Internal threat

In the fire protection community it has been known for some time that the interior finishes can present serious safety issues in case of fire. The interior finishes have contributed significantly to the loss of life in a significant number of fires in assembly occupancies, since the fire in 1942 Cocoanut Grove, Boston, Massachusetts (492 deaths), occurred in 1977 in the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate, Kentucky (165 deaths) to the 2003 fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island (100 deaths), the Cromagnón nightclub in Buenos Aires, Argentina 2004 (193 deaths), and disco Boate kiss in Santa Maria, Brazil (242 deaths). The recent fires in Kiss and other local shows that this is not simply a historical theme, but still has full effect. Almost a century ago, materials for interior trim panels such as cellulose (wood, pressboard, fiberboard) and cellulose plates such roofing-square foot plates that are generally sticking to the existing ceilings of plaster, and if still exist today, they could create hidden above suspended ceilings mineral-plate were frequently cited in articles and reports on fuel fires spaces. In the 60s, plastic foam or foams they became a hot topic among interior finishes. The flammability of these materials gained such importance that the federal government took action on the matter, and the plastics industry eventually signed a consent decree with the FTC in relation to the promotion of such products. The Station fire, Kiss Cromagnón and reminded us that the products foams or foam are still being misused and can contribute to fire events that result in a large number of fatalities.

Meanwhile, other potentially problematic materials have emerged and are widely used in a variety of buildings, including the occupation of public meeting. New products such as polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) are becoming more popular, but if not treated can present serious challenges in case of fire. The codes give emerging approach to these issues, but its correct application will only happen when people aware of the threat and requirements designed to treat, as well as whether jurisdictions use latest editions of codes.