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Keeping your workplace safe from potential fire risks is imperative to the wellbeing of your team and the protection of your assets. That’s why understanding fire safety measures, especially when it comes to your workplace interiors, is essential.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the world of fire rated glass partitioning. From their practical uses to the benefits they offer, along with exclusive insights from our glass specialists, you’ll have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about safeguarding your workspace. Read on to learn more.
What is Fire Glass?
Fire rated glass partitions and doors are designed to limit the spread of flames, smoke and even heat during a fire. This creates additional time in which your building’s occupants can safely escape and avoid injury.
Fire glass is imperative to the safety of your workforce and should not be neglected. Unlike traditional partitioning materials, they can create a modern glass office, all while maintaining the structural integrity of your workplace should the unfortunate event of a fire occur.
Understanding Fire Glass Ratings
The properties of fire glass are classified under BS EN 13501-2. We suggest reading this thoroughly as it outlines how these systems are rated.
- E (Integrity) – This refers to its capability to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
- I (Insulation) – This refers to its ability to prevent heat from transferring from one side of the glass wall to the other.
Fire rated glass walls undergo rigorous testing in order to determine how they perform for these properties. For example, the glass will hold its structural integrity for different lengths of time (commonly 30 minute intervals such as 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes).
Let’s put this together to help clarify your glass partitioning fire ratings.
E30 and E60 Fire Rated Glass
As we’ve established, the E in this rating stands for integrity. The number in this rating represents the duration of fire resistance in minutes which, in this case, is 30 minutes or 60 minutes. This is the amount of additional time your glazed partition wall is likely to give you to safely evacuate in the case of a fire.
EI30 and EI60 Fire Rated Glass
When you add I to the fire rating, this refers to the integrity and insulation. This means the duration of fire resistance and the ability to maintain a temperature rise below specific limits by minimising transference through the glass.
For any further guidance in understanding the fire rating of glass partitioning, please don’t hesitate to ask our team for advice.
Fire Rated Glass Doors
A fire rated glass partition isn’t any good without a matching door. Installing a standard glazed door would compromise the compartmentalisation of the entire system. This helps limit the extent of fire damage and prevents it from engulfing entire structures. You’ll therefore want a fire rated door with glass that has been tested in accordance with the rest of your partitioning. We can install a variety of systems and can help you find the perfect solution to ensure compliance.
Fire Glass Wall Applications
Fire rated glazing can be fitted in a variety of commercial spaces to provide better safety and uplift the overall interior design.
Offices
In offices, fire glass partitioning is used to compartmentalise spaces and protect employees in the event of a fire. By creating crucial time for evacuation and limiting the spread of flames and smoke, they’re key to safeguarding your team and any valuable assets.
Retail
Fire glass serves as an effective barrier between different sections of a store or retail environment. In the case of a fire, they prevent the rapid spread of flames, safeguarding your merchandise and creating valuable time for customers and staff to evacuate.
Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants and bars can utilise fire rated glass partitioning to maintain a safe environment for guests and staff. They provide necessary fire protection, whilst allowing businesses to create an open layout that enhances the overall dining experience.
Hotels and Hospitality
Hotels and other hospitality venues will have strict fire safety regulations that demand to be met. Fire rated glass partition walls help to protect guests by containing fire and smoke within designated areas, ensuring a safe and secure environment for everyone on the premises.
Meeting Rooms and Board Rooms
In conference centres, meeting rooms, boardrooms and other environments where large gatherings occur, fire rated glass walls ensure the safety of employees and preserve critical business operations. By compartmentalising office spaces, they create additional time during emergencies and minimise potential damage.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, clinics and dentists use fire rated glass partitions to protect patients, staff and sensitive medical equipment. They also provide necessary compartmentalisation in case of fire emergencies, allowing for the orderly evacuation of patients and ensuring continuity of care.
Educational Spaces
In educational spaces, fire rated partitioning is critical to protect students, faculty and educational resources. They create fire resistant barriers within schools and universities to contain fires and minimise disruptions to learning activities.
What are the Benefits of Fire Glass?
From aesthetics to safety, fire glass offers practical benefits for most commercial spaces.
- Safety – The obvious benefit of fire rated glass partitioning is the fire resistance they offer commercial buildings. Each wall is designed and tested to contain flames, smoke and heat, limiting the spread of fire and creating valuable time for evacuation. This can optimise the safety of the buildings’ occupants and minimise property damage.
- Compliance – Your glazed partitioning may need to be fire rated to meet stringent regulations and building codes. They can help to ensure you meet legal requirements and demonstrate your commitment to safety.
- Longevity – Fire glass is engineered to withstand high temperatures and thermal shock. Unlike traditional partitioning, it can remain intact, even under extreme heat. This structural integrity showcases the system’s longer lifespan.
- Modern Design – Despite its fire resistant properties, this type of glass partition wall retains its modern appearance to add a contemporary touch to any space. These systems are especially popular for creating an open and collaborative design.
- Customisation – We offer fire rated glass in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit your requirements. This includes bespoke RAL colours for your partitioning tracking.
- Easy Maintenance – Fire glass is easy to clean and maintain, however, we recommend regular inspections to identify any faults or damages. Ensure that these are repaired as quickly as possible as they will compromise the protection of your space.
Fire Glass Partitioning Designs
Fire glass isn’t just functional – it offers the perfect blend of protection and creativity. Here are just a few design ideas to get you inspired for your space:
- Glass Manifestation – We can add standard or bespoke designs as manifestations to your glazed panels. The great news is that this won’t compromise the structural integrity of your system!
- Bespoke RAL Tracks – You can also choose from a wide range of popular and bespoke RAL colour options for your partitioning tracking. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist colour that hides within your carpet and ceiling or a striking option to define your new space, we’ve got the options.
- Fire Rated Doors – Alongside your fire rated partitioning, we can fit the perfect fire rated door. Whilst some standard fire procedures will have to be in place, this can be tailored to suit your requirements.
To discuss your requirements, get in touch with our team. Some modifications may impact the overall performance of your system, so we always recommend consulting a professional.
Protect Your People and Your Property
Don’t leave fire protection to chance. Our team of professionals are here to ensure your space is equipped with the highest quality fire-rated glass partitioning. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards enhancing safety and peace of mind.
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