke,
breaks to ensure
flamesand/or
down and hot gasses
that the proposed treatment is appropriate
(EN 14179) the glass and
for up to 30 that relevant
minutes of
shatters.The evidence
integrity.
performance This rangeofis performance
glass can be made
achieved from any of
the SGG Parsol range (tinted) or SGG Satinovo (Acid Etched).
is available. by varying the thickness of the gel.
Heat soaked
Toughened Pyran S On exposure
In the case of ato
firefire, thetemperature
a high glass remains intact due
difference primarily
occurs between
Multi-functional
thermally
borosilicate performanceto theits
glass and the frame.
composition This thermal
and low differenceexpansion.
in temperature leads to
Toughened
(EN 13024) SGG Proswiss extra varying expansion,
Manufacturer’s causing edge
specified tension of the
cover glass. Normalmust
requirements glassbe
would
Multi-functional
Alkaline earth performance capability may
break be readily
immediately from integrated
this kind of within
pressure. the
Due
complied with, but this type is much less sensitive to edgefire-resistant
to special
treatment
silicatesystem specification without compromising Pyroswiss can thanwithstand
modifiedthis pressure and
sodatherefore
glazing cover requirements fire-resistance performance.This
toughened lime is an
Safety glass provide efficient protection from the fire and enabling to offer
glass.The
increasing requirement as buildings become integrity
more limit
complex is reached when the glass passes
(EN 14321) long periods of fire from E60 and the building environment
– E120.
more demanding.This can include a range of different functions (e.g. thermal insulation,
safety and security, decoration and privacy).
Fire-resistant
Because insulating
of their use glass
in escape and units
access routes, impact safety and manifestation
(i.e. to minimise
Insulating the (IGUs)
glass units risk of do
people inadvertently
not offer walking
fire-resistance intothey
unless a glass partition)one or more
incorporate
are
of theparticularly important additional
types of fire-resistant performance
glass shown in Table 2requirements.
and have been fire performance tested.
Important considerations
Summary of additionalarefunctions
that: that may be combined with fire-
• the IGU must have its own fire test or assessment report based on test evidence
• Impact safety, reference BS 6262 and EN 12600 (see Appendix B)
• it must be possible to confirm the direction of use before installation
• Containment (or barrier loading), reference Building Regulations Approved Document
• the(Protection
K components used
from in the
falling, IGU must
collision and be proven
impact by test
: 1988, or assessment
amended 2000)
•• Thermal
the fire-resistant glazing
insulation – lowsystem mustenergy
emissivity be appropriate
saving andfor the application
insulating of the IGU,
glass units,
e.g. drained and ventilated for use in external façade
reference Building Regulations Approved Document L1 and L2 applications
In all(Conservation of fuel and power :must
cases, the manufacturer/supplier 2002)be consulted for evidence in support of the
• Solar control
fire-resistant glazed system. Special glass units containing integral Venetian blinds may
• Self-cleaning glass (external)
• Manifestation
Horizontal and(see Appendix
sloped glazedC) systems
Best Practice Rule No. 4
• Resistance against crowd loading, reference BS 6180 and GGF Data Sheet 2.9
Fire-resistant glazed systems are most often used Never assume that a vertical
in •a vertical
Acousticorientation.
(sound) insulation
However, there are some fire-resistant glazed system
specialist approvals
• Decorative, available
pattern and for application
colour effects in can be used either
the sloped and horizontal orientations, including horizontally or inclined.
• Resistance
fire-resistant
against forced entry **
floor constructions.
• Explosion and bullet protection **
A number of manufacturers have tested and approved systems available.These structures
**
must(only
alsoavailable
be ablewith specialist
to take glass and
the imposed framing
loads constructions)
defined in BS 6399-1, Loading for buildings –
Codedetails
For of practice
of theforadditional
dead and functions
imposed loads.
that can be provided with fire-resistant glass, please
Specific details must be obtained directly from the manufacturer/supplier of the system.
38 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
39
Table 3: Glass
Decorative types andon
treatments performance
glass in fire (continued)
It musttype
Glass not be assumed that decorative effects
Trade name Method can
ofbe applied to
providing all types of fire-resistant
fire-resistance
glass without affecting fire-resistance. Some types of glass may be decorated with surface
Gel laminated e.g. sandblasting,
treatments, Paraflam screen printing,
These products
without areimpairing
composed their
of gel-filled double or
fire-resistance
(EN 12543) multiple-glazed units using toughened glass.The gel is
performance. Others cannot be surface treated.Test
formulated evidence
to release water onmust always
exposure be to
to fire provided.
provide
a known level of insulation.The integrity and insulation
In all cases, the specialist advice of thelimit
manufacturer/supplier must be
is reached when the interlayer obtained
breaks to ensure
down and/or
that the proposed treatment is appropriatethe glass and that relevant
shatters.The evidence
performance rangeofis performance
achieved
is available. by varying the thickness of the gel.
Toughened Pyran S On exposure to fire, the glass remains intact due primarily
Multi-functional
borosilicate performanceto its composition and low thermal expansion.
(EN 13024) Manufacturer’s specified edge cover requirements must be
Multi-functional performance capability may be
complied readily
with, integrated
but this type is muchwithin the fire-resistant
less sensitive to edge
glazing system specification without compromising
cover requirements fire-resistance
than modified performance.This
toughened soda lime is an
glass.Themore
increasing requirement as buildings become integrity limit is reached
complex and thewhen the glass
building passes
environment
more demanding.This can include a range of different functions (e.g. thermal insulation,
safety and security, decoration and privacy).
Fire-resistant
Because insulating
of their use glass
in escape and units
access routes, impact safety and manifestation
(i.e. to minimise
Insulating the (IGUs)
glass units risk of do
people inadvertently
not offer walking
fire-resistance intothey
unless a glass partition)one or more
incorporate
are
of theparticularly important additional
types of fire-resistant performance
glass shown in Table 2requirements.
and have been fire performance tested.
Important considerations
Summary of additionalarefunctions
that: that may be combined with fire-
• the IGU must have its own fire test or assessment report based on test evidence
• Impact safety, reference BS 6262 and EN 12600 (see Appendix B)
• it must be possible to confirm the direction of use before installation
• Containment (or barrier loading), reference Building Regulations Approved Document
• the(Protection
K components used
from in the
falling, IGU must
collision and be proven
impact by test
: 1988, or assessment
amended 2000)
•• Thermal
the fire-resistant glazing
insulation – lowsystem mustenergy
emissivity be appropriate
saving andfor the application
insulating of the IGU,
glass units,
e.g. drained and ventilated for use in external façade
reference Building Regulations Approved Document L1 and L2 applications
In all(Conservation of fuel and power :must
cases, the manufacturer/supplier 2002)be consulted for evidence in support of the
• Solar control
fire-resistant glazed system. Special glass units containing integral Venetian blinds may
• Self-cleaning glass (external)
• Manifestation
Horizontal and(see Appendix
sloped glazedC) systems
• Resistance against crowd loading, reference BS 6180 and GGF Data Sheet 2.9
Fire-resistant glazed systems are most often used Never assume that a vertical
in •a vertical
Acousticorientation.
(sound) insulation
However, there are some fire-resistant glazed system
specialist approvals
• Decorative, available
pattern and for application
colour effects in can be used either
the sloped and horizontal orientations, including horizontally or inclined.
• Resistance
fire-resistant
against forced entry **
floor constructions.
• Explosion and bullet protection **
A number of manufacturers have tested and approved systems available.These structures
**
must(only
alsoavailable
be ablewith specialist
to take glass and
the imposed framing
loads constructions)
defined in BS 6399-1, Loading for buildings –
Codedetails
For of practice
of theforadditional
dead and functions
imposed loads.
that can be provided with fire-resistant glass, please
Specific details must be obtained directly from the manufacturer/supplier of the system.
38
40 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
39
Section 4: Fire-resistant glazing seals
Available forms of seals

Section Contents:
A •variety
Importance of the
of different glazing
forms areseal
available, as follows:
• Function of the seal Standard, non-fire rated glazing seals
•• preformed rigid strips which are normally encapsulated with PVC for protection
Available forms of seals must not be used in fire-resistant
and decorative coloured effects
• Intumescent seal types glazed systems.ALWAYS use seals
• self-adhesive
Non-intumescentpreformed flexible strips available either in
seal types coils
that or the
have cut to standard lengths
appropriate evidence
•• preformed rigid channels encapsulated by PVC, or preformedofrubber
Seal combinations with different glass types fire performance.
channels,
which are fitted around the outside edge of the fire-resistant glass as a gasket
Importance of the glazing seal
• mastic compounds available in cartridges, of modest expansion which must be applied
strictly
Glazing sealsaccording to the manufacturer’s
play an important recommended
role in fire-resistant thickness
glazed systems.They are an essential
part fibre
• of thegaskets
system,orand selection
woven tapesofofthe appropriate
mineral fibre glazing seal is influential in ensuring
that the performance capability of the full assembly is achieved under fire conditions.
• encapsulated cellular seal foam strip, for specialist applications only with only certain
An incorrect
glass typeschoice of seal
and only mayclearly
when cause specified.
premature failure, particularly in some glazed
system types.The seal must be capable of withstanding the temperatures experienced
in fire without igniting,
Intumescent degrading
seal types (seecatastrophically
summary inorTable losing strength
4) and adhesion.
The followingseals
Intumescent key rules apply:on materials that expand and foam on exposure to heat.
are based
The• degree
the sealofmust
intumescence and the
be compatible withexpansion
the otherpressure vary according
system components, to the material
especially the
and its formulation. In
fire-resistant glass particular, the following should be noted:
• sodium silicate
there must and graphiteevidence
be appropriate based materials may have a high
of fire performance expansion
of the pressure
glazed system
which means they have to be used and applied carefully as the application of too
in all cases
much material may push the beads off, leading to premature failure
• one seal must not be substituted for another without such appropriate evidence.
• ammonimum phosphate materials do not show expansion pressure to the same
Suitable sealsbut
degree, canif be
theeither intumescent
expansion or non-intumescent
is too great then the densitybased
of theand they are
material leftavailable
in
in a variety of forms.
the gap between the glass and the bead may be too low to inhibit erosion leading
to premature failure
Function of the seal
• preformed strips of intumescent compound which ensure that the correct thickness
The combined
and amount functions of the
of material glazing seal as follows:
is applied.
• bedding seal
Intumescent the glass
strip against themay
materials retaining bead and minimising
be unprotected the probability
if they are composed of a of uneven
material
point
that is not loading or edge
particularly stresses
sensitive (which can
to moisture bethey
and critical
will for specialhave
generally toughened glasses,
a self-adhesive
layerfor example)
to fix to the bead.
• sealing the gap between the glass, the bead and the edge of the frame to prevent
the penetration of hot gases and flame
• in the case of intumescent seal types, providing additional protection to the top
of a timber bead to lower the risk of bead ignition – a benefit that comes at the
expense of gap sealing performance, so both intumescent and non-intumescent
seals have been developed for use with integrity-only glass types for both 30 and
60 minute applications.
40 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
41
Available
Table 4: Summary
forms of of
seals
intumescent seal types
A variety of different forms are available, as follows:
Trade Name/
Seal Material Manufacturer Type Method of providing fire-resistance
• preformed rigid strips which are normally encapsulated with PVC for protection
and
Sodium decorative
silicate coloured
Pyroglaze/ effects
Liner Hydrated sodium silicate has been used for many years as
Mann McGowan an intumescent material. It activates on exposure to heat
• self-adhesive preformed flexible strips(atavailable
System 90 Plus/ Channel
either
100°C) and in coils
generates or pressure
a high cut to standard lengths
on expansion,
which tends to be unidirectional, forming a relatively rigid
• preformed rigid channels encapsulated
Lorient by PVC, or preformed rubber channels,
foam. Once rigid, sodium silicate does not allow further
which are fitted around
System 90 Plus/ the outside
Liner edge of the
movement andfire-resistant glass as can
the pressure generated a gasket
therefore
Lorient be helpful in restraining movement of other components
in the system, keeping adjacent components in place.
strictly according to the manufacturer’s recommended thickness
Ammonium Fireglaze G30/ Strip Ammonium phosphate based products are complex
• fibre gaskets Sealmaster
Phosphate or woven tapes of mineral fibre which produce an open structure when heated
formulations
to around 180°C.They usually contain fire retardants
• encapsulatedFirestrip
cellular30/seal foam
Stripstrip, for specialist applications only with only certain
and some versions need external protection against water
Hodgson
glass types and only when clearly specified.
vapour.They generate very low pressures on expansion
Pyrostrip 300/ Strip which is usually multidirectional.They have some flexibility
Mann McGowan when expanded, which can be used to accommodate some
Intumescent seal types (see summary in Table 4)
movement of other components.
Intumescent
Graphite seals are based
Pyroglaze 30/ on materials
Strip that expand
Intercalated and foam
graphite onheld
is usually exposure to to
in a binder heat.
form a
The degree of intumescence
Mann McGowan and the expansion pressure
strip product. vary around
It activates according
200°Ctobut
theis material
not affected
and its formulation. In particular, by moisture.
the following shouldGraphite expands considerably and generates
be noted:
Pyroglaze 60/ Strip
a high pressure if contained when heated on its own.
Mann McGowan
• Products containing
sodium silicate and graphite based materials may haveintercalated graphite may
a high expansion expand
pressure
Pyroglaze FGSA/ Strip multidirectionally or unidirectionally depending on the
which means they have to be used and
Mann McGowan
applied carefully as the application of too
product type.Also the degree of expansion, and hence
much material may push the beads off, the leading
pressure,to premature
depends on the failure
amount and type of graphite
Pyroglaze Liner/ Strip
in the product. If contained on expansion, it forms a dense
• ammonimum Mannphosphate
McGowan materials do not show expansion pressure to the same
product, otherwise it is a light, low density material.
degree, butFlexible
if the Figure
expansion
1 is too great then the density of the material left in
Strip
/Lorient
and amount of material is applied.
Intumescent seal strip materials may be unprotected if they are composed of a material
that is not particularly sensitive to moisture and they will generally have a self-adhesive
Non-intumescent
layer to fix to the bead.seal types (see summary in Table 5)
These seal types are composed of materials that are either non-reactive when exposed to
heat (such as mineral fibre products) or those which show only minimal or modest
expansion. Because of this, the following should be noted:
• non-intumescent seals may not perform satisfactorily if the shrinkage of the timber
bead is too great, because the seal is unable to expand to fill the gap created by this
shrinkage
• the permeability of uncoated mineral fibre seals means that they are generally
acceptable for use with metal framing systems and insulation glass types in general,
but may be unsatisfactory in timber systems with integrity-only glass types unless they
are coated to make them impermeable to hot gases (depending on glass type).
42 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
41
Available
Table 4: Summary
forms of of
seals
intumescent seal types
A variety of different forms are available, as follows:
Trade Name/
Seal Material Manufacturer Type Method of providing fire-resistance
• preformed rigid strips which are normally encapsulated with PVC for protection
and
Sodium decorative
silicate coloured
Pyroglaze/ effects
Liner Hydrated sodium silicate has been used for many years as
Mann McGowan an intumescent material. It activates on exposure to heat
• self-adhesive preformed flexible strips(atavailable
System 90 Plus/ Channel
either
100°C) and in coils
generates or pressure
a high cut to standard lengths
on expansion,
which tends to be unidirectional, forming a relatively rigid
• preformed rigid channels encapsulated
Lorient by PVC, or preformed rubber channels,
foam. Once rigid, sodium silicate does not allow further
which are fitted around
System 90 Plus/ the outside
Liner edge of the
movement andfire-resistant glass as can
the pressure generated a gasket
therefore
Lorient be helpful in restraining movement of other components
in the system, keeping adjacent components in place.
strictly according to the manufacturer’s recommended thickness
Ammonium Fireglaze G30/ Strip Ammonium phosphate based products are complex
• fibre gaskets Sealmaster
Phosphate or woven tapes of mineral fibre which produce an open structure when heated
formulations
to around 180°C.They usually contain fire retardants
• encapsulatedFirestrip
cellular30/seal foam
Stripstrip, for specialist applications only with only certain
and some versions need external protection against water
Hodgson
glass types and only when clearly specified.
vapour.They generate very low pressures on expansion
Pyrostrip 300/ Strip which is usually multidirectional.They have some flexibility
Intumescent seal types (see summary in Table 4)
movement of other components.
Intumescent
Graphite seals are based
Pyroglaze 30/ on materials
Strip that expand
Intercalated and foam
graphite onheld
is usually exposure to to
in a binder heat.
form a
The degree of intumescence
Mann McGowan and the expansion pressure
strip product. vary around
It activates according
200°Ctobut
theis material
not affected
and its formulation. In particular, by moisture.
the following shouldGraphite expands considerably and generates
be noted:
Pyroglaze 60/ Strip
Mann McGowan
• Products containing
sodium silicate and graphite based materials may haveintercalated graphite may
a high expansion expand
pressure
Pyroglaze FGSA/ Strip multidirectionally or unidirectionally depending on the
which means they have to be used and
Mann McGowan
applied carefully as the application of too
product type.Also the degree of expansion, and hence
much material may push the beads off, the leading
pressure,to premature
depends on the failure
amount and type of graphite
• ammonimum Mannphosphate
McGowan materials do not show expansion pressure to the same
product, otherwise it is a light, low density material.
degree, butFlexible
if the Figure
expansion
1 is too great then the density of the material left in
Strip
/Lorient
and amount of material is applied.
Intumescent seal strip materials may be unprotected if they are composed of a material
that is not particularly sensitive to moisture and they will generally have a self-adhesive
Non-intumescent
layer to fix to the bead.seal types (see summary in Table 5)
These seal types are composed of materials that are either non-reactive when exposed to
• non-intumescent seals may not perform satisfactorily if the shrinkage of the timber
shrinkage
• the permeability of uncoated mineral fibre seals means that they are generally
acceptable for use with metal framing systems and insulation glass types in general,
but may be unsatisfactory in timber systems with integrity-only glass types unless they
are coated to make them impermeable to hot gases (depending on glass type).
42 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
41
43
Table 5:
4: Non-intumescent seal types
Summary of intumescent seal types
Trade Name/
Seal
Seal Type
Material Manufacturer Form
Type Method of providing fire-resistance
Sodium
Mineral
silicate Fireglaze
Pyroglaze/
2000/ Liner
Strip Gaskets
Hydratedmade sodiumfromsilicate
mineral hasfibres
beenare usednotfor
affected
manyby the as
years heat
(or ceramic) Mann
Sealmaster
McGowan of
an the fire but their
intumescent permeability
material. It activatesandon insulation
exposure properties
to heat
fibre depend
(at 100°C) on and
the generates
degree of compression
a high pressure or on
whether they are
expansion,
System
Firetape/
90 Plus/ Channel
Strip
coated.
which tendsUncoated
to be fibre gaskets areforming
unidirectional, usuallyaused with metal
relatively rigid
Hodgson
Lorient
frames
foam. Oncewhere their
rigid, compressibility
sodium silicate does is annotadvantage,
allow furtherand
Pyrotape/
System 90 Plus/ Strip
Liner where
movement theirand
inability to expand
the pressure is not a can
generated problem. Uncoated
therefore
MannLorient
McGowan fibre gaskets
be helpful in are not normally
restraining movementused on of their
otherown with timber
components
beads
in the in conjunction
system, keeping with integrity-only
adjacent components rated glass (and must
in place.
not be so used without appropriate evidence of performance)
Ammonium Fireglaze G30/ Strip Ammonium
but phosphate
coated gaskets based with
combined products
otherare complex
products can give
Phosphate Sealmaster formulations which produce an
an excellent performance.The performance may open structure when
also heated
be
to around using
enhanced 180°C.They usually
special high contain fireadhesive
temperature retardants to bond
Firestrip 30/ Strip
and material
the some versions
to the need external
glass and beadprotection
in order toagainst
reducewaterthe
Hodgson
vapour.They generate very low pressures
tendency of non-laminated integrity glass to slump at longeron expansion
Pyrostrip 300/ Strip which (e.g.
times is usually
in some multidirectional.They
cases for 60 minutes haveandsome flexibility
longer).
Incompressible
movement of other ceramic fibre woven fibre tape, available
components.
in various thicknesses, is suitable for use in 30 minute steel
Graphite Pyroglaze 30/ Strip Intercalated
frame integrity graphite
glazedissystems,
usually held
and mayin a binder
also be tousedform a
with
Mann McGowan strip product. It activates
high temperature ceramicaround
adhesives200°C but is not
for longer affected
periods of
by moisture. Graphite
fire-resistance (in someexpands
cases for considerably
60 minutesand andgenerates
longer).
Pyroglaze 60/ Strip
Elastomeric Mann McGowan
Pyroglaze/ Channel These products haveintercalated
been used for some mayyearsexpand
normally
Products containing graphite
gasket Mann McGowan
Pyroglaze FGSA/ Strip for
multidirectionally or unidirectionally depending on theto
30 minute applications.They need a fire retardant
Mann McGowan prevent
product the elastomer
type.Also from burning
the degree on the non-fire
of expansion, and hence side.
System 36/ Channel
Lorient the pressure, depends on the amount and type of graphite
Mann McGowan
System 630/ Channel product, otherwise it is a light, low density material.
Lorient
Flexible Figure 1 Strip
/Lorient
Ablative seals Intuglaze/ Mastic
These products are often produced in cartridges for easy
Hodgson application but may also be preformed strips with a removable
backing strip on application.They may have a little
Fireglaze Mastic
expansion to cope with the shrinkage of the timber bead
Compound/
but this is normally much less than for a typical intumescent
Sealmaster
sealant.A fire retardant is normally required to prevent
Fireglaze/ Liner ignition. In the case of cartridge applied compound it is
Sealmaster important that the manufacturer’s instructions are followed
Non-intumescent seal types (seeinsummary respect of the in Table
thickness of 5)
compound between the bead
and the glass. Usually between 2mm and 4mm is required
These seal types are composed of materials
for 30that are applications
minute either non-reactive
but more maywhen exposed
be needed for to
longer time periods.
• non-intumescent
Seal combinationsseals withmay not perform
different satisfactorily
glass types if the shrinkage of the timber
The most onerous applications are for modified toughened soda-lime-silica glass because
shrinkage
these glass types can only tolerate small edge cover (10mm maximum) due to the dangers
of •thermal
the permeability of uncoated
shock or stress.This is mineral
less of afibre sealswith
problem means that
steel orthey are generally
aluminium systems
acceptable
compared for usesystems
with timber with metal
but framing systems acute
it is particularly and insulation
for largerglass
panestypes in general,
in timber frames,
although there have been some successful tests in timber for 30 minute applications. they
but may be unsatisfactory in timber systems with integrity-only glass types unless
areofcoated
In view to makegreat
such factors, them impermeable
care must be takento hot gasessure
to make (depending
that theon glass type).
correct seal is used
in conjunction with modified toughened glass.
42
44 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
43
In timber
Table 5:frames, both insulation and
Non-intumescent sealpartial
types insulation glass types perform well because
the surface of the non-fire side immediately adjacent to the glass is protected against
direct radiant heat
TradeforName/
the period that insulation is maintained.These glass types are able
Seal Type Manufacturer
to function with most types of seals Form for 30 minute Method of providing fire-resistance
applications.Applications for 60 minutes
mayMineral
still be a problem,
Fireglazehowever,
2000/ ifStrip
the sealGaskets
does made
not prevent flame
from mineral penetration
fibres around
are not affected by the heat
(or ceramic) Sealmaster of the fire but their permeability
the glass edge between the timber bead and the glazing aperture in the case of doors,and insulation properties
fibre depend on the degree of compression or whether they are
or between the bead and the frame
Firetape/ Stripin the glazing rebate for screens.
coated. Uncoated fibre gaskets are usually used with metal
Hodgson
For 60 minute applications it is necessaryframes where their compressibility is an advantage, and
to consider carefully the various approved
Pyrotape/ Strip where their inability to expand is not a problem. Uncoated
applications provided by the seal manufacturers.
Mann McGowan Some
fibre gaskets products
are not normallyhave
used been
on theirtested in timber
own with
fully glazed doors (e.g. Pattern 10) for 60beads
minutes whilst others
in conjunction may only rated
with integrity-only haveglass
approval
(and must
in small panes. not be so used without appropriate evidence of performance)
but coated gaskets combined with other products can give
Glazing for 60 minute applications using timber beads
an excellent is much more
performance.The difficult than
performance may for
also be
enhanced using special high temperature
30 minutes, and individual seal manufacturers must be consulted to establish the range adhesive to bond
the material to the glass and bead in order to reduce the
of their test evidence.The importance oftendency
this cannot be overemphasised
of non-laminated because,
integrity glass to slump at longer
whilst some glass products work exceptionally well
times (e.g. with cases
in some someforseal systems,
60 minutes it longer).
and cannot
be assumed that all combinations work inIncompressible
the same way.ceramic fibre woven fibre tape, available
in various thicknesses, is suitable for use in 30 minute steel
For 60 minutes performance in timber, a frameliningintegrity
strip must
glazednormally be may
systems, and fittedalsoaround
be usedthe
with
whole glazing aperture rebate under the high beads.The purpose
temperature ceramicofadhesives
this lining
forislonger
to prevent
periods of
failures from occurring as a result of fissures in the beads
fire-resistance lining
(in some upfor
cases with fissuresand
60 minutes in longer).
the
door core
Elastomericor frame.Any holes
Pyroglaze/ from the inside of the assembly through to the
Channel These products have been used for some years normally outside
result in immediate
gasket Mann failure.
McGowan for 30 minute applications.They need a fire retardant to
prevent the elastomer from burning on the non-fire side.
System 36/ Channel
There are third-party accreditation schemes available for glazed systems which help
Lorient
to ensure that there is compatibility between glass and seal, that seal manufacturers’
claims are reliableSystem 630/
and that theirChannel
products perform consistently.An example is the
Lorient
CERTIFIRE scheme.
Ablative seals Intuglaze/ Mastic These products are often produced in cartridges for easy
Note: Hodgson application but may also be preformed strips with a removable
The glass, glazing seal, retaining backing
bead strip
andonits application.They
fixings allmay have together
work a little
Fireglaze Mastic
expansion to cope with the shrinkage of the timber bead
as a glazed system.
Compound/ Individual components must not be changed without
but this is normally much less than for a typical intumescent
checking that Sealmaster
the performance of the system
sealant.A is unaffected.
fire retardant Appropriate
is normally required to prevent
evidence of performance
Fireglaze/ must
Liner always
ignition. Inbetheprovided.
case of cartridge applied compound it is
Sealmaster important that the manufacturer’s instructions are followed
in respect of the thickness of compound between the bead
and the glass. Usually between 2mm and 4mm is required
for 30 minute applications but more may be needed for
longer time periods.
Seal combinations with different glass types

