Flame Retardant Treatment: What Gets Certified
A flame retardant product on its own does not carry a certification for your project. Requirements apply to the treated material: the material itself, the treatment used, how it was applied, and the test results for that treated material.
What the National Construction Code requires
The National Construction Code (NCC) sets out an example of this for entertainment venues in New South Wales. Under NSW Table S7C7 (Specification 7, Fire hazard properties), where a fire-retardant coating is used in an entertainment venue to make a material comply with a required index, the NCC requires:
- Certification for the specific fabric. The coating manufacturer or distributor must certify that the coating is suitable for use with that particular fabric, and that it still performs after a minimum of five dry cleaning cycles (AS 2001.5.4, Procedure 7A).
- Certification of the application. The applicator must certify that the coating was applied in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
- A label on the material. A label must be fixed to a representative sample of each different material, showing the manufacturer, trade name and composition of the material, details of the retardant treatment and who applied it, the material's test results, and the approved cleaning methods.
Read the full requirement on the Australian Building Codes Board website: NCC 2022 Volume One, NSW Specification 7 – Fire hazard properties.
Who decides
Requirements vary by state, building type and venue, and the NCC edition in force can change. Your certifier, venue or building surveyor decides what is acceptable for your project, so confirm their requirements in writing before you treat.
Treatment does not last forever
Washing, water, weathering and wear can reduce a flame retardant treatment. Keep records of what was treated, with which product and when, and check with your certifier or venue when re-treatment or re-testing is needed.