Fire hazards of high fire risk plastics and textiles

Fire hazards of high fire risk flammable solids

Some everyday products burn extremely fiercely in the quantities found in manufacturing and distribution premises. Examples are foamed plastics such as polystyrene, polyurethane and polyethylene, polyester wadding used in clothing and bedding, and bubblewrap. A large surface area in the product itself, a tendency to melt, and high racked storage are potent hazards.

Outdoor storage of waste plastic for recycling is an increasing hazard. Alan was responsible for HSE guidance on the fire hazards of these products, and helped in the development of the medium scale tests which are used to assess the risk. The risk assessments are backed by research Alan sponsored for HSE at HSL in Buxton, and the Fire Engineering Department at Edinburgh University. If you store these materials in quantity, your fire risk assessment must take the properties into account, and Alan can help you do this.

nitrocellulose is a special case, and needs very special assessment