The most onerous applications are for modified toughened soda-lime-silica glass because
these glass types can only tolerate small edge cover (10mm maximum) due to the dangers
of thermal shock or stress.This is less of a problem with steel or aluminium systems
compared with timber systems but it is particularly acute for larger panes in timber frames,
although there have been some successful tests in timber for 30 minute applications.
In view of such factors, great care must be taken to make sure that the correct seal is used
in conjunction with modified toughened glass.
44 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
43
45
Section 5: Timber screens and doors
The following
Section information can be taken as general guidance for the charring rates
Contents:
of timber:
• Behaviour of timber in fire
• hardwood
Timber density timbers used in fire-resistant glazed systems, generally have densities
• more
Particular 630 kg/m3, withconcerning
thanconsiderations typical chartimber
rates fire
in the
doors
order of 0.5mm per minute
• e.g.
Timber
Sapele,
glazing
Irokobeads
or Dark Red Meranti
•• softwood
Additionaltimbers
information
used concerning glazing
in fire-resistant beads
glazed used ingenerally
systems timber fire doors
have densities
• more than 480 kg/m3, with typical char rates of around 0.7mm per minute
Bead fixings
• e.g.
Setting blocks Redwood.
European
• Integrity and insulation glazing within timber fire-resistant systems
However,
• Glazingthere are some
apertures exceptions:
in doors
• Linings for glazing apertures
• Particular
certain temperate-zone hardwoods e.g.Ash, demonstrate burning characteristics
considerations to achieve 60 minutes integrity performance
closer to those found for softwood timbers.These types of hardwood must therefore
in glazed systems
be designed with thicker frames and beads to take into account the increased
• Particular considerations for 60 minute fire doors
charring rate.
• Fanlights
• some softwoods e.g. Douglas Fir, with densities lower than 480 kg/m3 which char
faster than
Behaviour of0.7mm
timber perinminute
fire must therefore be used in larger sections to achieve
the required fire-resistance period.
Timber chars and possibly flames under fire conditions at a rate and to an extent
of deterioration that depends on a number of interacting factors:
Key factors determining the performance of timber glazed systems
• the intensity of exposure to radiant heat flux or flame
• Type of glass: integrity-only, partial insulation, or fully insulating
• the time of continuous exposure
• Type of timber and timber density
• the density and moisture content of the timber
• Size of sections and cross-section dimensions of the frame
As a general rule for fire safety designers, non-piloted ignition (“spontaneous” or “auto
• Depthdoes
ignition”)
of glazing rebate
not generally occur unless radiant heat intensities reach the range 25kW/m2
to •33kW/m 2. Under
Size, shape and design
pilotedof glazing
(i.e. nakedbeads
flame) ignition, flaming can occur at lower intensities
of 12kW/m 2 to 13kW/m2.
• Type of fixings of the beads, their location and angle of fixing relative to the glass
As•timber showsand
Edge cover limited expansion
clearances in adifferent
for the fire, timber screens
types and doors glass
of fire-resistant generally do not
induce significant
(especially formechanical stresses insilicate
modified soda-lime adjacent constructions.
toughened glass)
• Typesystems
Timber of glazing seal need to be carefully designed because of this degradation.
therefore
The type of timber, sectiontreatment
thicknesses, fixings, and bead shapes all have to be specifically
• Nature of any timber
detailed. In particular, 60 minute timber fire screens and doors require much more
• Compatibility
careful of 30
detailing than all minute
components
screens and doors to achieve the required fire test period,
because
• Methodof the increased
and materialsfire exposure
used time.
to fix the frame to the surrounding structure, e.g. walls
• Fire stopping between the fire-resistant screen or door frame and the wall
Timber density
The type of timber and its density is a key factor which determines the rate at which timber
chars and degrades under fire conditions.The grain density and straightness of the grain
also exert an effect in terms of the degree to which twisting may occur in the event of fire.
Timber is a naturally occurring material and a certain amount of natural variation
in properties, especially density, can occur.
46 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
45
The following
Section information can be taken as general guidance for the charring rates
Contents:
of timber:
• Behaviour of timber in fire
• hardwood
Timber density timbers used in fire-resistant glazed systems, generally have densities
• more 630 kg/m3, withconcerning
thanconsiderations
Particular typical char rates fire
timber in the order of 0.5mm per minute
doors
• e.g. Sapele,
Timber Iroko
glazing or Dark Red Meranti
beads
•• softwood
Additionaltimbers
information
used concerning glazing
in fire-resistant beads
glazed used ingenerally
systems timber fire doors
have densities
• more than 480 kg/m3, with typical char rates of around 0.7mm per minute
Bead fixings
• e.g.
Setting blocks Redwood.
European
• Integrity and insulation glazing within timber fire-resistant systems
However,
• Glazingthere are some
apertures exceptions:
in doors
• Linings for glazing apertures
• Particular
certain temperate-zone hardwoods e.g.Ash, demonstrate burning characteristics
considerations to achieve 60 minutes integrity performance
in glazed systems
be designed with thicker frames and beads to take into account the increased
• Particular considerations for 60 minute fire doors
charring rate.
• Fanlights
• some softwoods e.g. Douglas Fir, with densities lower than 480 kg/m3 which char
faster than
Behaviour of0.7mm
timber perinminute
fire must therefore be used in larger sections to achieve
Timber chars and possibly flames under fire conditions at a rate and to an extent
of deterioration that depends on a number of interacting factors:
• the intensity of exposure to radiant heat flux or flame
• the time of continuous exposure
• the density and moisture content of the timber
As a general rule for fire safety designers, non-piloted ignition (“spontaneous” or “auto
• Depthdoes
ignition”)
of glazing rebate
not generally occur unless radiant heat intensities reach the range 25kW/m2
to •33kW/m 2. Under
Size, shape and design
pilotedof glazing
(i.e. nakedbeads
flame) ignition, flaming can occur at lower intensities
of 12kW/m 2 to 13kW/m2.
As•timber showsand
Edge cover limited expansion
clearances in adifferent
for the fire, timber screens
types and doors glass
of fire-resistant generally do not
induce significant
(especially formechanical stresses insilicate
modified soda-lime adjacent constructions.
toughened glass)
• Typesystems
Timber of glazing seal need to be carefully designed because of this degradation.
therefore
The type of timber, sectiontreatment
thicknesses, fixings, and bead shapes all have to be specifically
• Nature of any timber
detailed. In particular, 60 minute timber fire screens and doors require much more
• Compatibility
careful of 30
detailing than all minute
components
screens and doors to achieve the required fire test period,
because
• Methodof the increased
and materialsfire exposure
used time.
to fix the frame to the surrounding structure, e.g. walls
Timber density
The type of timber and its density is a key factor which determines the rate at which timber
chars and degrades under fire conditions.The grain density and straightness of the grain
also exert an effect in terms of the degree to which twisting may occur in the event of fire.
Timber is a naturally occurring material and a certain amount of natural variation
in properties, especially density, can occur.
46 Best
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47
The followingconsiderations
Particular information can beconcerning
taken as general guidance
timber firefor the charring rates
doors
of timber:
A timber fire door, a typical example of which is shown in Fig 4, is a carefully designed and
• hardwood
engineered product thatused
timbers has far more to do than
in fire-resistant simply
glazed fillinggenerally
systems, a hole inhave
a wall or partition.
densities
3
more than 630 kg/m , with typical char rates in the order of 0.5mm per minute
Fire doors are fundamental to the escape and access strategy for fire safety in buildings,
e.g. Sapele, Iroko or Dark Red Meranti
and they have to function correctly as a fire barrier.
• softwood timbers used in fire-resistant glazed systems generally have densities
A firemore
doorthan
comprises
480 kg/mthe3, door leaf, door
with typical charframe,
rates hinges,
of around associated
0.7mm ironmongery,
per minute seals, and
the glazing in any vision
e.g. European panels.These components must all work together to ensure that
Redwood.
the completed door assembly functions correctly in the event of a fire.
However, there are some exceptions:
To ensure the fire performance of the door is achieved, the manufacturer’s instructions
• certainassembly
concerning temperate-zone hardwoods
and installation muste.g.Ash, demonstrate
be correctly followed. burning characteristics
As a be
general guide,
designed door
with thicknesses
thicker frames are
andgenerally
beads to at least
take into 44mm for 30
account theminute ratings
increased
and 54mm forrate.
charring 60 minutes.
The
• individual components
some softwoods of a door
e.g. Douglas Fir, assembly must lower
with densities not bethan
changed from3 those
480 kg/m which specified
char
within the fire test report.
faster than 0.7mm per minute must therefore be used in larger sections to achieve

• Depth of glazing rebate
• Size, shape and design of glazing beads
• Edge cover and clearances for the different types of fire-resistant glass
(especially for modified soda-lime silicate toughened glass)
• Type of glazing seal
• Nature of any timber treatment
• Compatibility of all components
• Method and materials used to fix the frame to the surrounding structure, e.g. walls
Figure 4 – Example: 30 minute timber glazed door
46
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Particular
Additionalconsiderations
factors influencing concerning timber fire
fire-resistance doors
performance of timber
fire doors – door features
engineered
Door Leafproduct that has far more to do than simply filling a hole in a wall or partition.
Fire
• doors are fundamental
Single leaf tosingle
or double leaf, the escape
actionand access strategy
or double action for fire safety in buildings,
• Thickness and construction, i.e. core material, with any subfacings, facings and lippings
A fire door comprises the door leaf, door frame, hinges, associated ironmongery, seals, and
• Type of timber and nature of any other timber-based products that may have
the glazing in any vision panels.These components must all work together to ensure that
been used
To ensureAperture
Glazing the fire performance of the door is achieved, the manufacturer’s instructions
concerning assembly and installation must be correctly followed.
• Size of the aperture
As a general guide, door thicknesses are generally at least 44mm for 30 minute ratings
• Unless tested, the glazing aperture must not cut through internal stiffening
and 54mm for 60 minutes.
elements within the door
The
• individual
Location ofcomponents of a door
glazing aperture, assembly
especially musttonot
relative be changed
door from those specified
edge perimeter
• The distance between apertures
• The layout of multiple apertures
• Preparation and “finish” of any apertures, especially corners
• Methods and materials used to line the aperture
Others
• Proper application of smoke seals if appropriate

• Door furniture: hardware, such as closers, latches, hinges – and their suitability for use
in fire
• Door frame and support structure
• Surface finishes and treatments
• The intumescent sealing system in the door leaf or door frame
Timber glazing beads

The glazing beads are the smallest section of timber in a fire-resistant glazed system, and
therefore the species of timber used for the bead and the bead thickness, shape, size
and method of fixing are all critically important in achieving the required fire-resistance
performance.This is particularly important for integrity-only glazed systems.
The bead section size and shape should both be sufficient to ensure that there is enough
residual timber remaining at the end of the fire-resistance period to ensure integrity
of the glazed aperture and to prevent failure of the screen or door.
Figure 4 – Example: 30 minute timber glazed door
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49
When a clear factors

Additional integrity-only (non-insulation)
influencing glass type is performance
fire-resistance used then there of is atimber
risk of bead
ignition
fire doorson the unexposed
– door face due to transmitted radiant heat.A traditional design feature
features
to reduce this risk is to chamfer the top of the bead (instead of having a square bead)
Door
to Leafthe exposed surface area and the radiant heat intensity on the top of the bead.
minimise
Test evidence is required for the glass type, bead detail and glazing sealant combination. Such
• Single leaf or double leaf, single action or double action
approved glazed systems are available, and the door/screen manufacturer/supplier must be
• Thickness
contacted and construction,
for specific details.The i.e.
topcore material,
of a timber withmay
bead anybesubfacings, facings
successfully and lippings
protected by using
an •insulation
Type of rated
timberfire-resistant
and nature ofglass
anyor possibly
other a partial insulation
timber-based (EW)may
products that fire-resistant
have
glass.been used
Note:
Glazing Aperture
• if the bead or their fixings fail prematurely then the glass will fall
• out
Size of
ofthe
itsaperture
aperture
•• the
Unless tested, pocket
glazing the glazing aperture
must must not cutagainst
be protected through internal
leakage stiffening
by hot gases
elements within the door
from the exposed side, which could penetrate around the glass edge
• and scour
Location out the
of glazing glazing
aperture, pocket
especially relative to door edge perimeter
•• for
The a non-intumescent
distance integrity-only glass, the use of an
between apertures
appropriate intumescent glazing material helps to seal any gaps that
• develop
The layout of multiple apertures
between the glass and the bead
•• an
Preparation and “finish” of any apertures, especially corners
intumescent glazing seal may also swell sufficiently to mask or
• protect
Methods and
thematerials
face and used to of
top linethe
the bead
aperture
from radiant heat (see Section
4)
Others
• laminated integrity-only fire-resistant glass types that reduce the
• transmitted radiant
Proper application heat
of smoke (i.e.
seals EW class) provide a greater margin of
if appropriate
safety by minimising the risk of bead ignition on the unexposed side
• Door furniture: hardware, such as closers, latches, hinges – and their suitability for use
• in
insulation
fire with integrity glasses (i.e. EI class) significantly reduce the
risk of bead ignition by preventing significant heat transfer to the
• Door frame and support structure
• Surface finishes and treatments
• The intumescent sealing system in the door leaf or door frame
Timber glazing beads

