The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has recalled from the UK market a timber product used for construction sheeting after it was found not to consistently achieve the declared reaction to fire performance.
Although Sentrin FRI Plywood is marketed as achieving a Euroclass B fire safety classification, which stands for a “very limited contribution to fire”, the UK’s product regulator said there was no evidence it could consistently achieve this classification for reaction to fire performance.
The product does not have a compliant declaration of performance or evidence of initial type testing to verify the reaction to fire performance. It also does not meet the requirements of the EU Construction Products Regulation 305/2011 as it applies in the UK.
Sentrin FRI Plywood’s manufacturer, National Timber Group England Ltd, Panel Supplies Ltd, Creffield’s (Timber and Boards) Ltd and Huws Gray Ltd, have recalled the product from the UK market and are required to warn those they have supplied with the product of the risks.
The OPSS said that, where the product has already been used, building owners should seek advice from their building safety officer, an independent inspector, fire safety officer or a relevant building control authority, as appropriate, and consider reviewing the building’s fire strategy if necessary.
It added that the potential impact of lower performance of a product in relation to reaction to fire and building safety will vary on a project-by-project basis and will depend on factors unique to each building.
