Hazardous Area Classification and

Control of Ignition Sources

This Technical Measures Document refers to the classification of plant into hazardous areas, and the
systematic identification and control of ignition sources

The relevant Level 2 Criteria are 5.2.1.3(29)c, 5.2.1.11(63)f, 5.2.1.13 and 5.2.4.2(93)a.
Design of plant, pipework and general plant layout is considered in Technical Measures Documents
on Plant Layout, Design Codes - Plant, Design Codes - Pipework, Plant Modification / Change
Procedures, Maintenance Procedures.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) provide for the first
time a specific legal requirement to carry out a hazardous area study, and document the conclusions, in
the form of zones.

General Principles
Hazardous Area Classification for Flammable Gases and Vapours
Area classification may be carried out by direct analogy with typical installations described in established
codes, or by more quantitative methods that require a more detailed knowledge of the plant. The starting
point is to identify sources of release of flammable gas or vapour. These may arise from constant
activities; from time to time in normal operation; or as the result of some unplanned event. In addition,
inside process equipment may be a hazardous area, if both gas/vapour and air are present, though there
is no actual release.

Catastrophic failures, such as vessel or line rupture are not considered by an area classification study. A
hazard identification process such as a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) or a Hazard and Operability
Study (HAZOP) should consider these abnormal events.

The most commonly used standard in the UK for determining area extent and classification is BS EN
60079 part 101, which has broad applicability. The current version makes clear the direct link between the
amounts of flammable vapour that may be released, the ventilation at that location, and the zone number.
It contains a simplistic calculation relating the size of zone to a rate of release of gas or vapour, but it is
not helpful for liquid releases, where the rate of vaporisation controls the size of the hazardous area.
Other sources of advice, which describe more sophisticated approaches, are the Institute of Petroleum
Model Code of Practice (Area Classification Code for Petroleum Installations, 2002), and the Institution of
Gas Engineers Safety Recommendations SR25, (2001). The IP code is for use by refinery and
petrochemical type operations. The IGE code addresses specifically transmission, distribution and
storage facilities for natural gas, rather than gas utilisation plant, but some of the information will be
relevant to larger scale users.

Zoning
Hazardous areas are defined in DSEAR as "any place in which an explosive atmosphere may occur in
quantities such as to require special precautions to protect the safety of workers". In this context, 'special
precautions' is best taken as relating to the construction, installation and use of apparatus, as given in BS
EN 60079 -101.
Area classification is a method of analysing and classifying the environment where explosive gas
atmospheres may occur. The main purpose is to facilitate the proper selection and installation of
apparatus to be used safely in that environment, taking into account the properties of the flammable
materials that will be present. DSEAR specifically extends the original scope of this analysis, to take into
account non-electrical sources of ignition, and mobile equipment that creates an ignition risk.
 Hazardous areas are classified into zones based on an assessment of the frequency of the occurrence
and duration of an explosive gas atmosphere, as follows:

 Zone 0: An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is present continuously or for long periods;
 Zone 1: An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation;
 Zone 2: An area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it
occurs, will only exist for a short time.
Various sources have tried to place time limits on to these zones, but none have been officially adopted.
The most common values used are:

 Zone 0: Explosive atmosphere for more than 1000h/yr

 Zone 1: Explosive atmosphere for more than 10, but less than 1000 h/yr
 Zone 2: Explosive atmosphere for less than 10h/yr, but still sufficiently likely as to require controls over
ignition sources.
Where people wish to quantify the zone definitions, these values are the most appropriate, but for the
majority of situations a purely qualitative approach is adequate.

When the hazardous areas of a plant have been classified, the remainder will be defined as non-
hazardous, sometimes referred to as 'safe areas'.

The zone definitions take no account of the consequences of a release. If this aspect is important, it may
be addressed by upgrading the specification of equipment or controls over activities allowed within the
zone. The alternative of specifying the extent of zones more conservatively is not generally
recommended, as it leads to more difficulties with equipment selection, and illogicalities in respect of
control over health effects from vapours assumed to be present. Where occupiers choose to define
extensive areas as Zone 1, the practical consequences could usefully be discussed during site
inspection.