The glazing beads are the smallest section of timber in a fire-resistant glazed system, and
therefore the species of timber used for the bead and the bead thickness, shape, size
and method of fixing are all critically important in achieving the required fire-resistance
performance.This is particularly important for integrity-only glazed systems.
The bead section size and shape should both be sufficient to ensure that there is enough
residual timber remaining at the end of the fire-resistance period to ensure integrity
of the glazed aperture and to prevent failure of the screen or door.
48
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Particular considerations concerning timber fire doors

engineered product that has far more to do than simply filling a hole in a wall or partition.
Fire doors are fundamental to the escape and access strategy for fire safety in buildings,
A fire door comprises the door leaf, door frame, hinges, associated ironmongery, seals, and
the glazing in any vision panels.These components must all work together to ensure that
To ensure the fire performance of the door is achieved, the manufacturer’s instructions
concerning assembly and installation must be correctly followed.
As a general guide, door thicknesses are generally at least 44mm for 30 minute ratings
and 54mm for 60 minutes.
The individual components of a door assembly must not be changed from those specified
Figure 5 – Examples of different types of bead
unexposed side
Additional information concerning glazing beads used in timber fire

doors
Beads used for fire doors require additional
When glazing fire-resistant toughened soda
considerations to those used for screens in view of
lime silicate glass into timber take particular
the door leaf construction:
care to ensure that edge cover stipulations
• the glazing beads may need to be a higher from the manufacturer/supplier are
density than that used in the main door complied with, and that the glazing seal
construction.
Figure 4 – Example: 30 minute timber glazed door is exactly as specified.
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51
Section
Section 5:
5: Timber
Timber screens
screens and
and doors
doors
• circular apertures in fire doors may need a steeper splayed chamfer than normally
used for a rectangular aperture.
Bead fixings
The bead fixings are critical to the successful performance of a fire-resistant timber
glazed system.
The function of the bead fixings is to keep the glass in place in the frame should the
beads burn away.
The following factors are key to successful performance of the system:
• screws, nails or pins may be used, provided that the material and gauge is sufficient
to give the required fire-resistance performance when tested
• the fixings must be angled towards the centre of the frame (and not vertical)
• the length of the fixings should be sufficient to ensure sufficient penetration into the
sub-frame to give a secure fixing (typically at least 38mm for 30 minute performance
and at least 50mm for 60 minutes)
• particular care must be taken if air gun pins are used, to ensure that the supplied
evidence supports the use of these components, as pin gauge and angle of application
are particularly critical for this fixing type
• the distance between the fixings must be as shown in the supporting evidence
(Fixing centres typically start at a maximum 50mm from the aperture corner
and there after are spaced with a maximum separation of 150mm)
• the frame must be sufficiently robust to secure the fixings in the event of fire
(particularly relevant for timber doors).
Setting blocks
Glazing blocks must always be used
The supplier’s recommendations concerning type as directed, to ensure correct
of material, thickness, location and positioning expansion provision, appropriate
of the blocks should be followed for the particular glass edge cover and positioning
Figure 5 – Examples of different types of bead
glazed system being installed. of the fire-resistant glass
unexposed
Setting blocks areside
required to locate the glass within the frame.
correctly in the glazing aperture so that fitting
tolerances andinformation
Additional expansion allowances can glazing beads used in timber fire
concerning
be accommodated.The type of block must
doors UKPractice
Building Regulations
Note:Best Rule No.require
6
be as specified. doors to have a smoke control
Beads used for fire doors require additional
When glazing
function fire-resistant toughened soda
in certain locations,
In the case of timber
considerations to thosedoors,
used the use of setting
for screens in view of
lime silicatedesignated
glass into timber
with antake
“S” particular
blocks
the leaves
door leaf aconstruction:
gap between the edge of the
care e.g.
to ensure
FD30Sthat = 30edge coverintegrity
minutes stipulations
glass and the internal base of the cut out which
• not
the glazing beads may need fromfirethe manufacturer/supplier
with smoke control.are
may be sufficiently sealed by to be aorhigher
beads glazing door
density than that complied with, and that the glazing seal
seal strips.This may beused in the main
acceptable door
subject to
construction. is exactly as specified.
fire test evidence.Where hot and cold sealing
is also required, then special attention to this aspect of the design will have to be followed.
50
52
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5
This is very likely

• circular to require
apertures in firesealing
doors ofmaytheneed
gap.a steeper splayed chamfer than normally
used for a rectangular aperture.
Integrity and insulation glazings within timber fire-resistant systems
Bead fixings
Using an integrity and insulation-rated glass significantly reduces the possibility of bead
ignition
The bead and therefore
fixings the detailing
are critical of the beadperformance
to the successful is much lessofsignificant in terms
a fire-resistant of overall
timber
fire performance
glazed system. compared with the requirements for integrity glass.The use of
chamfered beads with these glass types is no longer a concern.The use of any shaped or
The function
moulded beads,of the bead fixings
for reasons is toand
of style keep the glass
design, in place provided
are possible in the frame should
there the fire
is suitable
beads burn away.
test evidence.
The following
However, factors
attention toare
thekey to successful
fixings of the performance of the system:
beads and their
• screws, nailslocation
or pins ismay
stillbevery
used, provided that the Best Practice
material RuleisNo.
and gauge 8
sufficient
important
to giveinthe
order to keep
required the glass in its
fire-resistance performance when tested
aperture. Glazed panels must only be installed
• the fixings must be angled towards the centre ofinthe frame
doors (andare
which notappropriately
vertical)
When using insulation glass, especially for
• the length of the fixings should be sufficient to approved. Glazingpenetration
ensure sufficient apertures must
into the
60 minutes, the design of the frame section never be cut in doors
sub-frame to give a secure fixing (typically at least 38mm for 30 minute performance that are not
mustand
be able to support
at least 50mm for the60additional
minutes) designed to take such apertures.
weight of the glass compared with integrity
• particular
only glasses.Thecare mustmust
design be taken if airingun
also take to pins are used, to ensure that the supplied
evidence supports the use of these components,
account the reduction in timber strength that will occur as pin
duegauge
to theand angle of
charring of application
the timber.
are particularly critical for this fixing type
• the distance
Glazing apertures in doors
between the fixings must be as shown in the supporting evidence
(Fixing centres typically start at a maximum 50mm from the aperture corner
The cutting of an aperture within a door leaf can weaken its core by removing some key
and there after are spaced with a maximum separation of 150mm)
structural components.This can severely prejudice fire performance.
• the frame must be sufficiently robust to secure the fixings in the event of fire
Therefore:
(particularly relevant for timber doors).
• the original door design template must include the provision Best for glazed apertures
Practice Rule No. 7
Setting
of theblocks
type, layout and shape being considered
Glazing blocks must always be used
The• supplier’s
apertures recommendations
must be formed asconcerning
part of thetype
door manufacturing process
as directed, to under
ensurefactory-
correct
controlled
of material, conditions
thickness, according
location to manufacturer’s instructions
and positioning (and not
expansion provision, cutappropriate
out at
of thea later
blocks stage as abe
should secondary
followed operation on a completed glass
for the particular assembly
edge or on site)
cover and positioning
glazed system being installed. of the
thefire-resistant
door design glass
• modular glazing kits may only be used if this is approved with
Setting within the frame.
• forblocks are required
30 minute doorsets,toglazing
locateofthetheglass
aperture may be conducted on-site using the
correctly
correctin the glazingand
materials aperture so thataccording
specification fitting to the supplied evidence
tolerances and expansion allowances can
be•accommodated.The type of block must
but for fire-resistance periods of 60 minutes, or longer, it is recommended that the
doors be purchased complete, i.e. factory-glazed Note: UK Building Regulations require
be as specified. doors to have a smoke control
• for rectangular apertures, any glazing gaskets must be properly mitred at the corners
function in certain locations,
In theincase of timber doors, the use
line with manufacturer’s instructionsof setting
blocks leaves a gap between the edge of the designated with an “S”
• rectangular
glass apertures
and the internal base ofmust
thenotcutbe
outreplaced
which by circulare.g.
orFD30S
non-rectangular
= 30 minutesapertures
integrity
of the
may not besame area without
sufficiently sealed bytest or assessment
beads or glazing evidence fire door with smoke control.
seal
• strips.This
the glazing mayseal be
foracceptable
any curvedsubject to apertures must be capable of being formed
or circular
fire test evidence.Where hot and cold sealing
to fit the required curvature without splitting (when strip and flexible channel products,
is also
orrequired, then special
flexible mastic, attention to this aspect of the design will have to be followed.
are options)
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53
This is very likely

• similarly, to require
a hardwood sealing
lining fittedof inthe gap. lengths will have to be replaced by an
straight
alternative method for curved cut outs.
Integrity and insulation glazings within timber fire-resistant systems
A particular door leaf design will have a maximum permissible size of glazing aperture based
on full-scale
Using test evidence
an integrity on that specific
and insulation-rated glassdoor construction.
significantly reduces the possibility of bead
ignition and therefore the detailing of the bead is much less significant in terms of overall
It must not be assumed that this maximum approved size may be automatically applied
fire performance compared with the requirements for integrity glass.The use of
to another door leaf construction. Each door assembly requires its own specific test
chamfered beads with these glass types is no longer a concern.The use of any shaped or
evidence, or assessment evidence related to test
moulded beads, for reasons of style and design, are possible provided there is suitable fire
data. Best Practice Rule No. 9
test evidence.
Multiple apertures are only allowed if the door Test evidence for glazed apertures
However, attention to the fixings of the
assembly under consideration has the appropriate in screensRule
or steel
beads and their location is still very Best Practice No.doors
8 is
test or assessment evidence. not appropriate to substantiate
important in order to keep the glass in its
aperture. Glazed panels must onlyinbe
performance installed
a timber door.
Linings for glazing apertures in doors in doors which are appropriately
When using insulation glass, especially for approved. Glazing apertures must
Protective
60 minutes,lining of the of
the design glazing cut out
the frame will be necessary for those door leaf constructions
section never be cut in doors that are not
using
must belowable
density core material,
to support if:
the additional designed to take such apertures.
weight
– theofcore
the material
glass compared
is not ablewithtointegrity
secure the glazing bead or glazing channel fixing
only sufficiently
glasses.Thesecurely
design must
in the event ofinfire,
also take to and/or
account the reduction in timber strength that will occur due to the charring of the timber.
– the unprotected exposed core material does not have sufficient resistance to erosion
by fire once the beads have burnt away.
Glazing apertures in doors
Any lining that is used must be located tightly into aperture corners.
The cutting of an aperture within a door leaf can weaken its core by removing some key
structural
When fire components.This
erosion is a potential can severely
problem prejudice fire performance.
then a hardwood lining of satisfactory material
is usually required.This will normally be a minimum of 6mm-8mm thick and minimum
Therefore:
density 630 kg/m3.These linings are usually essential for 60 minute and above fire-resistance.
• thebeoriginal
It may
door design template must include the provision for glazed apertures
unacceptable for aesthetic reasons to use solid timber linings that are visible on
of the type, layout and shape being considered
the front of the door. In these situations, special concealed linings may be used.These are
• apertures
usually must bethe
built-in during formed as part ofprocess.
manufacturing the door manufacturing
Confirmation process
of the underoffactory-
presence these
controlled conditions according to manufacturer’s
concealed linings should be obtained from the manufacturer. instructions (and not cut out at
a later stage as a secondary operation on a completed assembly or on site)
Particular
• modular considerations
glazing kits may onlytobeachieve 60 is
used if this minutes
approvedintegrity performance
with the door design
in glazed systems
• for 30 minute doorsets, glazing of the aperture may be conducted on-site using the
At 60correct
minutesmaterials and specification
fire exposure according
the glazed system to the
will have supplied
seen evidence
significantly higher temperature
and radiant
• but forheat intensities when
fire-resistance compared
periods with 30or
of 60 minutes, minutes
longer,fire
it isexposure.Additional
recommended thatfactors
the
have doors
therefore to be taken into account in designing
be purchased complete, i.e. factory-glazed these systems:
• bigger sections apertures,

for rectangular and more secure fixings
any glazing are needed
gaskets toproperly
must be compensate theataccelerated
mitred the corners
and more
in line withextensive fire erosion
manufacturer’s of the timber sections
instructions
• different types
rectangular of sealsmust
apertures are required to minimise
not be replaced the possibility
by circular in particularapertures
or non-rectangular
of
of soda-lime silicate
the same area glass types
without test orslumping out of
assessment the frame or door aperture
evidence
• an
theintumescent rebate
glazing seal for any liner
curvedis necessary
or circulartoapertures
reduce the passage
must of hotofgases
be capable beingaround
formed
the
to fitglass
the edges duecurvature
required to erosion of thesplitting
without beads, and prevent
(when undercutting
strip and of the products,
flexible channel glass in
the glazing mastic,
or flexible pocket are options)
52
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• similarly,
the use ofa ahardwood
laminatedlining
integrity
fitted
glass
in straight
with an enhanced
lengths will
performance
have to be replaced
in reducing
byradiant
an
alternative
heat (partialmethod
insulation
for or
curved
EW types)
cut outs.
or a fully insulating glass type to eliminate the
risk of flaming of the beads on the unexposed side.
A particular door leaf design will have a maximum permissible size of glazing aperture based
Thefull-scale
on purposetestof an aperture
evidence onrebate lining material
that specific is to prevent failures from occurring as
door construction.
a result of fissures in the beads fortuitously lining up with fissures in the door core or frame.
It
Anymust notfrom
holes be assumed
the insidethat this specimen
of the maximumtoapproved
the outsidesizewould
may beresult
automatically applied
in immediate failure.
to another door leaf construction. Each door assembly requires its own specific test
evidence, or assessment evidence related to test
data. Best Practice Rule No. 9
Multiple apertures are only allowed if the door Test evidence for glazed apertures
assembly under consideration has the appropriate in screens or steel doors is
test or assessment evidence. not appropriate to substantiate
performance in a timber door.
Linings for glazing apertures in doors
Protective lining of the glazing cut out will be necessary for those door leaf constructions
using low density core material, if:
– the core material is not able to secure the glazing bead or glazing channel fixing
sufficiently securely in the event of fire, and/or
– the unprotected exposed core material does not have sufficient resistance to erosion
by fire once the beads have burnt away.
Any lining that is used must be located tightly into aperture corners.
When fire erosion is a potential problem then a hardwood lining of satisfactory material
is usually required.This will normally be a minimum of 6mm-8mm thick and minimum
density 630 kg/m3.These linings are usually essential for 60 minute and above fire-resistance.
It may be unacceptable for aesthetic reasons to use solid timber linings that are visible on
the front of the door. In these situations, special concealed linings may be used.These are
usually built-in during the manufacturing process. Confirmation of the presence of these
concealed linings should be obtained from the manufacturer.
Particular considerations to achieve 60 minutes integrity performance

in glazed systems
At 60 minutes fire exposure the glazed system will have seen significantly higher temperature
and radiant heat intensities when compared with 30 minutes fire exposure.Additional factors
have therefore to be taken into account in designing these systems:
• bigger sections and more secure fixings are needed to compensate the accelerated
and more extensive fire erosion of the timber sections
• different types of seals are required to minimise the possibility in particular
of 6soda-lime
Figure silicate
– Example: glass types
60 minute timberslumping
framingout of the frame or door aperture
details
• an intumescent rebate liner is necessary to reduce the passage of hot gases around
the glass edges due to erosion of the beads, and prevent undercutting of the glass in
the glazing pocket
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55
Note:
• the use of a laminated integrity glass with an enhanced performance in reducing radiant
Theheat
width of beads
(partial used
insulation to glaze
or EW modified
types) or toughened
a fully insulating soda-lime
glass type silicate
to eliminate the
fire-resistant glass types can be increased
risk of flaming of the beads on the unexposed side. but, the height must not
exceed any stipulated edge cover requirements, normally a maximum
The purpose of an aperture rebate lining material is to prevent failures from occurring as
of 10mm.
a result of fissures in the beads fortuitously lining up with fissures in the door core or frame.
Any holes from the inside of the specimen to the outside would result in immediate failure.
Particular considerations for 60 minute fire doors (FD60)
The achievement of a 60 minute (or greater) fire-resistance performance requires
particular attention to detail in the door structure, materials, and the glazing system design
and components.
Intumescent or non-combustible ceramic fibre liners are usually necessary for apertures,
in addition to any timber liner that is normally required.
The function of such liners is to inhibit the permeation of hot gases, volatiles or flames
through the door leaf, or around the glazing system, to the non-exposed face. Erosion
of the exposed face as a result of such permeation could char timber beads and undermine
the glazed system’s intumescent seal.
This is required to prevent integrity failure, even though the glass and its glazing system
may be retained in place (see Section 4).
Fanlights
Fanlights are glass apertures that are located directly above a door.This type of glazing
is usually incorporated within the door assembly by extending the door frame height and
building in a transom.The transom acts as both a door frame head to locate the top edge
of the door leaf and as a bottom supporting element for the fanlight glazing arrangement.
Figure 6 – Example: 60 minute timber framing details
54
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Section 6:
Section 6: Metal
Metal systems
systems for
for screens
screens and
and doors
doors
Section Contents:
requirements of the glass.
• Behaviour of metals in fire
• Metal
Metal screens
Screens
• Metal fire doors
Steel
• Beads and fixings
Framed systems are available from three main sources:
• Installation
•• rolled
Edge cover
formedrequirements
steel profiles, available from proprietary systems manufacturers
• and
Key fabricated
factors affecting performance
by specialist metalwork fabricators
• Pressure glazed systems
•• hot rolled
Glazing steel
seals forsections, such as W20-type steel sections
metal frames
• standard
Frames for steel sections,
external formed in(drained
applications many different configurations
and ventilated systems)by individual
• manufacturers
Curtain wallingto their own specifications and proprietary designs.
systems
Steel profiles are typically 2–3mm thick, and either hot-rolled or cold-formed from strip.
Behaviour of metals in fire
Each system supplier or fabricator will have their own fire test evidence based on
proprietary
Unlike steel
timber, profile
metal sections,
frames expandgiving
whentheheated
maximumwhichpane
can size
leadfor
to each
flexingglass
andtype,
twisting
glazing material used, type of glazing bead and the spacing of the bead studs.
of the frame.This means that provision for thermal expansion is particularly important.
For example, at 700°C, a 3m length of steel section will expand in length by about 25mm.
Steel-framed glazing systems are capable of providing fire-resistance performance for both
If constrained, this would give a bow at mid-distance of approximately 150mm.
integrity-only or insulation and ratings from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes.
The fixings of the framed assembly to the
Aluminium-clad steel systems are also available, containing Keysteel as thedetermining
factors main fire-resistant
supporting structure is also important, taking
structural elements and aluminium capping for performance of metal
into account expansion allowances.
appearance or style. glazedBest Practice Rule No. 10
systems
Other factors that influence performance are
Aluminium Integrity frames must not be used
thermal conductivity, oxidation, loss of strength,
There are a number of proprietary systems available • Type of metal
for insulation applications and all
and melting. Framing options based on both
from specialist suppliers and fabricators based on • components
Integrity-onlymust
or insulation frame
be compatible
aluminium and steel are possible but fire-resistant designunder fire conditions.
extruded aluminium profiles.The internal structure
frames must be specially designed to withstand
and make-up of these systems is specialised and • Size of sections, and cross-section
fire conditions. Different framing constructions are
dependent on the supplier’s specific proprietary dimensions of the frame
used for aluminium and steel in view of their
designs. Specialised installation techniques are also required.
different thermal properties. • Method and materials used to fix
Aluminium systems are therefore normally available only onthe a supply
frame and fit basis.
to the surrounding
Standard non-fire rated metal frames must not
structure, e.g. walls
Composite
therefore systems
be used either for fire screens or
Suchdoors.
fire systems are produced from a combination of materials • Fire stopping
such between calcium
as fire-resistant the fire-
silicate boards either side of a steel core with aluminium covers, resistant screen and
or calcium the board
silicate wall
Metal framing for use in conjunction with fire-
with steel tubes on either side. But in all cases, only proprietary
• Depthsystems withrebate
of glazing the
resistant glass falls into two categories:
necessary evidence of performance must be used.
• Integrity only • Type of fixings for the beads
Timber and metal combinations behave differently when exposed to heat from a fire and
• integrity
therefore and insulation
require special design expertise.
• Edge cover and edge clearance for
the different types of fire-resistant
The fire-resistant glass must be glass
Metal fire doors
positioned on non-combustible setting
• Glazing seal
blocks,
The whole e.g.
doormineral
assembly,fibre board,
including to
the glazing and all associated components, must have
ensure that
relevant and the glass
applicable is fitted
evidence centrally
of performance. • Compatibility of all components
within the opening as specified to • Expansion allowances
• A metal door expansion
accommodate must not automatically
and locationbe assumed to be a fire-resistant door. It is not
recommended that conventional metal doors be converted to fire doors. Only door
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Section
Section 6:
6: Metal
Metal systems
systems for screens and
for screens and doors
doors
requirements of the glass.

