Lame composite panels have an insulation combustible foam. Where panels are installed, it is important to ensure they are regularly inspected and well-maintained to ensure they remain in safe and good condition. You need to identify and record the type of panels installed on your building and treat them as combustible in your safety management and risk assessment.

Composite panels

Composite panels are building wall or roof cladding formed of two outer metallic skins and some form of composite insulation material adheres to the panels with no securing. This means that the metal can delaminate from the insulation in a fire unless it is properly secured.

We have several types of insulation materials used. Some of these types include polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyisocyanurate. Composite panels are typically used in several applications to form the structural shell of a building. They form enclosures within a building. Each of these poses different challenges when it comes to fire safety. Additionally, there are a lot of types and brands of composite panels and these brands vary by insulation type and thickness as well as the metal profile, thickness and finish.

It isn’t always obvious that there is the presence of composite panels. In some cases, especially with rain screening, the material for insulation can be thin and is present more for the building’s structural rigidity compared to thermal properties. Even this can create a fire hazard especially when it is combined with other materials such as bardage composite that are not hazardous.

In cases where composite panels are there, it is important that they are managed properly to limit the exposure they create and their potential to lead to losses.

Management of composite panel

Where composite cladding is installed either as part of the building structure or internally and are not identified as noncombustible or aren’t approved, it is important to take the following precautions.

ensure there is a policy in place

It is important to ensure there is a policy in place that requires the use of approved materials when it comes to repairing or replacing the panels.

Remove the arson risk

It is important to remove the arson risk as combustible materials shouldn’t be stored within ten meters of the building. It is important to note that this should be a general rule for all buildings with exceptions only given on a case-by-case basis. It is important to inspect the condition of panels for any signs of damage at least every month.

It is also crucial to encourage all the staff to report any damage to panels as soon as they notice it. Put an easily accessible reporting system in place to do this. Any exposed or damaged material should be repaired.

Avoid doing any hot work on lame composite panels such as grinding and cutting. The proximity of the composite panels should be considered for any hot work done within ten meters. Control any cold work done closely such as saw drilling and cutting. Any job done on the panels should be carefully controlled using a permit.