As an example:
A proposal was made to zone an aircraft hanger as Zone 1, although the use of fuels handled above their
flash point would be a rare event. It proved difficult to obtain a floor-cleaning machine certified for Zone 1
areas, though the floor needed sweeping regularly. The option of writing out an exception to normal
instructions to allow a non Ex-protected machine to be used regularly is not recommended. Instead, a
more realistic assessment of the zones is needed, and special instructions issued for the rare event of
using more volatile fuels.

A hazardous area extent and classification study involves due consideration and documentation of the
following:

 The flammable materials that may be present;

 The physical properties and characteristics of each of the flammable materials;
 The source of potential releases and how they can form explosive atmospheres;
 Prevailing operating temperatures and pressures;
 Presence, degree and availability of ventilation (forced and natural);
 Dispersion of released vapours to below flammable limits;
 The probability of each release scenario.
These factors enable appropriate selection of zone type and zone extent, and also of equipment. The IP
code gives a methodology for estimating release rates from small diameter holes with pressurised
sources, and shows how both the buoyancy and momentum of the release influence the extent of a zone.
It tabulates values for an LPG mixture, gasoline, natural gas, and refinery hydrogen for pressures up to
100barg. Similarly the IGE code gives a methodology for natural gas, relating the leak rate to the hole-
size and the operating pressure. The tables of dispersion distances to the zone boundary address in the
main quite large diameter deliberate vents. There is in practice little overlap between the codes.
 The results of this work should be documented in Hazardous Area Classification data sheets, supported
by appropriate reference drawings showing the extent of the zones around (including above and below
where appropriate) the plant item.

Selection of Equipment
DSEAR sets out the link between zones, and the equipment that may be installed in that zone. This
applies to new or newly modified installations. The equipment categories are defined by the ATEX
equipment directive, set out in UK law as the Equipment and Protective Systems for Use in Potentially
Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 1996. Standards set out different protection concepts, with further
subdivisions for some types of equipment according to gas group and temperature classification. Most of
the electrical standards have been developed over many years and are now set at international level,
while standards for non-electrical equipment are only just becoming available from CEN.

The DSEAR ACOP describes the provisions concerning existing equipment.

There are different technical means (protection concepts) of building equipment to the different
categories. These, the standard current in mid 2003, and the letter giving the type of protection are listed
below.

Zone 0 Zone 1 Zone 2

Category 1 Category 2 Category 3
Electrical
Type 'n' - EN 50021
'd' - Flameproof 1999
'ia' intrinsically safe enclosure Non electrical
EN 50020, 2002 EN 50018 2000 EN 13463-1, 2001
Ex s - Special protection if specifically certified for 'p' - Pressurised
Zone 0 EN 50016 2002
'q' - Powder filling
EN 50017, 1998
'o' - Oil immersion
EN 50015, 1998
'e' - Increased safety
EN 50019, 2000
'ib' - Intrinsic safety
EN 50020, 2002
'm' - Encapsulation
EN 50028, 1987
's' - Special protection
Correct selection of electrical equipment for hazardous areas requires the following information:

 Classification of the hazardous area (as in zones shown in the table above);
 Temperature class or ignition temperature of the gas or vapour involved according to the table below:
Temperature Maximum Surface Temperature, Ignition Temperature of gas or
Classification °C vapour, °C
T1 450 >450
T2 300 >300
 T3 200 >200
T4 135 >135
T5 100 >100
T6 85 >85
If several different flammable materials may be present within a particular area, the material that gives the
highest classification dictates the overall area classification. The IP code considers specifically the issue
of hydrogen containing process streams as commonly found on refinery plants. Consideration should be
shown for flammable material that may be generated due to interaction between chemical species.

