Reader Response Refinement
In the article “Use of Claddings in Buildings Here Have Grown in Recent Times’’, Mokhtar (2017) reported that the use of cladding to cover the front of buildings has intensified in recent years due to its benefits, but it also poses a fire hazard. The rise in the use of cladding is mainly due to its capability to provide heat insulation for energy efficiency and other perks that come along with it. He mentioned that the use of cladding has come under scrutiny amidst reports that it may have played a part in a deadly fire in London which resulted in fatalities. Cladding has insulation materials filled into the gaps of the cladding, which potentially increases fire hazards. He added that in Singapore, materials used for cladding must meet the strict requirement where the fire will not spread along its surface when ignited.
Even though the use cladding has its perks, it is still a potential fire hazard. But with strict regulations enforced on the use of cladding, safety will not be compromised.
Firstly, it is important that all cladding used meets the strict industry standard of Class ‘0’. In a press release by SCDF (2017), it stated that “SCDF’s Fire Code requires composite panels used as cladding to be either non-combustible or certified as Class ‘0’”. Class ‘0’ is an industry measurement of the spread of fire with the number “0” indicating that the fire will not spread along its surface when ignited. Also mentioned in the press release, a fire erupted from an industrial building which resulted in one death. Findings show that cladding used on the building’s external walls did not meet the requirement of Class ‘0’. Therefore, in light of the accident, it is important that the industry standard of Class ‘0’ is met for the use of cladding.
Secondly, there must be stricter requirements imposed for the selection of materials that are used for the cladding of the building. Not only must the external layer of the cladding be made of non-flammable material, the internal layer of the cladding must also be made of the same material too. As they will directly determine whether the fire will spread or not. According to an image graphic by SCDF (2017), the core of cladding which is fitted in between two non-flammable layers is flammable. This layout may seem safe as the core is secured within two non-combustible layers, but it is not totally foolproof as the core itself still poses a fire hazard as it is flammable. The core should be non-flammable too. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) is one of the most common materials for the insulation core. In “Fire Risks from External…” (n.d), it states that EPS will grow softer and smaller from a minor flame, but it will then liquefy and burn. The article also mentioned that in a well-developed fire, it will act as a fuel to the fire. This further proves the need for insulation cores to be made of non-flammable materials.
Lastly, there must be strict compliance with the regulations for the use of cladding. Ng (2017) reported that a police report had been lodged by the SCDF against 36 buildings as their external walls panels did not meet the standard. This was a direct result of non-compliance with the regulations of the SCDF’s fire code, and harsh punishments should be handed out.
As of now, the use of cladding without a doubt poses as a fire hazard. But with stricter regulations imposed and compliance with regulations, the risk of cladding posing as a fire hazard will be reduced. Also, if the class “0” industry standard is met and the material used for the internal core is non-flammable along with the compliance from the building’s owners, cladding posing as a fire hazard will then be dismissed as it will not in any way contribute to the spread of the fire.
References
Edwards, M. (2016, February). Fire risks from the external cladding panels – a perspective from the UK. Probyn-miers. Retrieved from http://www.probyn-miers.com/perspective/2016/02/fire-risks-from-external-cladding-panels-perspective-from-the-uk/ *
Mokhtar, F. (2017, June 17). Use of cladding in buildings here have grown in recent times: Experts. Today Online. Retrieved from: http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/use-cladding-buildings-here-have-grown-recent-times-experts
Ng. (2017, August 24). 36 buildings may have combustible cladding that do not meet safety rules; police report lodged. The Straits Times. Retrieved from:http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/36-buildings-may-have-combustible-cladding-police-report-lodged?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&xtor=CS1-10#link_time=1503566534
Singapore Civil Defence Force. (2017, August 24). SCDF takes immediate actions to ensure fire safety of buildings. SCDF. Retrieved from:https://www.scdf.gov.sg/sites/www.scdf.gov.sg/files/SCDF_Press_Release-24_Aug_2017.pdf
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