Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/212883
11 Newsline ICC Preserves High Standards of Fire Safety 10 TECH TALK In another key development during the October code hearings, ICC upheld the April decision of the International Residential Code (IRC) Building Committee to reject proposals put forth to side-step the ASTM E-84 Steiner Tunnel test. The Energy Efficient Foam Coalition (EEFC) – a partnership of foam insulation manufacturers include the EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA), the Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA), the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) and the Extruded Foam Polystyrene Association (XPSA) – provided testimony to encourage code officials to support existing fire safety measures within the code. EPS-IA applauds the ICC for agreeing with the IRC Building Committee's decision to reject these proposals, which attempted to remove one of the IRC's minimum and basic fire performance test provisions – the E-84 Steiner Tunnel test for foam insulation. "Side-stepping the Steiner Tunnel test would have potentially led to the removal of flame retardants from foam insulation in certain residential applications. The Council's actions help preserve high standards of fire safety and reemphasize the importance of using flame retardants in foam insulation", states Betsy Steiner, Executive Director. Fire safety is a top priority for the EEFC, and flame retardants in foam insulation play an important role in fire safety by helping to delay ignition and slow fire growth, giving building occupants valuable time to escape. Furthermore, no fire test studies have been published to date establishing that foam insulation not treated with flame retardants, even when protected by a thermal barrier, provides equivalent fire protection to foam insulation that is treated with flame retardants. Current fire test and performance requirements are based on years of careful analysis, extensive testing, and a robust and inclusive public development process. Any change to existing building code fire safety provisions should come after careful study, analysis and deliberation through a recognized voluntary standard development organization or code body. To learn more about the Energy Efficient Coalition, please visit www.foaminsulationcoalition.org A facility conducting the Steiner Tunnel Test