Ignition Sources - Identification and Control

Ignition sources may be:

 Flames;
 Direct fired space and process heating;
 Use of cigarettes/matches etc;
 Cutting and welding flames;
 Hot surfaces;
 Heated process vessels such as dryers and furnaces;
 Hot process vessels;
 Space heating equipment;
 Mechanical machinery;
 Electrical equipment and lights
 Spontaneous heating;
 Friction heating or sparks;
 Impact sparks;
 Sparks from electrical equipment;
 Stray currents from electrical equipment
 Electrostatic discharge sparks:
 Lightning strikes.
 Electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths
 Vehicles, unless specially designed or modified are likely to contain a range of potential ignition sources
Sources of ignition should be effectively controlled in all hazardous areas by a combination of design
measures, and systems of work:

 Using electrical equipment and instrumentation classified for the zone in which it is located. New
mechanical equipment will need to be selected in the same way. (See above);
 Earthing of all plant/ equipment (see Technical Measures Document on Earthing)
 Elimination of surfaces above auto-ignition temperatures of flammable materials being handled/stored
(see above);
 Provision of lightning protection
 Correct selection of vehicles/internal combustion engines that have to work in the zoned areas (see
Technical Measures Document on Permit to Work Systems);
 Correct selection of equipment to avoid high intensity electromagnetic radiation sources, e.g. limitations
on the power input to fibre optic systems, avoidance of high intensity lasers or sources of infrared
radiation
 Prohibition of smoking/use of matches/lighters
 Controls over the use of normal vehicles
 Controls over activities that create intermittent hazardous areas, e.g. tanker loading/unloading
 Control of maintenance activities that may cause sparks/hot surfaces/naked flames through a Permit to
Work System
 Precautions to control the risk from pyrophoric scale, usually associated with formation of ferrous
sulphide inside process equipment

Direct Fired Heaters, Hot Oil Systems and Processes

Operating Above Auto-Ignition Temperatures
A range of petrochemical and refinery processes use direct fired heaters, e.g. steam crackers for ethylene
production. Clearly, if the fuel supply to the heater or the pipework carrying the process fluid leaks close
to the furnace, any leak must be expected to find a source of ignition, either directly at the flames, or by a
surface heated by a flame. In these circumstances, hazardous area classification, and appropriate
selection of ATEX equipment is not suitable as a basis of safety for preventing fire and explosion risks.

Instead, safety should be achieved by a combination of a high standard of integrity of fuel and process
pipelines, together with a means of rapid detection and isolation of any pipes that do fail. The
consequences of the failure of a pipe carrying process materials within the furnace should be considered
in any HAZOP study.

Other processes (such as hot oil heating circuits) may handle products above their auto-ignition
temperature. Any such processes should be specifically identified in a safety case. Again, area
classification is not a suitable means of controlling the ignition risks, and the same considerations apply,
as with fired heaters.

Lightning Protection
Protection against lightning involves installation of a surge protection device between each non-earth
bonded core of the cable and the local structure. Further guidance can be found in BS 6651:19991 -
(Code of practice for protection of structures against lightning). Ignitions caused by lightning cannot be
eliminated entirely, particularly with floating roof tanks, where vapour is usually present around the rim
seal. In these circumstances, measures to mitigate the consequences of a fire should be provided.

Vehicles
Most normal vehicles contain a wide range of ignition sources. These will include electrical circuits; the
inlet and exhaust of any internal combustion engine; electrostatic build up; overheating brakes, and other
moving parts. Site rules should be clear where normal road vehicles may be taken, and areas where they
must be excluded.

