Fire Classes and Regulations
Fire test classification
New European test methods and classification systems have been introduced during the last few years. For the reaction-to-fire performance of construction products, the classes are often called Euroclasses.
Traditionally each country has had its own fire tests which has created barriers to free trade. The introduction of new European standard tests (ENs) and classifications, e g the Euroclasses for the reaction to fire performance, and the imminent amendment of the various National Regulations by Member States, to recognise these harmonised procedure should simplify matters.
Fire Regulations
A variety of regulations are being used in European countries to ensure the fire safety of buildings. The regulations are based on national traditions and safety level estimations.
National fire regulations form the main obstacle to the use of wood in buildings in many countries. An overview is available (National fire regulations in relation to the use of wood in European and some other countries 2002, Östman and Rydholm, Trätek Rapport P 0212044, Stockholm, 2002).
The European standards for the fire safety in buildings mainly deal with harmonised methods for verification of performance and classification. These standards exist on the technical level, while fire safety is governed by national legislation, thus being on the political level. National fire regulations will thus remain. However, the national regulations refer increasingly to the new European methods for fire testing and classification.
