Fire Protection and Life Safety System Design
Planning for fire protection involves an integrated approach to the selection of building components and overall system design. Drainage may not ordinarily seem to be an important consideration in the design and installation of fire protection systems, but disregard for drainage requirements and material composition can negatively impact final testing approvals; long-term maintenance and operation of these systems; and the life safety of a building's inhabitants.
Flame Spread
Drainage trenches are open water management systems by design, but those same open elements can also inadvertently aid in the spread of a fire if not properly considered. Poorly designed trench systems can act as unintentional collection points and distribution paths for flammable liquids and heavier-than-air vapors.
In addition, employing the wrong component materials can magnify the potential for flame spread and smoke development. All of our polyester polymer concrete products carry the UL 723 Classified mark for Class A fire rating.
Additionally, an independent laboratory tested our polymer concrete for antimicrobial resistance, because ABT is dedicated to making products that maximize both the life cycle of our products and the life safety of the building occupants.
UL Classification
Our UL and ULC listings can be verified through UL's Product IQ online certification directory (Registration Required).
- UL – United States
- ULC – Canada
NFPA Codes & Standards involving Trench Drains
- NFPA 30 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
- NFPA 30A – Code for Motor Fueling Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
- NFPA 409 – Standard on Aircraft Hangers
- NFPA 415 – Standard on Airport Terminal Buildings, Fueling Ramp Drainage, and Loading Walkway
- NFPA 502 – Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and other Limited Access Highways
- NFPA 820 – Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities
Important Note about Fire Resistance Ratings: Fire resistance ratings are a result of tests on a finished product and, or assembly. Fire rating of individual components do no certify that the product has the same fire rating as the component. Always look for the UL label on the finished product.
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