Section Contents:
Metal• Behaviour
Screens of metals in fire
• Metal screens
Steel• Metal fire doors
Framed
• Beadssystems are available from three main sources:
and fixings
•• rolled
Installation
formed steel profiles, available from proprietary systems manufacturers
• and
Edgefabricated
cover requirements
by specialist metalwork fabricators
• Key factors affecting performance
•• hot rolledglazed
Pressure steel sections,
systems such as W20-type steel sections
Glazing seals
• standard steelfor metal frames
sections, formed in many different configurations by individual
• manufacturers to their own specifications
Frames for external applications (drained and
and ventilated
proprietary systems)
designs.
• Curtain walling systems
Behaviour of metals in fire
proprietary steel profile sections, giving the maximum pane size for each glass type,
glazing timber,
Unlike materialmetal
used,frames
type ofexpand
glazing when
bead and the which
heated spacingcan
of lead
the bead studs.and twisting
to flexing
of the frame.This means that provision for thermal expansion is particularly important.
For example, at 700°C, a 3m length of steel section will expand in length by about 25mm.
If constrained, this would give a bow at mid-distance of approximately 150mm.
Aluminium-clad steel systems are also available, containing steel as the main fire-resistant
The fixings of the framed assembly to the
structural elements and aluminium capping for Key factors determining
supporting structure is also important, taking
appearance or style. performance
Best Practice of metalRule No. 10
into account expansion allowances.
glazed systems
Other factors that influence performance are
There are a number of proprietary systems available
thermal conductivity, oxidation, loss of strength, • for
Type insulation
of metalapplications and all
from specialist suppliers and fabricators based on components must be compatible
and melting. Framing options based on both
extruded aluminium profiles.The internal structure • Integrity-only
under fireorconditions.
insulation frame
aluminium and steel are possible but fire-resistant design
and make-up of these systems is specialised and
frames must be specially designed to withstand
dependent on the supplier’s specific proprietary • Size of sections, and cross-section
fire conditions. Different framing constructions are
designs. Specialised installation techniques are also required.dimensions of the frame
used for aluminium and steel in view of their
different
Aluminium thermal
systemsproperties.
are therefore normally available only •onMethod
a supplyandandmaterials
fit basis. used to fix
the frame to the surrounding
Standard
Composite non-fire rated metal frames must not
systems
structure, e.g. walls
therefore
Such systems be used either forfrom
are produced fire screens or
a combination of materials such as fire-resistant calcium
fire boards either side of a steel core with aluminium •covers,
doors.
silicate Fire stopping
or calciumbetween
silicatethe fire-
board
with steel tubes on either side. But in all cases, only proprietary resistant screen
systems with andthethe wall
Metal framing for use in conjunction with fire-
necessary evidence of performance must be used. • Depth of glazing rebate
resistant glass falls into two categories:
Timber and metal combinations behave differently when •exposed Type oftofixings for the
heat from beads
a fire and
• Integrity only
therefore require special design expertise.
• integrity and insulation • Edge cover and edge clearance for
the different types of fire-resistant
Metal fire doors
The fire-resistant glass must be glass
positioned
The whole door onassembly,
non-combustible
including the setting
glazing and all associated
• Glazingcomponents,
seal must have
blocks,
relevant and applicable evidenceboard,
e.g. mineral fibre to
of performance.
ensure that the glass is fitted centrally • Compatibility of all components
• A metal
within the door
openingmust asnotspecified
automaticallyto be assumed to•beExpansion
a fire-resistant door. It is not
allowances
recommendedexpansion
accommodate that conventional metal doors be converted to fire doors. Only door
and location
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Section 6: Metal systems for screens and doors
systems specifically
requirements designed
of the glass.for fire-resistance may be used where fire-resistance is
a requirement of the specification.
Metal Screens
• When re-glazing an aperture in a fire door, the correct fire-resistance performance
must be maintained and the glazing seal must be compatible with the glass.The full
Steel
glazed
Framed system
systems areshould be replaced
available exactly
from three main as originally specified.
sources:
• Care needs to be taken to ensure that critical elements of door hardware (such as door
• closers)
rolled formed steel profiles, available from proprietary systems manufacturers
are not positioned directly above integrity-only clear fire-resistant glass because
and fabricated by specialist metalwork fabricators
• hot rolled steel sections, such as W20-type steel sections
• standard steel sections, formed in many different configurations by individual
manufacturers to their own specifications and proprietary designs.
proprietary steel profile sections, giving the maximum pane size for each glass type,
glazing material used, type of glazing bead and the spacing of the bead studs.
Aluminium-clad steel systems are also available, containing steel as the main fire-resistant
structural elements and aluminium capping for
appearance or style. Best Practice Rule No. 10
There are a number of proprietary systems available for insulation applications and all
from specialist suppliers and fabricators based on components must be compatible
extruded aluminium profiles.The internal structure under fire conditions.
and make-up of these systems is specialised and
dependent on the supplier’s specific proprietary
designs. Specialised installation techniques are also required.
Aluminium systems are therefore normally available only on a supply and fit basis.
Composite systems
Such systems are produced from a combination of materials such as fire-resistant calcium
silicate boards either side of a steel core with aluminium covers, or calcium silicate board
with steel tubes on either side. But in all cases, only proprietary systems with the
necessary evidence of performance must be used.
Timber and metal combinations behave differently when exposed to heat from a fire and
therefore require special design expertise.
Metal fire doors

Figure 7 – Example:
The whole Steel Glazed
door assembly, Door
including the glazing and all associated components, must have
relevant and applicable evidence of performance.
• A metal door must not automatically be assumed to be a fire-resistant door. It is not

recommended that conventional metal doors be converted to fire doors. Only door
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59
of the risk
systems of overheating
specifically due for
designed to both radiant heat
fire-resistance mayandbeconvection
used wherefrom such glass types.
fire-resistance is
a requirement of the specification.
The main features of metal fire doors are summarised in Figure 7.
• When re-glazing an aperture in a fire door, the correct fire-resistance performance
Beads must be maintained
and fixings and the glazing seal must be compatible with the glass.The full
glazed system should be replaced exactly as originally specified.
Glazing beads for metal systems are available in various forms such as angles, channels
• Care needs to be taken to ensure that critical elements of door hardware (such as door
or box sections which can be fixed with screws, bolts or clips.There is also a range
closers) are not positioned directly above integrity-only clear fire-resistant glass because
of specially formed channels available which fix over shaped studs.The most popular
are snap on beads or locating beads.
Fixings generally offer a 20mm deep glazing rebate with the screws, bolts or self drill/screw
studs spaced at approximately 250–300mm centres. Often metal beads may be cut short
to allow for expansion and to maintain the fixing during fire.
The glass must be retained in one of two ways: either with the use of an insulation barrier
or with a profiled metal glazing bead.
Installation
The frames must be fitted into a suitable opening, with supporting structure, which
achieves at least the same level of fire performance as the fire-resistant element
(such as screens, façade glazing or doors).The frame and its fixings must also support
the weight of the system.
The approved fire-resistant assembly must be attached with fixings which are not affected
by the heat of the fire.
Any gap between the frame and structure must be filled with suitable fire-resistant packing,
e.g. compressible mineral fibre wool, which is generally covered with a silicone seal.
Careful consideration must be given to the detail such that the required thermal expansion
for the full assembly is not inhibited.
Edge cover requirements

Most metal framed systems offer a 20mm deep glazing rebate which is adequate for the
majority of fire-resistant glass types. For modified toughened soda-lime silicate fire-resistant
glass special consideration must be given to the specification for glass edge cover (generally
10mm maximum).
Glazed systems in applications where resistance against crowd pressure is a requirement
should comply with the requirements of BS 6180, which requires a minimum edge cover
Figure 7 – Example: Steel Glazed Door
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forofthe
theglass
risk of overheating
15mm. due to both radiant heat and convection from such glass types.
The mainfollow
Always featuresthe
of metal fire doors
supplier’s are summarised
specific in Figure 7.
glazing instructions regarding any
guidance, or limitations, on edge cover.
Beads and fixings
Key factors affecting performance
Glazing beads for metal systems are available in various forms such as angles, channels
or box sections which can be fixed with screws, bolts or clips.There is also a range
Integrity
of specially formed channels available which fix over shaped studs.The most popular
are snap on beads or locating beads.
Fixings generally offer a 20mm deep glazing rebate with the screws, bolts or self drill/screw
studs spaced at approximately 250–300mm centres. Often metal beads may be cut short
to allow for expansion and to maintain the fixing during fire.
The glass must be retained in one of two ways: either with the use of an insulation barrier
or with a profiled metal glazing bead.
Installation
The frames must be fitted into a suitable opening, with supporting structure, which
achieves at least the same level of fire performance as the fire-resistant element
(such as screens, façade glazing or doors).The frame and its fixings must also support
the weight of the system.
The approved fire-resistant assembly must be attached with fixings which are not affected
by the heat of the fire.
Any gap between the frame and structure must be filled with suitable fire-resistant packing,
e.g. compressible mineral fibre wool, which is generally covered with a silicone seal.
Careful consideration must be given to the detail such that the required thermal expansion
for the full assembly is not inhibited.
Edge cover requirements

Most metal framed systems offer a 20mm deep glazing rebate which is adequate for the
majority of fire-resistant glass types. For modified toughened soda-lime silicate fire-resistant
glass special consideration must be given to the specification for glass edge cover (generally
10mm maximum).
Figure 8 – Example: Bead types used within steel frames
Glazed systems in applications where resistance against crowd pressure is a requirement
should comply with the requirements of BS 6180, which requires a minimum edge cover
Metal frames for integrity-only ratings are relatively uncomplicated compared with
insulation frames.They serve principally to retain the glass in position to prevent the
penetration of flames and hot gases.
An example is given in Figure 8.
Integrity-only systems must be designed with bowing particularly in mind because of the
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61
temperature differential
for the glass of 15mm. between the hot and cold sides of the frame which can cause
bowing due to differential expansion (normally convex towards the fire side).
Always follow the supplier’s specific glazing instructions regarding any
This may, foror
guidance, example, require the
limitations, on use
edgeof acover.
flexible glazing seal to minimize and evenly
distribute any edge stresses that result.
Key factors affecting performance
Similarly, expansion allowances must be provided as specified for the frame within the
opening
Integrity of the supporting construction.These requirements must be followed on
installation.
Fire performances of 60 minutes and longer are commonly available, but normally require
attention to the following:
• bonding of the glass where necessary using high temperature non-combustible

adhesives and ceramic fibre gaskets
• measures to minimize heat transfer to the glass edges which could cause softening
of the edges (which is not normally an issue for 30 minute metal glazed systems
but certainly is at longer times for non-intumescent glass types)
• design detailing to apply mechanical restraint to the glass edge, for example, through
glazing pressures.
The thermal conductivity of metals tends to give a better chance of successful performance
for modified toughened soda-lime
silicate glass types in integrity-only
frames compared with
performance in an insulation (metal
or timber) framing system.This is
due to the relatively better chance
of achieving lower thermal
gradients between the glass edge
and centre, giving rise to lower
thermal stress towards the glass
edge.
Insulation
Special constructions are needed
to achieve insulation performance.
One way
Figure 8 –ofExample:
achievingBead
this types
is by used within steel frames
using internal blocks of insulation
materials and particular
constructions which minimize
Metal frames
direct forthermal
paths for integrity-only ratings are relatively uncomplicated compared with
insulation frames.They serve principally to retain the glass in position to prevent the
penetration of flames and hot gases.
An example is given in Figure 8. Figure 9 – Example: Steel framing diagrams
Integrity-only systems must be designed for
withintegrity
bowingand insulationin mind because of the
particularly
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temperature
conduction, bydifferential
thermallybetween theone
separating hotface
andofcold
thesides
frameoffrom
the frame which can cause
the other.
bowing due to differential expansion (normally convex towards the fire side).
Each system company has its own design systems, based on specified special metal profiles.
This may, for example, require the use of a flexible glazing seal to minimize and evenly
The details of system design and construction are critical in achieving adequate fire-
distribute any edge stresses that result.
resistance.
Similarly, expansion allowances must be provided as specified for the frame within the
Figure 9 shows a typical example.
opening of the supporting construction.These requirements must be followed on
installation.
Never:
Fire • performances
use any systems other than those that are designed specifically for
of 60 minutes and longer are commonly available, but normally require
fire-resistance and have the necessary, and relevant, evidence of
attention to the following:
performance
•• bonding
make any of the glass where
changes necessary
to the system using
ashigh temperature non-combustible
supplied
adhesives and ceramic fibre gaskets
• use insulation glazing in integrity-only framed systems for
• insulation
measures to minimize
performance heat transfer to the glass edges which could cause softening
of the edges (which is not normally an issue for 30 minute metal glazed systems
• but
usecertainly
modified is attoughened
longer times soda-lime fire-resistant
for non-intumescent glass types in
glass types)
insulation-rated metal framing systems.
• design detailing to apply mechanical restraint to the glass edge, for example, through
glazing pressures.
Pressure glazed systems
The thermal conductivity of metals tends to give a better chance of successful performance
Pressure fitting is normally achieved by the tightening of screws or bolts onto steel plates,
for modified toughened soda-lime
around the perimeter of the glass. Pressure glazed framing can increase the length of time
silicate glass types in integrity-only
that certain integrity-only glass types are retained within the frame during a fire. It is only
frames compared with
of benefit for fire-resistance periods of 60 minutes and longer.
performance in an insulation (metal
or timber)there
In general framingaresystem.This
two types: is
due to the relatively better chance
of •achieving
lipped channel glazing, in which pressure generating intumescent strips are fitted
lower thermal
between
gradients faces the
between of the glass
glass and the inside of the special glazing channel
edge
and• centre, givingretention,
mechanical rise to lower
the simplest pressure glazing system, which requires the use
thermal stress towards
of back-to-back theangles
steel glass with pressure plates holding the glass edge in position
edge.during the latter stages of the fire.
Insulation
It is important with the mechanical retention
Special constructions
design that the pressureareisneeded
applied equally around Pressure glazed systems
to
theachieve insulation
perimeter of the performance.
glass to avoid uneven loading
The glazing pressure is specific to the
on the glass.
One way of achieving this is by individual glass product being used and
using internal
Pressure blocks
glazing of insulation
can have a detrimental effect on manufacturer’s stipulated guidelines
materials and particular
the fire performance of modified toughened soda- must always be followed for the framing
constructions which minimize
lime silicate fire-resistant glass, because of the system being considered.
direct
criticalpaths
need for thermal
to avoid undue edge stresses (e.g. due
to restrained expansion). Uneven pressure points
can therefore exacerbate this situation.
Note: Figure 9 – Example: Steel framing diagrams
• the use of angles, or back-to-back angles,
for integrity to form a glazing rebate
and insulation
does not automatically imply that the system is pressure glazed
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conduction,
• existingby thermally
systemsseparating one face of be
cannot normally the readily
frame from the other.to be pressure
modified
glazed because the alterations have to be precise in respect of both
Each system company has its own design systems, based on specified special metal profiles.
materials and design
The
• details
when of system design
re-glazing and construction
a pressure glazedare critical in
system theachieving
designadequate fire-
and installation
resistance.
details must be exactly as given in the original test or assessment
(which
Figure 9 showsapplies
a typicalto the specific glass, glass size, glass thickness, glazing
example.
seal, bead details and fixings).
Never:
The• fire-resistance
use any systems of a mechanical
other than pressure
thoseglazed
thatsystem is dependent
are designed on the application
specifically for
of a designated pressure. It is therefore essential that the designated
fire-resistance and have the necessary, and relevant, evidence of specification pressure
be applied during the re-glazing. Failure to comply can cause the system to fail.
performance
• make any changes to the system as supplied
Glazing seals for metal framed systems
• use insulation glazing in integrity-only framed systems for
A range of different
insulation materials may be used according to the specific glazed system,
performance
including ceramic fibre tape.
• use modified toughened soda-lime fire-resistant glass types in
Always use the approved
insulation-rated metalseal material
framing as specified for each particular
systems.
glazed system, and never make substitutions of materials, unless
approved
Pressure glazedby a competent
systems authority and endorsed by the supplier of the
glazed system
Pressure fitting is normally achieved by the tightening of screws or bolts onto steel plates,
around thefor
Frames perimeter
external of the glass. Pressure
applications glazed framing
(drained can increase systems)
and ventilated the length of time
that certain integrity-only glass types are retained within the frame during a fire. It is only
When using
of benefit forfire-resistant glazed
fire-resistance systems
periods of 60inminutes
externaland
applications
longer. the framing system must
follow the normal requirements of external systems to allow any moisture that enters the
In general
frame there are
to escape two as
(known types:
“drained and ventilated” systems).This is normal practice for
external glazing.
• lipped channel glazing, in which pressure generating intumescent strips are fitted
between faces of the glass and the inside of the special glazing channel
Curtain walling systems
• mechanical retention, the simplest pressure glazing system, which requires the use
of back-to-back
The specimen of the steel
systemangles
when with pressure
tested in a 3mplates holding
by 3m the furnace
fire test glass edge in position
must include all
during theaspects
the important latter stages
of theofsystem
the fire.
elements that might impact on its fire-resistance
performance.
It is important with the mechanical retention
design
On that the pressure
installation, is applied
there is the equally
potential for a around
gap to exist betweenPressure glazed
the approved systems
façade
the perimeterand
construction of the
the glass to avoid
adjacent flooruneven loading fire stopping must be used to fill this
slab.Adequate The glazing pressure is specific to the
on the
gap glass. the movement of fire, flames and smoke between floors.The supplier of
to prevent individual glass product being used and
the curtain wall must provide this level of detail. manufacturer’s stipulated guidelines
Pressure glazing can have a detrimental effect on
the fire performance
Factors of modified toughened soda-
to consider are: must always be followed for the framing
lime silicate fire-resistant glass, because of the system being considered.
• connections to the supporting structure
critical need to avoid undue edge stresses (e.g. due and their adequacy in fire conditions
to •restrained
exposureexpansion). Uneven
of the curtain pressureto
wall element points
fire exposure either from below or above
can therefore exacerbate this situation.
• the linear gap between the curtain wall and any of the surrounding or supporting
structure
Note:
•• any
thecavities
use ofthat
angles,
may beorprovided
back-to-back
for within angles, to wall
the curtain form a glazing rebate
design
does not automatically imply that the system is pressure glazed
• the provision of appropriately fire rated spandrels between the glazed sections.
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Section 7: Frameless (butt-jointed) systems
Perimeter Framing
Section Contents:
The• perimeter
Types of systems
framing is a purpose-made construction that is specific to each manufacturer
and• isPerimeter framing
typically steel or timber. Other materials have been tested and can be used to suit
• Available
individual systems
design solutions.
The butt-joints between adjacent pieces of glass may be either vertical or horizontal.
Types of systems
The minimal framing of butt-jointed systems means that the surrounding structure must
Frameless, or butt-jointed, fire-resistant glazed systems are also available to complement
be substantial enough to support the weight of the glass and the forces that the system
similar designs in non-fire rated applications.They are integrity-only systems (using
may be subjected to.The surrounding structure must also be of equal or greater fire-
toughened borosilicate glass) and insulation with integrity systems (using multi-layer
resistance than the glass. In addition, because the glazed area normally consists of large
intumescent glass).An example is shown in Figure 10.
pane, visual quality and lack of optical distortion are also important.
In such systems, the mullions separating and retaining the glass panes are replaced by an
intumescent compound that remains in position in the event of fire to prevent the passage
Available systems
of flames and gases to the non-fire side.A horizontal support framework retains the glass
Systems are also available using minimal width profiles, which are essentially decorative,
in position at the head and sill.
covering the vertical joints. In these designs, the joining profiles provide no structural
strength, as this is provided by the underlying seal, but they reinforce the joint in the event
of fire and ensure that the two glass panels are held in position to prevent the passage of
fire and flame.
Note:
• Specialist frameless systems have been tested from 30 minutes

