Chapter Eight

Interior Finish Requirements

2

Learning Objectives

• Describe– Building elements regulated for interior finish– Test method to classify interior finish elements

• Discuss need to regulate interior finish based on our national fire experience

3

Fires with Interior Finish Role

Coconut Grove 1942 (492)

La Salle Hotel 1946 (61)

Our Lady of Angels 1958 (95)

Beverly Hills 1977 (164)

4

Fires with Interior Finish Role

MGM Grand 1980 (85)

Las Vegas Hilton 1980 (8)

Station Nightclub2003 (100)

5

Interior Finish

• Exposed interior surface of the building– Insulation, fire resistance, acoustical or

decorative purposes • Ceiling, walls, partitions, and columns• Floor finishes• Wainscoting• Paneling or any other finish applied structurally

6

Interior Finish and Safety

1. Affects the rate at which flashover occurs

2. Contributes to fire extension

3. Intensifies fire by contributing fuel

4. Produces smoke and toxic gases

7

Interior Finish

• Tested per ASTM E-84

• Steiner Tunnel Test

• A.J. Steiner, U.L. Engineer

• Class A or Class 1 --- 0-25

• Class B or Class 2 --- 26-75

• Class C or Class 3 --- 76-200

8

Steiner Tunnel Test

• 25’ horizontal furnace

• Asbestos cement board = 0

• Red oak = 100

• Materials are tested

• Classed A, B, C or Class I, II, or III

9

Steiner Tunnel Test

• Flame spread

• Smoke development (or density)

• Fuel contributed

10

Carpet-Like Wall Coverings

• Class A or 1 in sprinklered buildings

• Tested in accordance with NFPA 265

11

Summary• Interior finish, trim, and decorative

materials – Can increase fire spread and flashover

• Combined with means of egress deficiencies

– Occupants face an increased risk of death or injury