When it comes to fire safety and prevention, a priority item on a list of preventative measures should be flameproofing. When items are flameproofed, this can slow or prevent the spread of fire. This action alone holds the potential to save countless lives. Lots of business owners have questions as to how flameproofing is performed and all the elements that are involved. While it's not necessarily a complicated process, it is one that must follow strict safety standards set forth by the FDNY. So, if you have questions as to what, how, and how often in regard to flameproofing, we can shed some light.
There are certain scenarios in which the flame-retardant treatment of items must occur in places of public gathering. First, if items are inherently not flame-resistant, they must be treated. Decorations and scenery are required to be treated before they are installed. If there is any handling that materials undergo that might compromise a treatment such as washing, dry cleaning, ironing or sewing, those items need to be treated. All items must be treated within the effective time frame listed by the manufacturer of the fireproofing chemicals. However, regardless of what is recommended by the manufacturer, items must be treated every 3 years, minimally, as required by the FDNY. Should any item fail to pass the field flame test, it must be treated again.
As far as the method of flameproofing is concerned, there is no standard method that must be followed. They vary in several ways according to the size of the task, the person performing the task, and the materials of the items. However, all items must be soaked or coated in flame-repellents. When an item is soaked, it is saturated with flameproofing chemicals, allowing the treatment to go into the deepest fibers of the material. When an item is coated, the items are either brushed or sprayed. Flameproofing by means of soaking is considered the more effective method.
The materials used for flameproofing also vary as well. Water-soluble treatments are the most effective and cost the least. However, their effectiveness is compromised when those items come into contact with water through washing or harsh weather conditions. There are other treatments that lose effectiveness once the items have been dry-cleaned. Other chemicals may discolor or damage materials. Still, other treatments are effective for only a short period of time. However, every flameproofing treatment that is used must be FDNY-approved and have a Certificate of Approval. As a business owner, this is a discussion you should have with the flameproofing company of your choice as to which chemicals best suit your needs.
Regardless of the methods and materials used for flameproofing, the process must be supervised by a C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder.
Flameproofing is a fairly uncomplicated process that can be completed within a very short amount of time. But the dividends one receives by having this safety measure performed cannot be overstated. This fire prevention method of flameproofing can save lives as it helps to slow and prevent fires.
If you have flameproofing needs, Certified Flameproofing can help. We are industry experts in flameproofing with 50 years of experience. We would be happy to use our expertise in the field to serve you and your clientele. Please call us today at 800-590-5530 for a free, no-obligation estimate.