integrity-only up to 60 minutes integrity/60 minutes insulation
• There must be no interchangeability of components between
different systems otherwise the fire-resistance performance of the
screen will be compromised.
Figure 10 – Example: 30 minute fire-resistant butt-joint system
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Section 7: Frameless (butt-jointed) systems
Section Contents:
Perimeter Framing
The• perimeter
Types of systems
framing is a purpose-made construction that is specific to each manufacturer
and• isPerimeter framing
typically steel or timber. Other materials have been tested and can be used to suit
• Available
individual systems
design solutions.
The butt-joints between adjacent pieces of glass may be either vertical or horizontal.
Types of systems
The minimal framing of butt-jointed systems means that the surrounding structure must
Frameless, or butt-jointed, fire-resistant glazed systems are also available to complement
be substantial enough to support the weight of the glass and the forces that the system
similar designs in non-fire rated applications.They are integrity-only systems (using
may be subjected to.The surrounding structure must also be of equal or greater fire-
toughened borosilicate glass) and insulation with integrity systems (using multi-layer
resistance than the glass. In addition, because the glazed area normally consists of large
intumescent glass).An example is shown in Figure 10.
pane, visual quality and lack of optical distortion are also important.
In such systems, the mullions separating and retaining the glass panes are replaced by an
intumescent compound that remains in position in the event of fire to prevent the passage
Available systems
of flames and gases to the non-fire side.A horizontal support framework retains the glass
Systems
in areatalso
position theavailable
head andusing
sill. minimal width profiles, which are essentially decorative,
covering the vertical joints. In these designs, the joining profiles provide no structural
strength, as this is provided by the underlying seal, but they reinforce the joint in the event
of fire and ensure that the two glass panels are held in position to prevent the passage of
fire and flame.
Note:
• Specialist frameless systems have been tested from 30 minutes

integrity-only up to 60 minutes integrity/60 minutes insulation
• There must be no interchangeability of components between
different systems otherwise the fire-resistance performance of the
screen will be compromised.
Figure 10 – Example: 30 minute fire-resistant butt-joint system
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Section 8: Fire Resistant Loadbearing Glass
A Certificate
Section of Conformity must be raised by the certificated installer company for each
Contents:
installation and this documentation should be retained with the building documentation
and• passed
Essential requirements
on with the building when ownership changes.
• Fire performance requirements and testing
BS•EN In 1365
service functional
requires thatrequirements
the test specimen be subjected to appropriate loads in
• Additional
accordance withfunctional propertiesgiven by BS EN 1363-1:1999, Fire resistance tests. The
general provisions
• Systems
tested system should be fully representative of the proposed floor structure; and the
• Connections
magnitude and gasketof the load shall be such that the maximum moments and
and distribution
• Installation
shear forces produced in the test specimen are representative of, or higher than, those
expected in service.The applicable furnace time/temperature relationship is as detailed in
Essential requirements
BS EN 1363-1.
Flooring is a loadbearing element and will often form an essential part of the escape, fire
It is important to note that the floor construction should accordingly have applicable fire
separation and compartmentation fire safety strategy of a building. It is unusual for glass
test evidence under full loading conditions throughout the length of tested fire exposure.
to be used in structural loading applications but there are now some special fire-resistant
This evidence should be provided by an approved test report.The determination of the
glass loadbearing floor constructions available (based on properly tested systems) that
load should be clearly indicated in the test report, as required by BS EN 1365, and the
allow the designer full scope in the use of glass throughout a building to maximise the
sponsor of the test shall provide the justification for the test load selection, including any
benefits of natural lighting, as well as opportunity to create eye catching internal visual
calculation if the test load is based on material properties.
effects.
The deflection of the system is measured before the test and throughout to reflect
Where loadbearing glass floors are concerned, however, fitness for intended purpose is
changes in its mechanical stability as the test progresses. BS EN 1365-2 requires that the
critical. It is implicit that the structure should be stable under fire exposure and that the
system be tested with a combination of the concentrated and uniform loads applied
heat transmitted through the structure should be at a minimal level, both to retain
simultaneously for the duration of the test.
structural stability and to create tolerable conditions for those who may have to travel
along the floortest
The selected with fire(both
load underneath.
uniformly distributed and concentrated loads) should be
appropriate to the type of activity and occupancy of the application. Guidance should be
It is essential that a fire-resistant floor construction should maintain its structural stability
taken from BS 6399-1:1996, Loading for buildings – Part 1: Code of
and loadbearing capability throughout any potential fire because of the fundamental
practice for dead and imposed loads.
consequences for the rest of the building. In particular, as recommended by Approved
Document
For example: B (section 8.20) every compartment floor should form a complete barrier to
fire between the compartments they separate.
Concentrated, kNmm-2 Uniform, kN
Fire performance requirements and testing
Domestic 1.4 1.5
Office
The 2.0
performance requirements recommended by AD B are 3.6 given in Table A1 of Appendix
Commercial
A in the document.The 4.5 most common requirement is for 5.060 minutes loadbearing,
integrity and insulation, i.e. 60/60 (with higher required classification times in some
It is recommended that the glass in fire-resistant floor application should be supported on
circumstances, especially for buildings higher than 18m). There are also some limited
four sides and that a reduced applied load be considered as the unsupported span
applications for 30 minutes classification times (loadbearing, integrity and insulation), i.e.
increases.The critical dimension for load calculation shall be considered as the shortest
30/30, mainly in residential buildings no higher than 5m.
span.Therefore if the span increases then the loads that may be applied will reduce, or an
alternative
Where specification
floors for theit loaded
are concerned, panelimportant
is especially should be to
considered.
note the following from AD B
Appendix A:
Above all, it is important that the service application of the floor is at, or within, the limits
of the tested
“Where load, as specified
one element in the
of structure test report.
supports or carries or gives stability to another, the fire
resistance of the supporting element should be no less than the minimum period of fire
In service functional requirements
resistance for the other element (whether that other element is loadbearing or not).
A tested fire-resistant floor system combines different glass layers and suitable framing. As
The applicable fire test standard is now BS EN 1365:2000, Fire resistance tests
the system heats up, the characteristics of the framing and glass may well change,
for loadbearing elements – Part 2: Floors and Roofs.
therefore potentially affecting the ability of the structure to withstand applied loads.This
66 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
67
A Certificate of
consideration Conformity
is crucial must be
in a design raised byofthe
evaluation certificated
fitness installer
for use in case ofcompany
fire.The for
fire-each
installation
resistant andsystem
floor this documentation
should therefore should be retainedthat
demonstrate with the building documentation
it can:
and passed on with the building when ownership changes.
a) withstand the concentrated and uniform loads detailed in BS 6399 for the
BS EN 1365 requires that the test specimen be subjected to appropriate loads in
application;
accordance
b) withstand with general provisions
those loads for thegiven by BSofEN
duration the1363-1:1999, Fire resistance
fire test without tests. The
failure or significant
tested system should
distortion, be fully in
as detailed representative
the applicableoftest
the standards;
proposed floor structure; and the
magnitude and distribution of the load shall be such that the maximum moments and
c) forces
shear resist produced
significantinincreases
the test in temperature
specimen on to the loaded
are representative surface;
of, or higherand than, those
expected
d) preventin service.The
significantapplicable furnace
heat transfer time/temperature
within the body of therelationship is asthat
structure itself detailed
wouldin
BS EN 1363-1.
disrupt the essential bonded stability of the structure.
Systems
It may utilise
is important to notetoughened
that the glassflooror laminated glass
construction shouldin the upper loadbearing
accordingly panel,fire
have applicable
withevidence
test a lower panel
underoffull rated
loadingfire-resistant
conditionsglazing which the
throughout maylength
require of insulation
tested fire exposure.
performance
This evidence(i.e. EI) fire-resistant
should be provided by glass
anto provide test
approved the report.The
lowest risk of heat transferofinto
determination thethe
structure,
load shouldthereby limiting
be clearly the potential
indicated in the testriskreport,
of heatasexposure
required of by sensitive
BS EN 1365, lamination
and thelayers
within the structure.This lower panel may be bonded by lamination
sponsor of the test shall provide the justification for the test load selection, including to the loaded panel
anyor
separated by
calculation an air
if the testgap.
loadIf toughened
is based onglass is used
material in the loadbearing part of the structure
properties.
then recommended best practice is that each toughened glass layer is duplicated by a
The
second deflection
adjacentoftoughened
the systemglass is measured before sufficient
layer to ensure the test and throughout
redundancy to reflect
in the event of
changes
failure ofinone
its mechanical
of the toughened stability as the
glass test progresses. BS EN 1365-2 requires that the
layers.
system be tested with a combination of the concentrated and uniform loads applied
It is important that
simultaneously separate
for the duration consideration
of the test. be given in design both to connections of the
floor structure to the surrounding structure and to the consequential movements that
The
may selected test load
be transferred. The (both
flooruniformly distributed
specification should and
also concentrated
comply with the loads) should be
general
appropriate
requirementstofor theoverhead
type of activity
glazing.and occupancy of the application. Guidance should be
taken from BS 6399-1:1996, Loading for buildings – Part 1: Code of
practice
Additional forfunctional
dead and considerations
imposed loads.
For example: Key specification check list
Other key properties need to be considered
because of the application.This
Concentrated, in particular
kNmm-2 • Required
Uniform, kN fire resistance classification
includes slip resistance, the required level of privacy, • Fire resistance of elements supported
Domestic
pattern or obscuration, 1.4 and the acoustic 1.5 by the floor
• The loads to be applied to the system
Office
performance of the 2.0
floor because of the possible 3.6
• The required level of slip resistance
Commercial 4.5
nuisance effects of transmitted noise.The floor 5.0
• Acoustic performance and specification
specification should that
also the
comply (see 8.4)
It is recommended glasswith the practicefloor application
in fire-resistant • Internalshould be supported
or external application on
for
fouroverhead
sides andglazing
that a of minimising
reduced appliedtheload
risk be
of falling
considered as the (U value, if applicable)
unsupported span
glass during normal
increases.The criticaluse (i.e. preferably
dimension for loadnocalculation
exposed shall be • Level of privacy and obscuration
considered as the shortest
toughened glass in the underside glass layer). required
span.Therefore if the span increases then the loads that may be applied will reduce, or an
• Fire resistance of surrounding elements
alternative
Where slip specification
resistance is for the loaded
concerned panel
then should be considered.
particular • Weights of installed floor elements for
installation handling assessments.
guidance
Above all,should be obtained
it is important thatfrom the client
the service to
application of the• floor
Conformity to within,
is at, or CDM requirements
the limits for
ensure compliance with any health and safety
of the tested load, as specified in the test report.risk installation and replacement
assessment that may have been carried out for the
In service Note
application. functional requirements
should also be taken of
recommendations in Approved Document B that floorings on all escape routes should be
A tested fire-resistant floor system combines different glass layers and suitable framing. As
chosen to minimise their slipperiness when wet (reference section 5.27).
the system heats up, the characteristics of the framing and glass may well change,
therefore potentially affecting the ability of the structure to withstand applied loads.This
68 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
67
The acoustic attenuation

consideration is crucial inperformance of the of
a design evaluation floor mayfor
fitness needusetoinbe particularly
case of fire.Theconsidered
fire-
to minimise
resistant migration
floor of internal
system should noise through
therefore the structure
demonstrate between adjacent spaces.
that it can:
Guidance is provided by Approved Document E (Resistance to the passage of sound) to
minimise disruption from background noise levels for internal living spaces.A target is
application;
given by the AD of at least 45dB for the measured standard differential acoustic factor
{Db)nT,w} withstand
between two those loads for
adjacent the duration
enclosed spaces.ofGiven
the fire
thattest
thewithout failureelement
glazed floor or significant
will be
part of distortion,
a surrounding as detailed
structurein that
the applicable test
will in total standards;
influence the sound levels, the
recommended rule of thumb
c) resist significant for the
increases glazed floor on
in temperature element
to theisloaded
a determined
surface;Randw acoustic
factor in the region of 48dB. In all cases, the acoustic performance of the whole structure
d) be
should prevent significant
evaluated by an heat transfer
acoustics within
expert the body
because of the
of the structure
influence itself thatand
of frequency would
flankingdisrupt
factors.the essential bonded stability of the structure.
Systems may utilise toughened glass or laminated glass in the upper loadbearing panel,
Systems
with a lower panel of rated fire-resistant glazing which may require insulation
performance (i.e. EI) fire-resistant glass to provide the lowest risk of heat transfer into the
Any system considered must have an applicable test report showing test evidence
structure, thereby limiting the potential risk of heat exposure of sensitive lamination layers
appropriate to the proposed application. Relevant standards include BS EN1365-2,
within the structure.This lower panel may be bonded by lamination to the loaded panel or
BS EN 1363-1, BS EN 12150 (toughened glass), and BS EN 12543 1-6 and BS EN 14449
separated by an air gap. If toughened glass is used in the loadbearing part of the structure
(level 1 attestation) since the glass structure normally includes laminated layers. It is
recommended that the floor system should be based on CE marked glass with an
second adjacent toughened glass layer to ensure sufficient redundancy in the event of
appropriate certificate of attestation, in accordance with the relevant essential
failure of one of the toughened glass layers.
requirements of the Construction Products Directive, in view of the high performance
requirement
It is important of that
the application regarding loadbearing
separate consideration be given incapability
design bothunderto fire conditions.
connections of the
The framing should be manufactured strictly to the submitted test design, and the
may be transferred. The floor specification should also comply with the general
structural element should be manufactured of steel, or similar, with adequate fire
requirements for overhead glazing.
protection.
Additional functional
Connections considerations
and Gaskets
Key specification check list
Other designing
When key properties need to bedetail
the connection considered
the stability of the surrounding system should be
because of by
confirmed thethe
application.This in particular
client’s engineer.The specific connection •may be adjusted
Required subjectclassification
fire resistance to
specific project conditions and fixing regimes must be detailed on the construction supported
includes slip resistance, the required level of privacy, • Fire resistance of elements
by the floor
pattern orsubmitted
drawings obscuration, and the acoustic
for approval. • The loads to be applied to the system
performance of the floor because of the possible • The required level of slip resistance
Gaskets and seals used shall be as
nuisance effects of transmitted noise.The floorper the submitted test design. Fireperformance
• Acoustic resistant materials
and specification
should be provided by an approved manufacturer
specification should also comply with the practice with compliant
(see product
8.4) CE marks and
certificates of glazing
conformity, as appropriate. • Internal or external application
for overhead of minimising the risk of falling (U value, if applicable)
glass during
Installation normal use (i.e. preferably no exposed • Level of privacy and obscuration
Installation must be carried out by the Key knowledge
• Fire resistance ofcheck listelements
surrounding
Where slip resistance • Weights of installed floor elements for
manufacturer’s trainedisstaffconcerned thenoperators
or licensed particular
guidance should be obtained from the client to • Requirements of BS EN 1365 part 2
to the manufacturer’s specification. • Conformity to CDM requirements for
• Requirements of EN 12453 parts 1-6
ensure compliance with any health and safety risk installation and replacement
• Requirements of BS EN 14449
Documents relating to the construction,
assessment that may have been carried out for the its • Requirements of BS 6399 part 1
specification and attested fire performance
application. Note should also be taken of should • Slip resistance compliance
be handed over on completion, in accordance
recommendations in Approved Document B that floorings on with – reference
all escapeclient’s
routes health and be
should safety
the requirements of their
Approved Document risk assessment
chosen to minimise slipperiness whenB wet
and (reference section 5.27).
the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (or
equivalent in Scotland and N Ireland).
68 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
69
The acoustic attenuation

