BPF issues assurance on PVC-U Fire Safety

   
09/07/09

The British Plastics Federation’s wishes to reassure the public of the safety record of PVC-U windows following erroneous reports of their role in the tragic fire at the Lakanal House block of flats on 3 July 2009.

Several publications state that plastic windows had recently been installed in the block. A spokesman for Southwark Council has since confirmed that the windows were in fact metal and not PVC-U.

PVC-U windows do not melt or drip in fires but develops a carbonaceous char which inhibits further spread of the fire making PVC the material of choice in many safety critical applications where fire retardancy is of the utmost importance, such as, cable ducting. Furthermore, a high chlorine content acts as an inherent fire retardant.

A investigation into the underlying cause of this tragedy is currently ongoing. The BPF does not wish to pre-judge the investigation’s findings but simply aims to reassure the public of the safety of PVC in residential and commercial buildings.

“Our sincere condolences to those who have suffered loss.”

PVC in accidental fires (2008) can be downloaded, please click here

For further information, please contact Sarah Plant, Industrial Issues Executive
Tel: 0207 457 5000 | Fax: 0207 457 5045 | Email: splant@bpf.co.uk