Standard EN 17551 sets out the requirements for diesel powdered ATEX category 2 or 3 lift trucks.
Electric powered vehicles can also be built using a combination of this standard and the normal electrical
standards. No specification is available for vehicles with spark ignition engines, and it is unlikely that such
an engine could be built economically. Vehicles certified to ATEX requirements are however expensive,
and for many applications an unprotected type has to be extensively rebuilt. Consequently, many
employers are likely to try and justify not zoning storage compounds, where lift trucks handle flammable
liquids or gases in containers. In some stores, perhaps with limited use of a vehicle, this may be
acceptable. Discussions have been held with the British Chemical Distributors and Traders Association,
with the objective of clarifying when storage areas should be classified as zone 2. The conclusions from
this exercise will be made available in due course. Discussions are also ongoing, about vehicles with gas
detection systems, designed to shut the engine and isolate other sources of ignition in the event of a gas
release. At present these are sold without any claim for ATEX compliance, but with the suggestion they
may be useful in cases of remote risk.
For the purposes of COMAH, an assessment is needed of the risk that an ignition within a storage
compound will produce a major accident, either directly or because a fire or explosion spreads to involve
other materials. If this is possible, it is more appropriate to provide controls to prevent the spread, rather
than simply apply more conservative zoning, and more restrictive rules on the equipment used in the
store.
 Where specialist vehicles (e.g. cranes) are needed during maintenance operations, proper controls and
plant isolation may allow the normal zones to be suspended. Typically these will involve written
instructions, as specified in DSEAR schedule 1, or a formal permit to work system.

Many sites will have operations of filling and emptying road tankers with flammable materials. Controls
will be needed to prevent or minimise the release of gas or vapour but controls over ignition sources are
also needed. Hazardous areas may be considered to exist during the transfer operation, but should not
be present once the transfer is complete. Safe systems of work are needed to ensure safety where such
'transient' zones exist.

Factors for Assessor of a Safety Case to Consider

 Is a full set of plans identifying hazardous areas available? For a large site they need not all be provided in
the report, but those examples relevant to the representative set of major accidents upon which the ALARP
demonstration is based must be included.
 Have all flammable substances present have been considered during area classification, including raw
materials, intermediates and by products, final product and effluents? Commonly these will be grouped for
the purposes of any area classification study.
 Locations where a large release is possible and the extent of hazardous areas has been minimised by the
use of mechanical ventilation should be identified, e.g. gas turbine power generation units, compressor
houses. Some reference to design codes, and commissioning checks to ensure the ventilation achieves the
design aim, should be provided. The consequences of a loss of power to the system should be included in
any section looking at other consequences of power loss.
 Have appropriate standards been used for selection of equipment in hazardous areas? Existing plant will
not meet the formula in DSEAR, but older standards distinguished between electrical equipment suitable
for zones 0, 1 and 2. Does the report identify old electrical equipment still in service in a hazardous area,
and what assessment has been made to ensure it remains safe for use?
 Is there a reference to the impact upon extent and classification of hazardous areas in the section
describing plant modification (see Technical Measures Document on Plant Modification / Change
Procedures); passive items like new walls and buildings can influence this if they obstruct natural
ventilation of adjacent plant
 Have all ignition sources been considered? A check list is provided in the DSEAR ACOP on control and
mitigation measures, and BS EN 1127 part 11 (Explosive atmospheres. Explosion prevention and
protection. Basic concepts and methodology).

Factors that could be considered during an on site

inspection
 If there are any large areas of zone 1 on the drawings, is there evidence that by design and operation
controls, the sources of release and consequently the location and extent of hazardous areas have been
minimised?
 Do any zone 2 areas extend to places where the occupier has inadequate control over activities that could
create an ignition source, or is there any suggestion that the zone boundaries have been arbitrarily
adjusted to avoid this?
 Has ignition protected electrical equipment been installed and maintained by suitably trained staff.
 Are the risks from static discharges controlled properly? Earthing of plant, drums and tankers is the most
basic requirement; other precautions are described in the references
 What control measures over ignition sources are adopted in hazardous areas during maintenance; where
ignition sources must be introduced, typical precautions include the use of supplementary ventilation,
portable gas detectors, and inerting of sections of plant. A local project on Electrical Equipment in
Flammable Atmospheres was undertaken and a report of the project's conclusions completed.
Dust Explosions
 The COMAH Regulations do not apply to any material if the only risk created is that of a dust explosion.
However, many toxic materials are handled in fine powder form, and a serious dust explosion could
cause a major accident. A dust explosion involving a non-toxic dust like polyethylene would not result in a
major accident as defined in the regulations, unless it also led to loss of containment of a COMAH
substance. A dust explosion could then be an initiator of a major accident. Measures to prevent major
accidents should address all potential initiators.

