“Plastic pipes in building risers represent fire safety gamble” warns CuSP

When considering the overall implications, the use of plastic pipes “presents significant risks”. These include their potential contribution to fire spread, their environmental impact and an “inability to match the durability and fire resistance” of more traditional materials.

Riser effect: accelerating fire spread

Building risers are vertical shafts running through every floor of a multi-storey structure, housing essential services like water pipes, electrical cables and ventilation ducts. In essence, they are the building’s central nervous system, but if not properly designed, they can also serve as a conduit for fire.

Building risers can create a pathway for fire to travel vertically through a structure. In the event of a fire, flames and smoke may spread through these shafts on a rapid basis, engulfing multiple floors in a matter of minutes.

CuSP notes that plastic pipes exacerbate this problem in several ways:

*Increased fire load: plastic pipes add fuel to the fire, intensifying and prolonging its spread. This increases the risk of structural damage and collapse.

*Rapid flame spread: plastic pipes ignite easily, allowing flames to race through risers. This can block escape routes and trap occupants.

*Toxic smoke and fumes: burning plastic releases harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide, dioxins and cyanide. These fumes can incapacitate building occupants and hinder firefighters.

Fire stopping challenges

One of the greatest challenges with plastic pipes is containing fires once they start. Fire stopping (ie the practice of sealing gaps in walls and floors to prevent fire spread) is “exponentially more complex” when plastic pipes are involved. Unlike copper, plastic melts at lower temperatures with the potential to create holes in fire-rated barriers. These breaches can act as channels for flames, smoke and fumes.

To counteract this, special fire stopping systems are required. These include collars and sealants designed to account for the melting behaviour of plastic. However, even minor installation errors, such as an uneven sealant application, can compromise the entire system’s effectiveness.

Evidence from fire safety tests

Extensive research conducted by CuSP and Warringtonfire has shown that plastic pipes perform poorly in fire safety tests when compared to copper. Tests revealed that plastic pipes ignite quickly, burn rapidly and release toxic fumes.

Copper pipes, on the other hand, are non-combustible, release minimal smoke and don’t produce dangerous levels of toxic emissions. These findings present a compelling case for reconsidering the use of plastic pipes in building risers.

Copper has long been recognised as a reliable material for building infrastructures. Its inherent fire resistance, durability and recyclability make it an ideal choice for critical applications including risers. By choosing copper, developers can significantly enhance fire safety, while also benefiting from its longevity and low environmental impact.

Need for regulatory reform

According to CuSP, the current building codes in many regions fail to adequately address the fire risks posed by plastic pipes in high-rise structures. While fire safety is a stated priority for the construction industry, regulations often lag behind the latest research and testing outcomes.

Stricter guidelines must be implemented, suggests CuSP, in order to limit or prohibit the use of combustible materials like plastic in building risers. This is particularly crucial for high-rise structures where the stakes are somewhat higher due to the potential for rapid vertical fire spread.

Building a safer future

The safety of homes and cities depends on the choices made by construction professionals and policymakers alike. By prioritising fire-resistant materials and advocating for stricter regulations, urges CuSP, we can reduce the risks and ensure that buildings are safe for generations to come.

Materials hidden behind walls can mean the difference between safety and disaster. When it comes to fire safety, there’s no room for compromise. CuSP’s, firm belief is that it’s time to make informed decisions designed to protect lives and safeguard communities.

*Further information is available online at www.cuspuk.com