Fire Resistant Flooring and Other Safety Aspects

Using of safe building materials such as flooring is very important. We have recently read the news report about the fire accident at Paramount hotel in Singapore, that the flame which started at the hotel basement is likely to be caused by polystyrene boards and other construction materials. Building materials which are not fire-resistant certified may cause potential risk on fire hazards.

Let's narrow it down to the perspective of the home owner shopping for building materials and furnishings for his or her home. What are the things or certifications should the home owner look for when it comes to safety as always the number one priority?

Here are some of the details:

1) Fire Resistant Test Report and Certifications

Look for building products with international fire resistant standards such as the CE rating, fire test reports, fire spread index and so on. If in doubt, the home owner should always the vendor the availability of this records. Some of the common question to ask is, "if the building material or furnishing were to caught fire, how long can the fire holds before its spreads bigger and wider? In order words, what is the fire spread index?" Another question to ask, "is whether it may cause any fumes that may be harmful to the health?" 

Test reports and international standards availability should always be available to the home buyer upon request from the vendor.

2) Slip Resistant Reports 

Before a building product is launched into the market, there is always test and reports to certify the individual properties of the product. One common must-have standard is the slip resistant properties. Building materials especially flooring without credible slip resistant properties may be too dangerous especially for families with young children or elderly. For outdoor area and workplaces, especially after a rainy day, some areas may be too slippery as well.

Slipping accidents could not be overlooked or taking it for granted as it may be fatal at times. Hence selecting good quality products with high level of slip resistance, can minimise the chances and probability of slipping to as little as possible.

3) Fall Impact / Shock Absorbing Properties

This always goes hand in hand with slip resistant standards. When falling becomes unavoidable, the impact of the fall must be cushioned or absorbed mostly. So that, it would minimise the seriousness of the fall injury especially when we are talking about the aged users or toddler at home.

4) Always Develop a Safety Culture

Well last but not least, we believe another important aspect should be cultivating a safety philosophy at home or at work. Everyone has a part and responsibility to be safe, whether they are the home owners, contractors or vendors.

Developing a safety culture is not just pasting posters everywhere to remind one of being safe; but to it is adopt it into one living and working lifestyle and environment as well as constantly keeping a look out for any potential safety hazards within the property or environment. Complacency and negligence should never be allowed in one's mindset.

Always do prevention in advance. Even at home for example, home owner and its family members should not leave any inflammable materials such as plastic bags and cardboards near door entrances and exits, this is to ensure safe and brief fire escape if the incident occurs.  Fire extinguishers should be recommended and placed in prominent areas in any residence or commercial outlets. When the flooring gets wet, quickly mop it dry so as to prevent any potential slipping accidents.

In a nutshell, it takes two hands to clap. Accidents occurs due to a string of factors. Hence, everyone should  always develop a safety culture in their daily lives and at the same time installed quality building materials in their premises with recognised safety standards.