DSEAR requires that hazardous area classification for flammable dusts should be undertaken in the
same manner as that for flammable gases and vapours. Zoning as described above may be applied,
replacing 'gas atmosphere' with 'dust/air mixtures'. The zone numbers used are 20, 21 and 22,
corresponding to 0,1 and 2 used for gases/vapours

The only relevant standard to help people zone their plant is BS EN 50281 part 3, 20021, which is an
adaptation of the IEC equivalent.
Where toxic dusts are processed, releases into the general atmosphere should be prevented, and the
extent of any zone 21 or 22 outside the containment system should be minimal or non-existent. The
inside of different parts of the plant may need to be zoned as 20, 21 or 22, depending on the conditions at
particular locations.

Classification of dusts relating to autoignition and minimum ignition current is undertaken similarly to
gases/vapours, but involves additional complications.

The explosibility of dusts is dependent upon a number of factors:

 chemical composition;
 particle size;
 oxygen concentration;
Where toxic dusts are handled, in most cases occupiers will need to carry out testing of the product for its
explosion properties. Companies able to undertaken such testing are listed in the IChemE's book on the
prevention of dust explosions. There is no legally defined test for an explosible dust. However, for many
years we have used a small-scale screening test, the vertical tube test, described in HSG 103 2. The
issues about representative samples of dust, and other factors that might cause the results to vary are
also discussed in this guidance. In general, dusts with a particle size greater than 500 µm are unlikely to
cause an explosion. For most chemical products it is preferable to test dust taken from the process, but if
the particle size distribution varies, it is common to test material that passes a 63-micron sieve, and take
this as the worst case.
Ignition due to a hot surface is possible, but the temperature needed to ignite a dust layer depends on
layer thickness and contact time. For COMAH sites with toxic dusts, the most likely hazard would arise in
drying processes, if substantial quantities were held for extended periods hot enough to start self heating
or smouldering combustion.

Status of Guidance
Existing codes of practice provide information with respect to good practice for hazardous area
classification. The standards detailing selection of appropriate electrical apparatus have been updated to
take into consideration ventilation effects.