consideration is crucial inperformance of the of
a design evaluation floor mayfor
fitness needusetoinbe particularly
case of fire.Theconsidered
fire-
to minimise
resistant migration
floor of internal
system should noise through
therefore the structure
demonstrate between adjacent spaces.
that it can:
Guidance is provided by Approved Document E (Resistance to the passage of sound) to
minimise disruption from background noise levels for internal living spaces.A target is
application;
given by the AD of at least 45dB for the measured standard differential acoustic factor
{Db)nT,w} withstand
between two those loads for
adjacent the duration
enclosed spaces.ofGiven
the fire
thattest
thewithout failureelement
glazed floor or significant
will be
part of distortion,
a surrounding as detailed
structurein that
the applicable test
will in total standards;
influence the sound levels, the
recommended rule of thumb
c) resist significant for the
increases glazed floor on
in temperature element
to theisloaded
a determined
surface;Randw acoustic
factor in the region of 48dB. In all cases, the acoustic performance of the whole structure
d) be
should prevent significant
evaluated by an heat transfer
acoustics within
expert the body
because of the
of the structure
influence itself thatand
of frequency would
flankingdisrupt
factors.the essential bonded stability of the structure.
Systems may utilise toughened glass or laminated glass in the upper loadbearing panel,
Systems
with a lower panel of rated fire-resistant glazing which may require insulation
performance (i.e. EI) fire-resistant glass to provide the lowest risk of heat transfer into the
Any system considered must have an applicable test report showing test evidence
structure, thereby limiting the potential risk of heat exposure of sensitive lamination layers
appropriate to the proposed application. Relevant standards include BS EN1365-2,
within the structure.This lower panel may be bonded by lamination to the loaded panel or
BS EN 1363-1, BS EN 12150 (toughened glass), and BS EN 12543 1-6 and BS EN 14449
separated by an air gap. If toughened glass is used in the loadbearing part of the structure
(level 1 attestation) since the glass structure normally includes laminated layers. It is
recommended that the floor system should be based on CE marked glass with an
second adjacent toughened glass layer to ensure sufficient redundancy in the event of
appropriate certificate of attestation, in accordance with the relevant essential
failure of one of the toughened glass layers.
requirements of the Construction Products Directive, in view of the high performance
requirement
It is important of that
the application regarding loadbearing
separate consideration be given incapability
design bothunderto fire conditions.
connections of the
The framing should be manufactured strictly to the submitted test design, and the
may be transferred. The floor specification should also comply with the general
structural element should be manufactured of steel, or similar, with adequate fire
requirements for overhead glazing.
protection.
Additional functional
Connections considerations
and Gaskets
Key specification check list
Other designing
When key properties need to bedetail
the connection considered
the stability of the surrounding system should be
because of by
confirmed thethe
application.This in particular
client’s engineer.The specific connection •may be adjusted
Required subjectclassification
fire resistance to
specific project conditions and fixing regimes must be detailed on the construction supported
includes slip resistance, the required level of privacy, • Fire resistance of elements
by the floor
pattern orsubmitted
drawings obscuration, and the acoustic
for approval. • The loads to be applied to the system
performance of the floor because of the possible • The required level of slip resistance
Gaskets and seals used shall be as
nuisance effects of transmitted noise.The floorper the submitted test design. Fireperformance
• Acoustic resistant materials
and specification
should be provided by an approved manufacturer
specification should also comply with the practice with compliant
(see product
8.4) CE marks and
certificates of glazing
conformity, as appropriate. • Internal or external application
for overhead of minimising the risk of falling (U value, if applicable)
glass during
Installation normal use (i.e. preferably no exposed • Level of privacy and obscuration
Installation must be carried out by the Key knowledge
• Fire resistance ofcheck listelements
surrounding
Where slip resistance • Weights of installed floor elements for
manufacturer’s trainedisstaffconcerned thenoperators
or licensed particular
guidance should be obtained from the client to • Requirements of BS EN 1365 part 2
to the manufacturer’s specification. • Conformity to CDM requirements for
• Requirements of EN 12453 parts 1-6
ensure compliance with any health and safety risk installation and replacement
• Requirements of BS EN 14449
Documents relating to the construction,
assessment that may have been carried out for the its • Requirements of BS 6399 part 1
specification and attested fire performance
application. Note should also be taken of should • Slip resistance compliance
be handed over on completion, in accordance
recommendations in Approved Document B that floorings on with – reference
all escapeclient’s
routes health and be
should safety
the requirements of their
Approved Document risk assessment
chosen to minimise slipperiness whenB wet
and (reference section 5.27).
the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (or
equivalent in Scotland and N Ireland).
68
70 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
69
This routeContents:
Section should only be taken when there is no alternative and when the best practice
recommendation given above cannot be followed. Best Practice Rule No. 12
• Refurbishment of fire-resistant glazed
Glass doors and screen Any components within a fire-resistant
• very
It is Marking of to
difficult fire-resistant
differentiate glass glazed system mustglass
between different types of fire-resistant be replaced
when they with the
are• glazed.
Supporting
One way construction
is to examine the product stamp which sameshould
material on a be
always like-for-like
present andbasis to
• Maintenance and aftercare
visible. avoid compromising the specified
• Fire stopping fire performance.
If however, the glass is broken then the stamp will not be readable for modified toughened
• Storage and transport of fire-resistant
or toughened borosilicate glass, so it will be impossible to identify the manufacturer either
glass
from the stamp or from the fracture pattern. It may be possible to indicate whether a
• Records and documentation
modified toughened soda lime silicate glass has been used from the height of the bead
edge cover as it should be no more than 10mm. For borosilicate this edge cover height
may be up to 25mmof
Refurbishment sofire-resistant
if the glass is clear and thedoors and screens
glazed
edge cover is more than 10mm borosilicate
Recommended best practice Best Practice Rule No. 13
should be used as a replacement.
Any refurbishment involving replacement of components must be carried out exactly
When carrying out refurbishment work
according
For wired to theasoriginal
glass, specification
the glass of theinto
does not break fire- resistant system as installed, providing
the glazing channel must be cleaned of any
that the
many firepieces
small risk haslikenot changed.This
toughened glass,must
it maybestill
confirmed by the Responsible Person for
debris before re-glazing. The glazing
thepossible
be building.to identify the manufacturer if the
channel and beading must also be sound
glass is stamped.The specific source of wired glass
If individual components cannot be replaced with the same components before re-glazing
thenisthe
carried out.
is important, as fire test approvals are specific to
complete glazed system must be replaced.
the particular glazed system and the particular
glass, not thedocumentation
The original generic glass type. provided on installation must be consulted and components
must be replaced with the original material as specified.
For fire-resistant laminated glass it can be possible to identify the glass type after the
breakage
Note: from the stamp or, if not, by examination of the interlayer but this requires
specialist
If the fire advice
riskfrom
hasthe glass manufacturer.
changed then a complete new fire-resistant glazed
system may have to be installed to meet the latest requirements. In
Special care should be taken to ensure that standard laminated glass for impact safety
this case, the installer must confirm the requirements for fire safety in
purposes (pvb laminate), which does not have any significant resistance against fire, is not
the building concerned with the Responsible Person, as defined under
confused with fire-resistant laminates based on special intumescent or other fire retardant
applicable legislation. The installer must also provide the appropriate
interlayers.
test evidence of performance to suit the proposed application.
If the original glass cannot be identified then a new glazed system which conforms in all
It should be recognised that it may not be possible to follow the recommended best
respects to the required fire safety requirements must be installed.
practice, for a number of valid reasons, such as:
Timber doors
• the be
It might
required specification may not be available, or may be unclear
possible to identify the fire-resistance period of the door if it carries markings
• some of
originating theone
from components may nocertification
of the available longer be available
schemes, e.g. CERTIFIRE or the BM
TRADA Q Mark.
• marking on the glass may be absent or unreadable
Contact the responsible
• in some certification
buildings, such authority
as historical heritageforbuildings,
confirmation, as practice
current appropriate.
and regulation
governing fire safety is likely to be different from any that which might have applied
If this is not possible then the door thickness could be taken as a guide.A 43–46mm thick
when the building was constructed.
door is normally rated for 30 minutes, but if the thickness is over 50mm then it is possible
that thethese
Under doorconstraints,
is rated fora60 minutes.
practical approach has to be taken and the general guidance
given below may help. But this advice should not be regarded as a substitute
for first hand guidance on site from a specialist in fire-resistant glazed
systems. For this guidance, please contact the appropriate member of the Fire Resistant
Glazing Group (see Appendix A).
70 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
71
Examination
This of theonly
route should glazing beadswhen
be taken can reinforce thisalternative
there is no conclusion.and Forwhen
30 minute
the bestapplications
practice
the bead size is typically
recommendation in thecannot
given above range 12be to 18mm deep whereas beads used to achieve 60
followed.
minute beads are typically 25 to 35mm deep. Systems for 60 minute should also have a
Glass
lining strip between the bead and the glazing aperture in the door.
It is very difficult to differentiate between different types of fire-resistant glass when they
Identification
are glazed. One way mustis tonot be based
examine on just
the product one
stamp factor
which in isolation.
should always be present and
visible.
Glazing seals
IfSeals are typically
however, the glassplaced between
is broken thenthetheglass
stampandwill
thenot
beadbe face on glazing,
readable but some
for modified toughened
manufacturers
or use a seal applied
toughened borosilicate around
glass, so it willthe periphery of
be impossible tothe glass.This
identify must not be either
the manufacturer
confused
from with a or
the stamp lining
from strip
thewhich is laid
fracture underneath
pattern. It may bethepossible
beads across the full
to indicate width ofa the
whether
door. In some
modified specialsoda
toughened applications withglass
lime silicate elastomeric
has beenchannels,
used from a lining strip isofused
the height the even
bead on
30 minute
edge coverapplications
as it shouldbut be nothemore
bead than
depth10mm.
can thenForserve as an alternative
borosilicate this edge coverindication of
height
fire performance.
may be up to 25mm so if the glass is clear and the
edge cover is more than 10mm borosilicate
Damaged beads must be replaced with the same timber as Best Practice
used originally, andRule No. 13
the section
should be used as a replacement.
must be the same.
When carrying out refurbishment work
For wired glass, as the glass does not break into
Bead fixings are important and the type and length used theoriginally,
glazing channel
must bemust be cleaned of any
replicated.The
many small pieces like toughened glass, it may still
debris before
manner of fixing (e.g. screws or pins, types and gauge, angle of fixing and fixing centres) re-glazing. The glazing
be possible to identify the manufacturer if the
must also be replicated as originally designed. For 60 minute channel and beading
applications themust
screwsalsoorbe sound
glass is stamped.The specific source of wired glass
pins must be long enough to reach timber on the other sidebefore of there-glazing
glass fromiswhichcarried out.
they
is important, as fire test approvals are specific to
are applied (normally 70mm).
the particular glazed system and the particular
glass, not the generic glass type.
Seals are often untraceable. Where there is no indication of the
For fire-resistant laminated glass it can be possible to identify the glass type after the
manufacturer of the product, advice should be sought from glass/glazed
breakage from the stamp or, if not, by examination of the interlayer but this requires
system or seal manufacturers on a suitable replacement product
specialist advice from the glass manufacturer.
compatible with the fire-resistant glass. Intumescent seals may be
marked
Special with
care shouldthebesealtakenmanufacturer’s
to ensure that standardnamelaminated
but thisglassnotfor always
impact the
safetycase.
purposes (pvb laminate), which does not have any significant resistance against fire, is not
Timber Screens
confused with fire-resistant laminates based on special intumescent or other fire retardant
An examination of bead depth may indicate the fire-resistance rating of the screen.
interlayers.
Confirmation can include the presence of a lining strip which is unusual in 30 minute
Ifscreens or doors
the original glassbut is typical
cannot for 60 minute
be identified then ascreens
new glazedand doors.
system which conforms in all
respects to the required fire safety requirements must be installed.
Replacement of the beads and fixings must follow the guidance given for timber doors (i.e.
substitute doors
Timber on a “like for like” basis) but fixings for 60 minute applications must be long
enough
It might tobe reach timber
possible on the the
to identify other side of the glass
fire-resistance periodfrom which
of the doortheyif itare applied
carries markings
(normally 70mm).
originating from one of the available certification schemes, e.g. CERTIFIRE or the BM
TRADA Q Mark.
Steel doors and screens
The ceramic
Contact fibre seal must
the responsible be replaced
certification when replacing
authority the glass,astoappropriate.
for confirmation, avoid any sharp
debris that could cause the glass to crack when the beads are refitted.The same material
If this is not possible then the door thickness could be taken as a guide.A 43–46mm thick
must be used as originally specified and this must be established by contacting either the
door is normally rated for 30 minutes, but if the thickness is over 50mm then it is possible
glass manufacturer or the supplier of the system.
that the door is rated for 60 minutes.
72 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
71
Examination ofofthe
Upgrading glazing doors
timber beads canandreinforce
screens this conclusion. For 30 minute applications
The upgrading
the bead size isoftypically
existingininstallations
the range 12must only bedeep
to 18mm considered
whereasinbeads
abnormal
used situations
to achieve 60
where
minute there
beadsisare
absolutely
typicallyno25alternative.
to 35mm deep.It is preferable
Systems forto60replace
minutewith an assembly
should also havethat
a
meets the latest
lining strip between requirements
the bead and outlined in regulatory
the glazing apertureguidance.
in the door.
Protected
Identification buildings
must not andbe historical
based on context
just one factor in isolation.
The modification of existing historical glazed situations to bring them up to modern fire
Glazing seals
standards is a specialist area requiring input from a specialist in fire-resistant glazed
Seals are typically placed between the glass and the bead face on glazing, but some
systems.This can be especially difficult in protected buildings where it is important to
manufacturers use a seal applied around the periphery of the glass.This must not be
preserve the historical style and context of the structure. However, it will generally be
confused with a lining strip which is laid underneath the beads across the full width of the
possible to make improvements, subject to obtaining this specialist site specific advice.
door. In some special applications with elastomeric channels, a lining strip is used even on
It
30isminute
highly unlikely that but
applications the the
upgrading of an can
bead depth existing
then door
serveor
as screen in this context
an alternative canof
indication
achieve a fire performance comparable with modern practice.
fire performance.
It may be possible
Damaged to develop
beads must a specific
be replaced tailor-made
with the solution
same timber for the
as used particular
originally, and situation
the section
under
must beconsideration.
the same.
One
Bead approach,
fixings arefor example,and
important is to
theinstall
type aand
complete glazedoriginally,
length used system –must glass,bebead, fixings, and
replicated.The
seal – asofa new
manner fixingunit
(e.g.inscrews
front oforthe existing
pins, glazed
types and section.
gauge, angleInofthis case,
fixing andit isfixing
normal
centres)
to identify
must also bethereplicated
side of greatest fire risk
as originally and apply
designed. Forthe secondary
60 minute glazed system
applications on thator
the screws
side.All
pins mustimprovements
be long enough mustto be made
reach together
timber on thewith the side
other Responsible Person
of the glass fromfor the they
which
building itself.
are applied (normally 70mm).
When an existing installation is Best Practice Rule No. 14
upgraded, an assessment
Seals are often report
untraceable. may
Where there is no indication of the
have to be obtained
manufacturer of the from an advice should be
product, The glazing from
sought systemglass/glazed
must be installed
appropriate authority.
system or seal in a supporting
manufacturers on a suitable replacement structure which has
product
a fire rating
compatible with the fire-resistant glass. Intumescent seals mayat least equal
be to that of
marked with
Marking the seal manufacturer’s
of fire-resistant glass name butthethisglazed
notsystem
always being
theinstalled.
case.
Timber Screens
Fire-resistant glass should carry a permanent mark
(for example, of of
An examination thebead
typedepth mayapplied
normally indicatefor
theimpact
fire-resistance rating
safety).This markof must
the screen.
show as a
Confirmation
minimum can include
the glass product the presence
name, of aand
supplier lining stripimpact
safety whichrating
is unusual in 30 minute
if required. In some
screens
cases, or doorsinformation
additional but is typical foras
such 60the
minute screens and doors.
fire performance classification for the glass may
also be given.
Replacement of the beads and fixings must follow the guidance given for timber doors (i.e.
substitute
Any on a “like marks
identifying for like” on
basis) butglass
the fixingsmust
for 60be minute applications
visible and legiblemust after
be long
enough to reach timber on the other side of the glass from which they are applied
glazing.
(normally 70mm).
The important reasons for marking the glass in this way are as follows:
Steel doors and screens
The• ceramic
confirmation
fibre and
seal ready crosschecking
must be replaced whenagainst building
replacing thespecification thatany
glass, to avoid thesharp
specified
glass
debris thathas beencause
could installed
the glass to crack when the beads are refitted.The same material
must be used as originally
• information for those specified
carrying and this risk
out fire mustassessments
be established by contacting either the
glass manufacturer or the supplier of the system.
• notification of the glass type and manufacturer in case replacement or refurbishment
72 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
73
is necessary.of timber doors and screens

Upgrading Best Practice Rule No 15
The upgrading of existing installations must only be considered in abnormal situations
Marking with the name of the particular glass
where there is absolutely no alternative. It is preferable toIt replace is alwayswithimportant to seal
an assembly the gap
that
product that has been installed is particularly between the frames and supporting
meets the latest requirements outlined in regulatory guidance.
important for non reinforced fire-resistant glass structure without compromising any
types since they
Protected cannot be
buildings andindividually
historicalidentified
context expansion for the assembly as a whole.
when glazed without
The modification such a mark
of existing (for glazed
historical example situations to bring them up to modern fire
modified
standardstoughened soda
is a specialist lime
area glass orinput from a specialist in fire-resistant glazed
requiring
borosilicate).
systems.This can be especially difficult in protected buildings where it is important to
preserve the historical style and context of the structure. However, it will generally be
Such an identifying mark on the glass must not be taken as applying to the
possible to make improvements, subject to obtaining this specialist site specific advice.
whole of the glazed system. There must be appropriate evidence of
performance
It is highly unlikelyfor the
that thesystem
upgradingasofaanwhole,existingand
doorthe fire-resistant
or screen glass
in this context can
must
achievebe approved
a fire performance as an integralwith
comparable part of that
modern system. Reference to this
practice.
evidence must be given in the documentation provided on installation.
It may be possible to develop a specific tailor-made solution for the particular situation
The
undermark on the glass should therefore be taken as only an indicator
consideration.
for the system as a whole. Confirmation that a suitable system has been
One approach, for example, is to install a complete glazed system – glass, bead, fixings, and
installed, and the rating of that system, must be available in
seal – as a new unit in front of the existing glazed section. In this case, it is normal
accompanying documentation.
to identify the side of greatest fire risk and apply the secondary glazed system on that
side.All improvements must be made together with the Responsible Person for the
building itself.
The supporting construction into which the framed assembly is to be fitted must be
When an existing installation is Best Practice Rule No. 14
checked to make sure that it is satisfactory to take the fire-resistant glazed element.
upgraded, an assessment report may
have to bechecks
obtained from an The glazing system must be installed
Important are that:
appropriate authority. in a supporting structure which has
• the opening is correctly sized and prepared so that the frame
a fire fitsatwithin
rating least defined
equal to that of
tolerances the glazed system being installed.
Marking of fire-resistant glass
• the correct expansion allowance is provided
Fire-resistant glass should carry a permanent mark
• example,
(for
the supporting structure is strong enough to withstand any forces generated by the
of the type normally applied for impact safety).This mark must show as a
glazed element in a fire
minimum the glass product name, supplier and safety impact rating if required. In some
• the
cases, type of fixings
additional are suitable
information such asforthethe
firesupporting
performancesubstrate, and sufficiently
classification fire- may
for the glass
resistant
also be given.
• the
Any fixings are capable
identifying marksofon
supporting themust
the glass weightbe
of visible
the fire-resistant glazedafter
and legible assembly
glazing.
• the supporting structure is sound and robust
• important
The any shims used to position
reasons the framed
for marking the glassassembly in the
in this way aresupporting
as follows: construction do
not interfere with the required expansion of the assembly in a fire situation.
• confirmation and ready crosschecking against building specification that the specified
Supplier’s installation
glass has instructions must be followed at all times.
been installed
• type
The information for those
of supporting carrying
structure out be
must firethe
risksame
assessments
as that tested, or assessed. For
• notification of the glass type and manufacturer in case replacement or refurbishment
74 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
73
example, a test in a rigid supporting structure does not necessarily

