IJM Timber Frame Construction Safety

Safety

IJM TimberFrame recognises the need for extreme fire safety precautions when designing our structures. The extent to which construction materials influence the spread of domestic fires is often misunderstood. Research by the Building Research Establishment concludes that the structural form or frame used behind suitable wall linings (plaster/plasterboard) has no bearing on the actions of a fire.

The origin of most fires is generally unrelated to the construction materials used. Domestic appliances, furniture and upholstery are the major causes of domestic fires. Most casualties are caused by the inhalation of the smoke and toxic gases derived from the contents of the building. While extreme heat can make steel frame constructions twist and warp and sometimes even collapse and make masonry products crumble and collapse, timber chars and burns rather than buckling or crumbling. The structural integrity of timber is maintained not only during a fire but after a fire too.

In recognition of the importance of limiting toxic fumes and smoke during a fire situation, IJM TimberFrame thermal insulation is based around fibreglass or rock wool which do not smoulder or generate toxic fumes when heated.