Class "O" cement firbre board from B&Q - any info?

[Frank Z]

I found some so-called Class "0" cement firbre board from B&Q. It looks very much like asbestos sheet, and appears to be made of portland cement with some sort of fibre imbedded in it. B&Q's staff were unable to offer much information about thier product. One floor-walker said they sell it as an alternative to asbestos sheet, and it is pretty much fire-proof.

I would like to know just how fire-proof it is, and at what temperature it disintegrates or burns. What does "Class O" mean?

Does anyone have any info at all?

Thanks

Frank

[David]

Class "0" is only the classification of the surface flame spread and not it's fire resistance. The classes run from 0 to 6 with 0 being the best.

For instance a plaster coated brick wall painted with emulsion is class "0" whereas if it had a thin paper covering it would be class "1".

The fire resistance of a material is classified on it's stability, integrity and insulation during a fire test. Also important is the method of fixing of the panel, i.e., a sheet of 25mm asbestos board is useless if fixed with low melting point screws and with a 10mm gap around it.

Hoipe this has been of some help.

Alex

[Frank Z]

Alex, It has - thanks! Good point about the fixing method...

Frank