European equipment standards may become 'harmonised' when a reference to them is published in the
Official Journal of the European Community. A list of ATEX harmonised standards can be checked on
the EU web site :
Equipment built to such a harmonised standard may assume automatic conformity with those essential
safety requirements of relevant directives that are covered by the standard. The EPS regulations describe
the conformity assessment procedures that apply to different types of equipment.
 Reference Documents
 HS(G)512 Storage of flammable liquids in containers, HSE, 1998.
Appendix 3 describes the requirements for hazardous area classification. The use of BS EN 60079-10:
20031, and the Institute of Petroleum Code 'Area Classification Code for Petroleum Installations: Model
Code of practice in the Petroleum Industry' Part 15 are recommended. It suggests all drum stores should
be zone 2, to a height 1m above the stack. The same advice appears in HSG 166 and HSG 113 on ignition
protected lift trucks. Discussions with industry on the relaxation of this in particular circumstances are
ongoing.
 HS(G)712 Chemical warehousing: the storage of packaged dangerous substances, HSE, 1998.
This contains very limited information on hazardous area classification or control of ignition sources
 HS(G)1032 Safe handling of combustible dusts: precautions against explosions, HSE, 2nd Edition, 2003
 HS(G)1132 Lift trucks in potentially flammable atmospheres. The contents of this have been overtaken to
some degree by DSEAR, and the EPS regulations.
 HS(G)1402 Safe use and handling of flammable liquids, HSE, 1996.
Appendix 3 describes the requirements for hazardous area classification. The use of BS EN 60079-141 and
the Institute of Petroleum Code 'Area Classification Code for Petroleum Installations: Model Code of
practice in the Petroleum Industry' Part 15 are recommended. This is aimed mainly at small scale handling,
with containers of 200 litres or less.
 HS(G)1662 Formula for health and safety: guidance for small and medium sized firms in the chemical
industry, HSE, 1997.
The guidance describes the requirements for hazardous area classification, and gives some typical
examples. These should now be seen as rather conservative. The use of BS EN 60079-14, BS EN 50281 and
BS EN 605291 are recommended. This is basic level guidance, and COMAH reports should normally
reference more specific publications, such as the other HSG series books listed, and other items in this list.
 HS(G)1762 The storage of flammable liquids in tanks, HSE, 1998.
Paragraphs 35 to 39 describe the requirements for hazardous area classification. This cross references BS
EN 60079-10: 20031, and the Institute of Petroleum Code 'Area Classification Code for Petroleum
Installations: Institute of Petroleum Model Code of Safe Practice, part 15, area classification for
installations handling flammable fluids, 2nd edition 2002.
 HS(G)1862 The bulk transfer of dangerous liquids and gases between ship and shore, HSE, 1999.
Appendix 2 describes the requirements for hazardous area classification. The use of BS EN 60079-101 and
the Institute of Petroleum Code 'Area Classification Code for Petroleum Installations: Model Code of
practice in the Petroleum Industry' Part 15 are recommended. Contains useful information about
electrostatic hazards during unloading.
 LPGA COP 1 Bulk LPG storage at fixed installations. Part 1: Design, installation and operation of vessels
located above ground, LP Gas Association, 1998.
 LPGA codes have not previously drawn a clear distinction between hazardous areas, and separation
distances required for other reasons. These are currently under revision, and will specify hazardous areas,
that in most cases will be smaller than the separation distance. Current codes are listed on the UKLPG
website .
 Model Code of practice in the Petroleum Industry' Part 15 is recommended. The guidance also
recommends that zones be recorded in a plan to prevent sources of ignition being brought in.
Electrical Equipment
 Standards produced by Europe in the BS EN 50014 range are gradually being superseded by international
standards produced in the range BS IEC 600791. Equipment built to older standards, including purely
national standards may remain in service, provided it is properly maintained. The IEC range of standards
also includes documents on selection, installation and maintenance of equipment for use in explosive
atmospheres.
Non-electrical equipment
 The first standard for explosion protected non-electrical equipment is BS EN 13463 part 11. It describes
requirements for "Category 3" equipment. Further parts of this standard are well advanced and will
appear during 2004.
 BS EN 1127-1: 19981 Explosive atmospheres - Explosion prevention and protection - Part 1: Basic concepts
and methodology, British Standards Institution.
This gives additional general advice on the many of the issues covered in this TMD.
Electrostatic ignition risks
The most recent general source of advice was drafted by a European standards working group, but was
published in the UK as BS PD R044-001 and not as a full standard. It contains much useful advice about
limiting pumping speeds, electrostatic risks from clothing, and many detailed operations. The two parts of
the older BS 5958: 19911 Code of Practice for the control of undesirable static electricity remain current,
because they contain some useful information not duplicated by the PD. The two parts are:

Part 1: 1991 General considerations;

Part 2: 1991 Recommendations for particular industrial situations

 BS EN 502811. The different parts of this standard set out requirements for construction of equipment for
use in atmospheres containing explosive dusts; information about selection and maintenance; and
 BS EN 50281-3: 20021 covers the classification of areas where combustible dusts are or may be present.
 BS 6651:19991. Code of practice for protection of structures against lightning, British Standards Institution.
Section 9 provides guidance on lightning protection of structures with inherent explosive risks.
 BS 7430:19981 Code of practice for earthing, British Standards Institution.
Lightning protection. Section 23 provides guidance on lightning protection.

Further Reading Material

Cox, A.W., Lees, F.P. and Ang, M.L., 'Classification of Hazardous Locations', 1993.

This was a study led by a consortium of the chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering institutes,
and showed how the subject spanned the traditional divides. It was important in the development of
ideas, but provides no new methodology for users.

A Guide to Safety in Aerosol Manufacture, BAMA, Third Edition, 1999.

Dust Explosion Prevention and Protection: A Practical Guide, IChemE, ISBN 0852954107
A practitioner's handbook - Electrical installation and maintenance in potentially explosive atmospheres ,
Publication No. 186, The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association.

