FIRE SAFETY

The state of California has underway an exhaustive review of plastics in connection with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report on these products. Although the process has not yet been completed, the preliminary Environmental Review Document prepared by the state's consultants has
concluded that plastic pipe will represent a negligible amount of total combustible material that typically will be involved in a fire. If pipes burn, the report pointed out, it will be after the contents of the rooms have been consumed, thereby generating enough heat and toxic smoke to require protective gear for the firefighters.'

The report further concluded that in a room fire where plumbing is contained within fire-resistive separations (walls or other fire resistant construction),
the heat reaching the pipe in the wall is probably inadequate to generate a toxic threat from the pipe material and its effect, if any, "would be insignificant
in relation to the smoke, heat, and toxic combustion products that would accompany the fire in the room." ²

In a fire where some plumbing is exposed or concealed by non-fire resistive construction, the report found that even taking the extremes of the estimated toxicity for PVC and ABS, persons in the room would be likely to succumb as a result of the burning of structural materials and room furnishings rather than as a result of toxics contributed by plastic pipe.³

"The proposed action would allow the use of plastic pipe in fire-rated construction as long as the fire rating is preserved. If techniques for preserving the rating are implemented - such as the use of metal sleeves or fire closures at wall penetrations - plastic pipe will, by definition, be acceptable in this regard.
To maintain the rating, fire stopping materials and techniques that meet suitable fire performance tests must be used. Further, special care would be required in installation and inspection to ensure that the necessary level of protection is achieved." 4

Notes :

1 SRI International, "Environmental Review of Proposed Expanded Uses of Plastic Plumbing Pipe," March 1983 at IV.D-26. Prepared for State of California Department of Housing and Community Development
2 Ibid. at IV.E-13
3 lbid. atlV.E-15
4 "Draft Environmental Impact Report, Plastic Plumbing Pipe," August 1989. Prepared for the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development.

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