is necessary. and automatically
Best Practice Rule No 15
cover fixing to a flexible supporting structure, and vice versa.
Marking with the name of the particular glass It is always important to seal the gap
product that has been installed is particularly between the frames and supporting
Maintenance and aftercare
important for non reinforced fire-resistant glass structure without compromising any
types
Specialsince they cannot
maintenance be individually
procedures are notidentified
required. expansion for the assembly as a whole.
when glazed without such a mark (for example
However,toughened
modified regular visual
sodainspection
lime glassoforfire-resistant glazing should be carried out as part
of the fire safety risk assessment routine for the building, to ensure that the original fire-
borosilicate).
resistant glazed installations have not been damaged, either maliciously or during normal
Such
buildinganuse.
identifying mark on the glass must not be taken as applying to the
whole of the glazed system. There must be appropriate evidence of
This inspection asfor
performance a minimum
the system shouldasexamine:
a whole, and the fire-resistant glass
must
• the presence of any significant cracks,part
be approved as an integral of that
scratches system.
or surface Reference
damage to this
on the glass
evidence
(which must be given
is particularly in thefor
important documentation
modified soda-lime provided on installation.
silicate toughened glass and
Theborosilicates
mark on the sinceglass
surface damage
should can dramatically
therefore affect as
be taken fireonly
and impact
an indicator
performance of this type of fire-resistant glazing)
for the system as a whole. Confirmation that a suitable system has been
installed, andglazing
• the gaskets, the rating of thatorsystem,
strips, mastics, must
seals around thebe available
glass in significant
for signs of
accompanying
deterioration,documentation.
damage or missing sections (including any hot or cold smoke seals)
• the intumescent seals fitted to the top and sides of fire doors to ensure that they are
in the correct position, not significantly damaged or have missing sections
The
• supporting construction
the beads and into
bead fixings, towhich
ensurethe framed
that assembly
the bead is to be
is securely fitted
held must be
in place
checked to make sure that it is satisfactory to take the fire-resistant glazed element.
• the frame sections to ensure that they are fixed securely and not working loose
Important checks
• door hinges, are that: closers, handles, locks and other parts of door hardware to
mechanical
• ensure that they
the opening are functioning
is correctly sized andasprepared
intended.so that the frame fits within defined
tolerances
Should the inspection raise any major concerns about the condition of the fire doors or
• the which
screens correct expansion
could impair allowance is provided
fire performance then a full overhaul should be instigated as
soon as practical.This
• the may require
supporting structure either
is strong repairto
enough orwithstand
replacement.
any forces generated by the
glazed element in a fire
Fire stopping
• the type of fixings are suitable for the supporting substrate, and sufficiently fire-
Whereresistant
the gaps are to allow for expansion they must be sealed as directed, but care must
be•taken to ensure
the fixings that a flexible
are capable and non-combustible
of supporting the weight of backing material isglazed
the fire-resistant used assembly
rather
than a rigid one.
• the supporting structure is sound and robust
If no expansion allowance is specified then fire stopping may be carried out using non-
• any shims used to position the framed assembly in the supporting construction do
combustible and temperature-resistant materials such as board, medium density mineral
not interfere with the required expansion of the assembly in a fire situation.
fibre, intumescent or non-intumescent seals, subject to installation instructions.
Supplier’s installation instructions must be followed at all times.
Storage and transport of fire-resistant glass
The type of supporting structure must be the same as that tested, or assessed. For
All reputable manufacturers will supply guidance on handling, storage and transport
for their proprietary fire-resistant glass products.These recommendations must always
74 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
75
be followed.
example, a test in a rigid supporting structure does not necessarily and automatically
In all cases, the necessary glass handling or lifting equipment must be used.
The standard practice
Maintenance for storing glass must be followed: it must be kept dry and
and aftercare
protected against the weather, and properly stacked on suitable stillages to avoid edge
Special maintenance procedures are not required.
damage and breakage.The stillages should also be stored for easy access and handling.
However, regular visual inspection of fire-resistant glazing should be carried out as part
Records
of and documentation
the fire safety risk assessment routine for the building, to ensure that the original fire-
It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that adequate documentation and
building use.
confirmation of the installed fire-resistant system are provided.
This inspection as a minimum should examine:
This documentation normally includes the following at different stages:
• the presence of any significant cracks, scratches or surface damage on the glass
• (which
on submitting a tender, full specification and description of the system that would
is particularly important for modified soda-lime silicate toughened glass and
be provided
borosilicates since surface damage can dramatically affect fire and impact
• performance
on confirmingofanthis
order,
typea of
method statement
fire-resistant and risk assessment
glazing)
aftergaskets,
• the installation, anstrips,
glazing operation andor
mastics, maintenance manual
seals around which
the glass forconfirms the work
signs of significant
completed. damage or missing sections (including any hot or cold smoke seals)
deterioration,
A •suitable
the intumescent sealsmaintenance
operation and fitted to themanual
top andnormally
sides of provides
fire doorsthe
tofollowing,
ensure that
as athey are
in
minimum:the correct position, not significantly damaged or have missing sections
•• the beads of
a drawing andthe
bead fixings,
system as to ensuretogether
installed that thewith
beadaisdescription
securely held in place
of main features and
• dimensions
the frame sections to ensure that they are fixed securely and not working loose
• test and
door commissioning
hinges, mechanical certificates whichlocks
closers, handles, include
andevidence of fire
other parts performance
of door clearly
hardware to
referenced to relevant test evidence
ensure that they are functioning as intended.
• confirmation
Should of suppliers
the inspection raise anyand a listing
major of main
concerns components
about by name
the condition of the fire doors or
screens
• advice on maintenance requirements and actions for damage repair. be instigated as
which could impair fire performance then a full overhaul should
soon as practical.This may require either repair or replacement.
Certification from third party schemes, or manufacturer’s information on applicable CE
Marking, may also be provided, if available.
Fire stopping
Reports of post-installation inspections must also be noted, as appropriate, and a record
Where the gaps are to allow for expansion they must be sealed as directed, but care must
kept of any replacements or refurbishments, lodged with the appropriate Responsible
be taken to ensure that a flexible and non-combustible backing material is used rather
Person (under appropriate legislation).
than a rigid one.

76 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
75
example,
be followed.
a test in a rigid supporting structure does not necessarily and automatically
In all cases, the necessary glass handling or lifting equipment must be used.
The standard practice
Maintenance for storing glass must be followed: it must be kept dry and
and aftercare
protected against the weather, and properly stacked on suitable stillages to avoid edge
Special maintenance procedures are not required.
damage and breakage.The stillages should also be stored for easy access and handling.
However, regular visual inspection of fire-resistant glazing should be carried out as part
of the fire safety
Records risk assessment routine for the building, to ensure that the original fire-
and documentation
It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that adequate documentation and
building use.
confirmation of the installed fire-resistant system are provided.
This inspection as a minimum should examine:
This documentation normally includes the following at different stages:
• the presence of any significant cracks, scratches or surface damage on the glass
• (which
on submitting a tender, full specification and description of the system that would
is particularly important for modified soda-lime silicate toughened glass and
be provided
borosilicates since surface damage can dramatically affect fire and impact
• performance
on confirmingofanthis
order,
typea of
method statement
fire-resistant and risk assessment
glazing)
aftergaskets,
• the installation, anstrips,
glazing operation andor
mastics, maintenance manual
seals around which
the glass forconfirms the work
signs of significant
completed. damage or missing sections (including any hot or cold smoke seals)
deterioration,
A •suitable
the intumescent sealsmaintenance
operation and fitted to themanual
top andnormally
sides of provides
fire doorsthe
tofollowing,
ensure that
as athey are
in
minimum:the correct position, not significantly damaged or have missing sections
•• the beads of
a drawing andthe
bead fixings,
system as to ensuretogether
installed that thewith
beadaisdescription
securely held in place
of main features and
• dimensions
the frame sections to ensure that they are fixed securely and not working loose
• test and
door commissioning
hinges, mechanical certificates whichlocks
closers, handles, include
andevidence of fire
other parts performance
of door clearly
hardware to
referenced to relevant test evidence
ensure that they are functioning as intended.
• confirmation
Should of suppliers
the inspection raise anyand a listing
major of main
concerns components
about by name
the condition of the fire doors or
screens
• advice on maintenance requirements and actions for damage repair. be instigated as
which could impair fire performance then a full overhaul should
soon as practical.This may require either repair or replacement.
Certification from third party schemes, or manufacturer’s information on applicable CE
Marking, may also be provided, if available.
Fire stopping
Reports of post-installation inspections must also be noted, as appropriate, and a record
Where the gaps are to allow for expansion they must be sealed as directed, but care must
kept of any replacements or refurbishments, lodged with the appropriate Responsible
be taken to ensure that a flexible and non-combustible backing material is used rather
Person (under appropriate legislation).
than a rigid one.

76 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
75
77
Section 10: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1
Q6 Where
Can it be must assumedfire-resistant glass be used?
that a fire-resistant glass successfully tested in
A1 Fire-resistant glass is normally used to prevent fire spreadin
single glazing will give the same performance andantoIGU?
provide a safe
A6 escape
Never makerouteassumptions.
and safe access forcases
In all firefighters.The
appropriatenational proof ofdocuments
performance providing
must be
guidance on howtotoappropriate
available related meet Building testRegulations
evidence. (e.g.Approved Document B for
England
Section 3and Wales) show where fire-resistant barriers are required. If an alternative
approach has been taken to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, such
Q7 What
as a fire is theengineering
safety biggest pane designsize that
study, thencan thebe used? for fire-resistant glass
applications
A7 must
The panebe specified
size will in theaccording
vary appropriate design
to the glassreport.
and framing system, always subject to
Section 1
the availability of appropriate test evidence. In every case, contact the glass
manufacturer or supplier for the maximum glass sizes tested and the associated
Q2 When must the
framing system glass be integrity-only and when must it have
details.
insulation performance?
Section 3 and Appendix A for a listing of glass manufacturers & suppliers.
A2 The areas of application for integrity-only or integrity and insulation performance
Q8 What
are givenedgein thecover should
appropriate I use to
guidance when glazing fire-resistant
the Regulations, glass?
or in the appropriate
A8 design
Different report
glassiftypes
the building is subject
will require to aamounts
different fire safetyofengineering
edge cover study.
according to their
Section
individual 1 requirements. Manufacturers/suppliers will provide appropriate guidance,
which must be followed. Modified toughened soda-lime glasses are particularly
Q3 How
sensitivecan to itedgebecover
ensured whichthat the specified
is generally a maximum system
of 10mm is appropriate
cover. If the edge for
the
coverapplication?
is too great for this type of glass then premature failure is far more likely.
A3 The specified
Section 3 and glazed
Appendix system
A formusta listhave appropriate
of glass evidence
manufacturers andofsuppliers.
performance based
on appropriate test information.This evidence may be provided either in a test
Q9 Whenor
report, glazing must I allow
in an assessment reportfor or byexpansion
third partyof the fire-resistant
certification.The glass?
test evidence
A9 that
Normalis provided
glazing codesmust be appropriate
of practice musttobe both the application
followed. andapplication
Glass in any the specificmust
glazed
system
never bethat is totightly.
glazed be installed.
Expansion allowances can be especially critical for modified
Section
toughened 2 soda-lime glass types The glass manufacturer/supplier will define
expansion allowance required.
Q4 Is it possible
Section 3 to obtain a fire certificate for installed fire-resistant
glass products?
Q10
A4 Cancertificates
Fire PVB laminated are provided glass bybe theused for fire-resistant
Fire Service to approve certainapplications,
premises andas
it isnot
are a safety
applicable glass?
to individual products, systems, assemblies or installations.
A10 Under new Regulations,
PVB laminated safety glass firedoes
certificates
not haveare anytofire-resistant
be phased out during 2006
properties and
and it must
replaced
not be used by making the Responsible
in fire-resistant Person,
applications. Safety i.e. glass
the building or business
types with owner,
fire-resistant
responsible
properties are foravailable,
ensuring based
that appropriate
upon special fire precautions and safety measures are
interlayers.
in place.3Product certificates may be referred to in the context of third-party
Section
certification schemes, but these are voluntary and not obligatory.The appropriate
Q11 Can theofmaximum
evidence performancepane for a size be increased
fire-resistant beyond
glazed system what was
is normally a testtested?
or an
A11 assessment
Only limitedreport, which
increases must be
in tested paneprovided
sizes are by allowed,
the supplier on request.
according to assessment.
Section 2
The evidence provided by the glass manufacturer/supplier will provide the
maximum pane size allowed for each particular system.
Q5 Why
Sectioncan’t
3 toughened glass be used for fire-resistant applications?
A5 Standard toughened glass is not able to withstand the thermal shock generated
Q12 Can the
during a firepane
and itheight
must not bebe increased
used wherewhile reducing
fire-resistant the are
barriers width,
required.
keeping the same area?
There are a number of specially modified toughened soda-lime glass types available
A12 for
Thisfire-resistant
is only possible applications
if there isintestveryevidence
specific framing
that the systems,
modifiedor special glass
dimension meets the
compositions such
fire-resistance as toughened
performance. Details borosilicates
will be made that can beby
available used,
the but
glassboth types are
manufacturer/
strictly subject to manufacturers’ specific guidance on their use.
supplier.
Section 3
78 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
77
Q1
Q6 Where
Can it be must assumedfire-resistant glass be used?
that a fire-resistant glass successfully tested in
A1 Fire-resistant glass is normally used to prevent fire spreadin
single glazing will give the same performance andantoIGU?
provide a safe
A6 escape
Never makerouteassumptions.
and safe access forcases
In all firefighters.The
appropriatenational proof ofdocuments
performance providing
must be
guidance on howtotoappropriate
available related meet Building testRegulations
evidence. (e.g.Approved Document B for
England
Section 3and Wales) show where fire-resistant barriers are required. If an alternative
approach has been taken to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations, such
Q7 What
as a fire is theengineering
safety biggest pane designsize that
study, thencan thebe used? for fire-resistant glass
applications
A7 must
The panebe specified
size will in theaccording
vary appropriate design
to the glassreport.
and framing system, always subject to
Section 1
the availability of appropriate test evidence. In every case, contact the glass
Q2 When must the
framing system glass be integrity-only and when must it have
details.
insulation performance?
Section 3 and Appendix A for a listing of glass manufacturers & suppliers.
A2 The areas of application for integrity-only or integrity and insulation performance
Q8 What
are givenedgein thecover should
appropriate I use to
guidance when glazing fire-resistant
the Regulations, glass?
or in the appropriate
A8 design
Different report
glassiftypes
the building is subject
will require to aamounts
different fire safetyofengineering
edge cover study.
according to their
Section
individual 1 requirements. Manufacturers/suppliers will provide appropriate guidance,
which must be followed. Modified toughened soda-lime glasses are particularly
Q3 How
sensitivecan to itedgebecover
ensured whichthat the specified
is generally a maximum system
of 10mm is appropriate
cover. If the edge for
the
coverapplication?
is too great for this type of glass then premature failure is far more likely.
A3 The specified
Section 3 and glazed
Appendix system
A formusta listhave appropriate
of glass evidence
manufacturers andofsuppliers.
performance based
on appropriate test information.This evidence may be provided either in a test
Q9 Whenor
report, glazing must I allow
in an assessment reportfor or byexpansion
third partyof the fire-resistant
certification.The glass?
test evidence
A9 that
Normalis provided
glazing codesmust be appropriate
of practice musttobe both the application
followed. andapplication
Glass in any the specificmust
glazed
system
never bethat is totightly.
glazed be installed.
Expansion allowances can be especially critical for modified
Section
toughened 2 soda-lime glass types The glass manufacturer/supplier will define
expansion allowance required.
Q4 Is it possible
Section 3 to obtain a fire certificate for installed fire-resistant
glass products?
Q10
A4 Cancertificates
Fire PVB laminated are provided glass bybe theused for fire-resistant
Fire Service to approve certainapplications,
premises andas
it isnot
are a safety
applicable glass?
to individual products, systems, assemblies or installations.
A10 Under new Regulations,
PVB laminated safety glass firedoes
certificates
not haveare anytofire-resistant
be phased out during 2006
properties and
and it must
replaced
not be used by making the Responsible
in fire-resistant Person,
applications. Safety i.e. glass
the building or business
types with owner,
fire-resistant
responsible
properties are foravailable,
ensuring based
that appropriate
upon special fire precautions and safety measures are
interlayers.
in place.3Product certificates may be referred to in the context of third-party
Section
certification schemes, but these are voluntary and not obligatory.The appropriate
Q11 Can theofmaximum
evidence performancepane for a size be increased
fire-resistant beyond
glazed system what was
is normally a testtested?
or an
A11 assessment
Only limitedreport, which
increases must be
in tested paneprovided
sizes are by allowed,
the supplier on request.
according to assessment.
Section 2
maximum pane size allowed for each particular system.
Q5 Why
Sectioncan’t
3 toughened glass be used for fire-resistant applications?
A5 Standard toughened glass is not able to withstand the thermal shock generated
Q12 Can the
during a firepane
and itheight
must not bebe increased
used wherewhile reducing
fire-resistant the are
barriers width,
required.
keeping the same area?
There are a number of specially modified toughened soda-lime glass types available
A12 for
Thisfire-resistant
is only possible applications
if there isintestveryevidence
specific framing
that the systems,
modifiedor special glass
dimension meets the
compositions such
fire-resistance as toughened
performance. Details borosilicates
will be made that can beby
available used,
the but
glassboth types are
manufacturer/
strictly subject to manufacturers’ specific guidance on their use.
supplier.
Section 3
78 Best
Best Practice
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
77
79
Q13
Q6 What
Can it size and shape
be assumed that of aglazing bead can
fire-resistant be used?
glass successfully tested in
A13 This information can only be identified by reference to theinapproved
single glazing will give the same performance an IGU?glazing
A6 systems,
Never make and assumptions.
the size of bead In allwill varyappropriate
cases according to the glass
proof and systemmust
of performance chosen.be
Section
available4related
and Appendix A.
to appropriate test evidence.
Section 3
Q14 Can the tested gasket or seal be exchanged for an alternative?
Q7
A14 What
This mayisbe the biggest
possible but pane
only if size that canhas
the alternative bedocumented
used? evidence showing
A7 that it cansize
The pane be used withaccording
will vary the glass and framing
to the glass system.
and framingIf thissystem,
evidence is not
always subject to
available, contact
the availability the gasket ortest
of appropriate sealevidence.
supplier Inforevery
confirmation of acceptability.
case, contact the glass
Section 4
framing system details.
Q15 What
Section glazing
3 and Appendixseals A must
for a be used?
listing of glass manufacturers & suppliers.
A15 The glazing seal has to be appropriate for the chosen system based on test
Q8 What edge
evidence. Standardcover should
glazing seals Imust
use not
when glazing
be used fire-resistant
for fire-resistant glass?
glazing.
A8 Section
Different4 glass types will require different amounts of edge cover according to their
individual requirements. Manufacturers/suppliers will provide appropriate guidance,
Q16 How big abe
which must piece of glass
followed. Modified cantoughened
be installed soda-limeintoglasses
a timber fire door
are particularly
leaf?
sensitive to edge cover which is generally a maximum of 10mm cover. If the edge
A16 coverdepends
This is too great
on the fordoor
this type of glass
leaf being then
used, as premature
each door failure is far more
manufacturer will likely.
have
Sectiondifferent
tested 3 and Appendix
sizes of A forwith
glass a listtheir
of glass
doormanufacturers
leaf types. Maximumand suppliers.
glass size can
also depend on the glazing system being used in the door.The test or assessment
Q9 When glazing
information for the must I allow
specific door leafforandexpansion
glazed system of thewill fire-resistant
dictate the allowable glass?
A9 maximum
Normal glazingglass codes
size and of glass aspect
practice mustratio. It should be
be followed. noted,
Glass in anythat great caremust
application needs
to be taken
never when
be glazed cutting
tightly. apertures
Expansion into doorcan
allowances leaves because this
be especially can for
critical adversely
modified
affect the fire-resistance
toughened soda-lime glass performance
types The glass of the door and this must only
manufacturer/supplier be done
will define
according
expansion to the doorrequired.
allowance manufacturer’s guidance and instruction. Impact safety may
also limit3 maximum glass size: if the glass has a class C impact safety rating then
Section
glazed door panels are limited to a maximum of 900mm.
Q10 Can PVB
Section 5 and laminated
Appendix Bglass be used for fire-resistant applications, as
it is a safety glass?
Q17
A10 What shapessafety
PVB laminated of vision
glass doespanel not can
have be
anyused in a timber
fire-resistant door
properties andleaf?
it must
A17 Various
not be usedshapes are possible but
in fire-resistant the typesSafety
applications. and sizes
glasswill depend
types with upon the evidence
fire-resistant
available
properties foraretheavailable,
door leafbased
and theupon glazing system.
special If the evidence is unavailable for
interlayers.
the required
Section 3 shape, then the shape must not be used. It should be noted that great
care needs to be taken when cutting apertures into door leaves because this can
Q11 Can the affect
adversely maximum pane sizeperformance
the fire-resistance be increased of the beyond
door. what was tested?
A11 Section 5
Only limited increases in tested pane sizes are allowed, according to assessment.
Q18 What
maximum happens
pane sizeifallowed
a different
for each species
particularof system.
timber is used?
A18 Different
Section 3 timbers have different burning characteristics and can influence the
performance of the door or framing system.An alternative timber should not be
Q12 Can unless
used the pane thereheight be increased
is appropriate while reducing the width,
fire test evidence.
keeping
Section 5 the same area?
A12 This is only possible if there is test evidence that the modified dimension meets the
Q19 What is theperformance.
fire-resistance minimum Details framewill section
be made that may by
available betheused
glassin a timber
manufacturer/
glazed
supplier. system?
A19 The minimum
Section 3 section will be the size that can be demonstrated to work with the
chosen fire-resistant glass.This can be identified by reference to fire test report.
Contact the glass manufacturer/supplier for the appropriate information.
78
80 Best
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79
Q13 What
Section size
4 andand shape
Appendix A of glazing bead can be used?
A13 This information can only be identified by reference to the approved glazing
Q20 Can square
systems, and thetimber
size of beads
bead willbe used
vary for fire-resistant
according to the glass andglazing?
system chosen.
A20 Yes, in certain
Section cases. ForA.
4 and Appendix insulation glass types, in particular, square beads present
few problems but integrity-only glass types require more detailed consideration as
Q14 Can the tested
transferred heat cangasket
lead to or
bead seal be exchanged
ignition for an
on the protected face.alternative?
Partial insulation
A14 glass may
This typesbemay also allow
possible the ifuse
but only theofalternative
square beads,has subject to appropriate
documented evidence
evidence showing
of performance based on tests.
that it can be used with the glass and framing system. If this evidence is not
Section 5contact the gasket or seal supplier for confirmation of acceptability.
available,
Section 4
Q21 Can fire-resistant glass be installed into metal frames?
Q15
A21 What
Steel and glazing
aluminium seals must
framing be used?
systems may be used but only if the frame is specifically
A15 designed
The as seal
glazing parthas
of an
to approved fire-resistant
be appropriate for the glazed
chosensystem.
systemStandard
based onsteel
test or
aluminium framing systems are not suitable for fire-resistant applications.
evidence. Standard glazing seals must not be used for fire-resistant glazing.
Section 46
Section
Q22
Q16 Can fire-resistant
How big a piece ofglass glassbe caninstalled
be installed into frameless
into a timber systems?
fire door
A22 leaf?
Yes, by using specialist glass and glazing systems that have the appropriate fire test
A16 evidence.
This dependsContacton thethedoor
glassleaf
manufacturer/supplier
being used, as each for door themanufacturer
appropriate willinformation.
have
Section 7
tested different sizes of glass with their door leaf types. Maximum glass size can
also depend on the glazing system being used in the door.The test or assessment
Q23 Is it possible
information to have
for the specificglass
door supplied
leaf and glazed for system
installers to fit the
will dictate within their
allowable
own frames?
maximum glass size and glass aspect ratio. It should be noted, that great care needs
A23 All be
to glass types
taken whenare cutting
availableapertures
on a supply-only
into door basis butbecause
leaves it must always
this canbeadversely
fitted into a
affect the fire-resistance performance of the door and this must only bebead
frame that has the appropriate test evidence, using the glazing seals and donetypes
that are approved
according to the door for that particular glazed
manufacturer’s guidancesystem. Competent Impact
and instruction. personssafety
who may
have
the relevant specialist knowledge must always carry out the
also limit maximum glass size: if the glass has a class C impact safety rating then installation of the
glazed door
glazed system, according
panels to thetoconstruction
are limited a maximum and components given in the
of 900mm.
accompanying evidence
Section 5 and Appendix B of performance. Fire-resistant glass must only be used as
part of an appropriately approved glazed system.
Q17 What
Section shapes
8 of vision panel can be used in a timber door leaf?
A17 Various shapes are possible but the types and sizes will depend upon the evidence
Q24 The glass
available for inthean existing
door leaf andaperture
the glazing must
system.be replaced,
If the evidence can a suitable
is unavailable for
glass
the be supplied?
required shape, then the shape must not be used. It should be noted that great
A24 All fire-resistant
care needs to beglass takentypes
whenmay be used
cutting in refurbishment
apertures into door leavesglazingbecause
but the this
glasscan
and
seals mustaffect
adversely be replaced on a like-for-like
the fire-resistance basis in the
performance of theexisting
door.frame according to the
original
Section 5 evidence of performance provided for the particular glazed system as
installed.When carrying out any replacement glazing, the frame must be checked to
Q18 What happens
ensure that it is in aifsuitable
a different species
condition of timber
for re-glazing to beiscarried
used?out. In all cases,
A18 the replacement
Different timbersmust have be an approved
different burningfire-resistant
characteristics glazedandsystem with appropriate
can influence the
evidence of performance, and the performance rating
performance of the door or framing system.An alternative timber should not of that system must be be
appropriate
used to theislatest
unless there guidelines,
appropriate firefor
testexample
evidence. as given in the latest version of
Approved
Section 5 Document B (England and Wales). If there is any uncertainty about any of
the components that have to be replaced, or uncertainty about the performance
Q19 rating that
What is required,
is the minimum then expert
frameguidance
sectionmust that bemay soughtbefromused a member
in a timberof the
glazed system?
A19 The minimum section will be the size that can be demonstrated to work with the
chosen fire-resistant glass.This can be identified by reference to fire test report.
Contact the glass manufacturer/supplier for the appropriate information.
80 Best
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81
Appendix A:
B:
Membership of the Fire
Summary of impact Resistant
safety Glazing
requirements
Note Resistant
Fire 1: GuardingGlazing
is coveredGroup
by the (FRGG)
Building Regulations and the appropriate technical
documents in England and Wales (Approved Document K), Scotland (Domestic and Non-
Details for the members of the FRGG can be obtained from:
domestic Technical Handbook Section 4) and Northern Ireland (Technical Booklet H).
Glass and Glazing Federation
Note 2: Protection against impact is covered by the Building Regulations and the
44 – 48 Borough High Street
appropriate technical documents in England and Wales (Approved Document N), Scotland
London
(Domestic and Non-domestic Technical Handbook Section 4) and Northern Ireland
SE1 1XB
(Technical Booklet V).
Tel: 0845 257 7973
Note 3: The maximum areas for fully framed single glass panes can be found in Table 2
Fax: 0870 042 4266
of BS 6180.
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.ggf.org.uk
Details for the manufacturers, suppliers and installers of fire-resistant glass are available
from the GGF web site.
FRGG Members who assisted with the Best Practice Guide