References
1. For further information on the relevant British Standards, please access the British Standards web
site and use the search facility.

The tests used to determine the fire ratings for roofs also provide fire resistance
information. In this case, the Class A (highest degree of fire resistance), B, or C rating
provides relative information about the ability of the roof covering and assembly to resist
the penetration of fire as a result of a standard fire exposure (ASTM E 108). The
diagram of the test apparatus used to evaluate flame penetration is shown in Figure 7.
The relative sizes of the standard brands are shown in Figure 8. The Class A and B
brands are larger than the common sizes of embers (firebrands) lofted during wildfires,
but they provide a consistent, and perhaps conservative, fire source by which to
evaluate the roof covering’s resistance to the penetration of fire into the area
underneath. The standard roof test also evaluates flame spread over the material and
the propensity of the covering (e.g., shingle) to generate embers.

Figure 7. Test apparatus used to determine the fire rating for roof coverings.

Figure 8. From upper right, counter-clockwise: Class A (12 in. x 12 in.), Class B (6 in. x 6 in.) and Class C
brands used in standard roof tests.
Summary
Differences in fire performance between different materials can be evaluated by
comparing flame spread ratings (Class A is the greatest resistance, followed by B and
C) and heat release rate.
Noncombustible materials are either defined as such in the building code, or have met
the requirements of a standard test.
Ignition resistant materials have passed a 30-minute flame spread test after being
subjected to an accelerated weathering cycle that consists of 12 weeks of alternate
wetting and drying exposures. Ignition resistant materials are combustible.
Fire resistance is typically associated with an assembly construction, and therefore
considers the performance of a number of materials that would be incorporated in a
wall, floor or roof. The exterior material (i.e., the one exposed to the fire) can be
combustible, ignition resistant, or noncombustible since the entire assembly contributes
to the rating. Although the fire ratings are in terms of a time (e.g., 20-minute, one-hour,
two-hour), they only represent a relative performance (i.e., a two-hour wall is better than
a one-hour wall, but they may or may not resist a given fire exposure for those time
periods). A nominal “one-hour” wall has been used as one way for a wall having
combustible siding to be used in wildfire prone area. Whereas fire resistance
information can be used to judge the ability to resist flame penetration into the building,
it does not necessarily provide information regarding flame spread. This is especially
true since this type of construction is only used when combustible siding is used as the
outermost material.
Given the use of these terms, you can rank the expected performance of construction
materials as follows:
Noncombustible – Best performance for both flame spread and penetration.

Fire resistance – Fire Resistant construction – Rely on assembly rating for resistance to
fire penetration, and the exterior material (i.e., the one that would be exposed to the fire)
for information regarding flame spread.

Ignition Resistant – Provides information regarding flame spread. Materials with this
classification can be expected to perform better than combustible materials but not as
well as noncombustible.

Combustible – Materials with this classification will not perform as well as the others
discussed in this article, given a comparable fire exposure.

Literature Cited
American Society of Testing and Materials. 2007. Standard Test Methods for Fire
Tests of Roof Coverings. ASTM Designation E-108, Vol. 4-07. West
Conshohocken, PA. pp 576-588.
American Society of Testing and Materials. 2007. Standard Terminology of Fire
Standards. ASTM Designation E-176, Vol. 4-07. West Conshohocken, PA. pp
631-650.
American Society of Testing and Materials. 2007. Standard Practice for
Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing, ASTM
Designation D-2898, Vol. 4-10. West Conshohocken, PA. pp 392-394.
American Society of Testing and Materials. 2007. Standard Test Method for
Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C, ASTM Designation E-
136, Vol. 4-07. West Conshohocken, PA . pp 611-620.
American Society of Testing and Materials. 2007. Standard Test Method for
Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, ASTM Designation E-84,
Vol. 4-07. West Conshohocken, PA. pp 555-575.
Beitel, J.J. 1995. Current Controversies of Fire Resistance Testing. In: Fire
Standards in the International Marketplace, Ed. A.F. Grand, ASTM STP 1163,
Philadelphi