MARINE APPLICATION
During the development of Airstep Resist, Bridgestone realised that not only did it meet the tough new requirements for the Building Code of Australia, but it also surpassed what is reputed to be the toughest requirement in the world - the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) test A653 (16) – Spread of Flame.
This has seen Bridgestone produce a world-class product to meet the highest requirements anywhere.
Bridgestone Ignition Resistant Underlays
In May 2006 the Building Code of Australia introduced a new requirement for the testing of all floorcoverings in relation to fire. This has been one of the most important changes to our industry recently. The new requirement, AS/ISO 9239-1 for building classes 2-9, tests for the Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) and the Smoke Development Rate of the carpet and the underlay as a “total flooring system”.
Airstep have three new products designed to meet these changes to the BCA, Airstep Resist (Double Bond), Airstep Firecheck (Conventional) and Airstep Defiance (Conventional accommodation).
BCA requirements of the Critical Radiant Flux (CRF in KW/m²) of Floor materials & Floor coverings |
BCA building Class | General | Fire – isolated Exits |
| Building not fitted with a sprinkler system complying with specification E1.5 | Buildings fitted with a sprinkler system complying with specification E1.5 | |
Class 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or9 Excluding accommodation for the aged | 2.2 | 1.2 | 2.2 |
Class 3 Accommodation for the aged | 4.5 | 2.2 | 4.5 |
Class 9a Patient care areas Areas other than patient care | 4.5 | 2.2 | 4.5 |
Class 9c Residential Use Areas other than residential use | -- | 2.2 1.2 | 4.5 4.5 |
| Product | >Airstep Defiance
(Gripper strips) | Airstep Firecheck
(Gripper Strips) | Airstep Resist
(Double Bond) |
| Test | Critical Radiant Flux (kW/m²) | Smoke Value
% | Critical Radiant Flux (kW/m²) | Smoke Value
% | Critical Radiant Flux (kW/m²) | Smoke Value
% |
| Test Result | 2.9 | 39 | 6.5 | 85 | ≥11 | 6 |
| Minimum Requirement | 1.2 – 4.5
Depending on BCA Building Class.
See above. | No Minimum | 1.2 – 4.5
Depending on BCA Building Class.
See above. | No Minimum | 1.2 – 4.5
Depending on BCA Building Class.
See above. | No Minimum |
| Maximum Requirement | No Maximum | 750% | No Maximum | 750% | No Maximum | 750% |
*It must be noted that the tests were carried out on the underlay only. No carpet was included in this test.
Bridgestone has released a detailed booklet which outlines the changes to the BCA, the benefits of ignition resistant underlays and a wide range of test results. Our testing can give you an indication of what results you may achieve using Airstep ignition resistant underlays, particularly when specifying nylon carpets.