T A Anders & Co Ltd
C3S Securiglass Ltd
CGI International Ltd
Chiltern International Fire Ltd
Greenberg Glass Ltd
Hodgson Sealants Ltd
Lorient Polyproducts Ltd
Pilkington UK Ltd
Promat (UK) Ltd
Mann McGowan Fabrications Ltd
Sapa Building Systems Ltd
Schott UK Ltd
Sealmaster
Steel Window Association
T W Ide Ltd
Bodycote Warringtonfire
Glazeguard
Nicholls and Clarke Ltd
J Edwards (Wolverhampton) Ltd
Stourport Glazing Co
Independent Glass Ltd
84
82 Best
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Appendix B:
Summary of impact safety requirements
chnical • Approved Document N1: Building Regulations (England and Wales)

and Non-
• Part P2 of the Scottish Building Code
et H).
• Approved Document V1: Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)
, Scotland The following Regulations are also important:

nd • The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
• The Consumer Protection Act 1987
able 2 • The General Product Safety Regulations 1994
The current Building Regulation requirements, in Approved Documents N1 and V1, refer
to the use of impact safety products in hazardous locations, as illustrated in Figure B1 for a
glass that complies with BS 6206. P2 refers to BS 6262 Part 4.
BS 6262 – Part 4 has been revised to take account of the following changes:
• Publication of harmonised European standards (hENs) for glass products;
• Withdrawal of BS 6206[1] for the classification of ‘safety glass’; and
• The publication of BS EN 12600[2] for the classification of the pendulum impact
performance of flat glass.
1500mm
800mm
300mm 300mm
Doors, Glazing adjacent to doors Low level glazing

Safety glass is not a requirement here
Key
Doors and side panels over 900mm wide not less than BS 6262 Class 2
Doors and side panels up to 900mm wide not less than BS 6262 Class 3
Low level glazing mostly BS 6262 Class 3
Note:Areas of glass 0.5m2 or more and 250mm or less in width must be 6mm or more in
thickness except in the case of traditional leaded lights and copper lights.
BS 6262-4:2005 Glazing for buildings. Code of practice for safety related to human impact
82 Best
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Appendix B:
Note
Table B11:Shows
Guarding is covered
the glass by the requirements
classification Building Regulations and the with
in accordance appropriate technical
European Standard
ENdocuments
12600 in England and Wales (Approved Document K), Scotland (Domestic and Non-
domestic Technical Handbook Section 4) and Northern Ireland (Technical Booklet H).
Location Pane Dimension Glass Classification
appropriate technical documents in England and Wales (Approved Document BS ENN),12600
Scotland
(Domestic
Door or doorand
sideNon-domestic
panel Technical>Handbook
Minor dimension 900mm Section 4) and Northern Ireland
2
Minor dimension < 900mm 3
of BS 6180. Minor dimension < 250mm and area < 0.5m2 6mm*
Low level glazing Minor dimension < 900mm 3
Minor dimension < 250mm and area < 0.5m2 6mm*
* Annealed glass with this nominal thickness; excluding traditional leaded and copper lights
Table B1 Additional information on safety glazing can be found within the GGF publication
"The right glazing in the right place" European Standard EN 12600.
Other Building Regulations relating to glass
In some applications, fire-resistant glass may be required to provide guarding (see note 1).
For example, where it protects a difference in adjacent levels greater than 600mm in
dwellings and 380mm in buildings other than dwellings, the glass should be designed as a
barrier. Glass wholly or partially below the minimum barrier height should be in
accordance with the recommendations in BS 6262-4 (see note 2) and be designed to
satisfactorily withstand the given design loads:
Horizontal uniformly distributed line load (often referred to as line load), applied at the
design level, usually 1100mm from finished floor level
Uniformly distributed load, applied to the infill (often referred to as infill UDL)
Point (or concentrated) load, applied to part of the infill
(Table 1 of BS 61804 gives minimum barrier heights for several locations.)
Guidance on the suitability of a particular fire-resistant glass as a barrier should be
obtained from the manufacturer or supplier (see note 3). Installing an appropriate handrail
at 1100mm from finished floor level may not necessarily be sufficient to avoid the
application of all of the barrier loads to the glass.
3 BSEN 12600: 2002, Glass in building – Pendulum test – Impact test method and classification for flat glass
BS 618: 1999, Barriers in and about buildings code of practice
84 Best
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Appendix B:
chnical Note 1: Guarding is covered by the Building Regulations and the appropriate technical
and Non- documents in England and Wales (Approved Document K), Scotland (Domestic and Non-
et H). domestic Technical Handbook Section 4) and Northern Ireland (Technical Booklet H).
, Scotland appropriate technical documents in England and Wales (Approved Document N), Scotland
nd (Domestic and Non-domestic Technical Handbook Section 4) and Northern Ireland
able 2 Note 3: The maximum areas for fully framed single glass panes can be found in Table 2
of BS 6180.
84 Best
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Appendix C:
B:
Requirements of glazing
Summary of impact manifestation
safety requirements
IfNote
there1: isGuarding
a risk thatis people
coveredcould
by the Building
come into Regulations
contact withand theuninterrupted
large, appropriate technical
areas of
documents in
transparent England
glazing andmoving
whilst Wales (Approved
in and aboutDocument
a building,K), ScotlandN2
paragraph (Domestic and Non-
of the Building
domestic Technical
Regulations part N Handbook Section
requires that 4) andmust
such areas Northern Irelandfeatures
incorporate (Technical Booklet
which makeH).
the
glazing apparent.
appropriate
This is calledtechnical documents
manifestation, and itinmay
England and form
take the Walesof(Approved Document
patterns, company N), Scotland
logos, broken
(Domestic
or solid lines,andetc
Non-domestic
marked on the Technical
glass atHandbook Section
appropriately 4) and
defined Northern
heights Ireland
and intervals.
In Part M of the Building Regulations, manifestation on glass is required at two heights:
Note 3: to
850mm The maximum
1000mm andareas for fully
1400mm framed single
to 1600mm above glass
floorpanes
level.can be found in Table
Manifestation must 2
of BS 6180.
contrast visually with the background seen through the glass, in both directions in all
lighting conditions. It may take the form of a logo at least 150mm high, or a decorative
feature, such as broken lines or continuous bands at least 50mm high. Glazed entrance
doors that are adjacent to, or part of, a glazed screen, are clearly differentiated from the
screen by a high contrast strip at the top and both sides.
Manifestation applies especially to defined critical locations, such as internal or external
walls of shops, showrooms, offices, factories, public or other non-domestic buildings where
there are likely to be groups, or moving streams, of people in the vicinity of the glazing.
Examples of door height glazing not warranting manifestation
400mm 400mm
max max
600 -1500mm
a. Glazing less b. Glazing with c. A single pane d. Glazed doors with no

than 400mm in a rail between glazed door with frame, or narrow frames,
width between 600 and 1500mm a substantial but with a large handle or push
frames above the floor frame plate on each single pane
84
86 Best
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Appendix D:
Contact details for associated organisations
chnical Architectural and Specialist Door Manufacturers Association (ASDMA)

and Non- Burnside House, 3 Coates Lane
et H). High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 5EY
Tel: 01494 447370
Fax: 01494 462094
, Scotland
E-mail: [email protected]
nd
www.asdma.com
Association of Interior Specialists (AIS)
able 2
Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road
Solihull,West Midlands B92 7AH
Tel: 0121 707 0077
Fax: 0121 706 1949
www.ais-interiors.org.uk
A British Woodworking Federation (BWF)
55 Tufton Street, London SW1 3QL
Telephone 0870 458 6939
Fax 0870 458 6949
www.bwf.org.uk
Passive Fire Protection Federation (PFPF)
Association House, 99 West Street
Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EN
Tel: 01252 739152
Fax: 01252 739140
www.pfpf.org.uk
The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers
8 Stepney Green, London E1 3JU
Tel: 020 7790 3431
Fax: 020 7790 8517
E-mail:[email protected]
www.gai.org.uk
Steel Window Association
The Building Centre, 26 Store Street
London WC1E 7BT
Tel: 020 7637 3571
Fax: 020 7637 3572
www.steel-window-association.co.uk
86 Best
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Appendix
AppendixD:B:
Contact
Summarydetails for associated
of impact organisations
safety requirements
Note 1: Building
National Guarding is covered by the(NBS)
Specification Building Regulations and the appropriate technical
Thedocuments in England
Old Post Office, and Wales
St Nicholas (Approved Document K), Scotland (Domestic and Non-
Street
domestic
Newcastle Technical
upon Handbook
Tyne NE1 1RH Section 4) and Northern Ireland (Technical Booklet H).
Tel: 0845 456 9594
Fax: 0191 232 5714
appropriate technical documents in England and Wales (Approved Document N), Scotland
(Domestic and Non-domestic Technical Handbook Section 4) and Northern Ireland
www.thenbs.com
Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB)
Bank House
of BS 6180.
Bond's Mill, Stonehouse
Gloucestershire GL10 3RF
Tel: 01453 828851
Fax 01453 828861
www.c-a-b.org.uk
Intumescent Fire Seals Association (IFSA)
20 Park Street, Princes Risborough
Buckinghamshire HP27 9AH
Tel: 01844 276928
Fax: 01844 274002
www.ifsa.org.uk
Door and Hardware Federation (DHF)
42 Heath Street,Tamworth
Staffordshire B79 7JH
Tel: 01827 52337
Fax: 01827 310827
www.dhf.org.uk
Association of Interior Specialists (AIS)
Olton Bridge, 245 Warwick Road
Solihull,West Midlands, B92 7AH
Tel: 0121 707 0077
Fax: 0121 7061949
www.ais-interiors.org.uk
88 84 Best
Best Practice
Best
Practice Guide
PracticeGuide
Guide 5
87
44-48 Borough High Street
London SE1 1XB
Telephone 0870 042 4255
Facsimile 0870 042 4266
[email protected]
www.ggf.org.uk Price £25

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CI/SfB

A Guide to Best Practice

Glass and Glazing

Best Practice Guide 3

4 Best Practice Guide

Best Practice Guide 5

By the Chairman of the Fire Resistant Glazing Group (FRGG)

Note: the following terms are used in this guide:

Best Practice Guide 7

Define the performance specification

Identify an approved fire-resistant glazed system

Confirm material and system specification

Ensure installation is correct

Obtain answers to your key questions

8 Best Practice Guide

• Approved Document B – Fire safety: 2000, 2006 Edition

Relevant codes of practice and standards

Best Practice Guide 9

• Glazed internal and external fire doors

The fundamental Golden Rule

Main factors that can affect performance

10 Best Practice Guide

What to look for on site

• Official evidence from a competent authority demonstrating the fire-resistance

• Visual inspection is required during routine fire risk assessments

Best Practice Guide 11

12 Best Practice Guide

Best Practice Guide 13

procurement, ordering, delivery and handling and

Fire-resistant glazed systems

14 Best Practice Guide

Figure 1 – Example: components of a typical glazed timber door leaf

Best Practice Guide 15

Main components of fire-resistant glazed systems

Figure 1 – Example: components of a typical glazed timber door leaf

16 Best Practice Guide

Figure 2 – Example: components of a typical glazed timber screen

Best Practice Guide 17

Key factors that influence fire-resistance of a glazed system

Applicable standards for fire-resistance

18 Best Practice Guide

BS EN 13501-2: 2003, Fire classification of construction products and building elements –

England and Wales

Regulations covering fire safety

Classification of fire-resistance for UK Building Regulations

Best Practice Guide 19

Achievement of the insulation criterion is measured by thermocouples on the cold face of

• either integrity only

• 30 minutes integrity and 30 minutes insulation,“30/30”

Approved Document B (England and Wales): 2000, amended 2002

• allow occupants to reach a place of safety

20 Best Practice Guide

Table 1: Sections in Approved Document B relevant to fire-resistant

Particular appendices and tables in AD B relevant to fire-resistant glazed systems are:

Best Practice Guide 21

Summary of applications for fire-resistant glazed systems

22 Best Practice Guide

• recommendations on the role of independent schemes of certification for products and

• compartment walls should be able to accommodate the predicted deflection of the

Note:Approved Document B can be accessed on the Communities and Local