• Defined as, "The exposed interior surfaces of buildings including, but not limited to fixed or movable walls and partitions, columns, and ceilings." (NFPA 101)

• Does not apply to decorations and furnishings

• Usually not the first item ignited. After the fire has started and intensified, interior finish can contribute significantly to the spread.

• Combustible interior finish adds to the fuel load within a room. Chances of flashover (simultaneous ignition) are increased.

• Interior finish relates to a fire in four ways. It can:

  1. Affect the rate of fire buildup to a flashover condition

  2. Contribute to fire extension by flame spread over its surface

  3. Add to fire intensity by increasing fuel load

  4. Produce smoke and toxic gases that contribute to life hazard and property damages.

• Principal measurement used in codes for evaluating interior finish has been the flame spread of the material. Flame spread is measured by the Steiner Tunnel Test. Flame spread of a material indicates the relat.ive speed with which flame will propragate across the surface of the material.

       
INDEX Interior Finishes / Flame Spread

FPT 102 - Fire Prevention and Inspection // Instructor: Kevin M. Kolb        Slide #1