Fire retardant tests show very promising results

On World Refugee Day, Friday 20 June 2014, NRS International has tested the burning behavior of tents treated with Fire Retardants. The results of the outdoor tests that took place under authority of the IFTH laboratory in France showed very promising results. “The full test reports are expected to be published next month, but we can safely conclude that applying Fire Retardants to tents and tarpaulins will make refugee camps and disaster areas a safer place, preventing fires to cause more tragedy”, says NRS International Production Director Furqan Sarwar.

Over many years organizations have discussed the importance of applying Fire Retardants (FR) to tents and tarpaulins. Nevertheless, no effective solution has been offered as of today. Being well aware that fire is a potential hazard in a camp setting that may cause injury, death and loss of property, NRS International has given it a priority to find a workable, yet still economical solution. Under the guidelines of international organizations such as UNHCR and IFCR/ICRC, NRS International has taken the initiative to study the behavior/burning time of tents and tarpaulins when set on fire.

The seminar took place in Mulhouse, where the IFTH Laboratory is based and was attended by various organizations from the humanitarian sector. The participants set up the tents on Friday 19 June in a village called Burnhaut. The following day on World Refugee Day, the tents were set on fire under supervision of the local fire brigade.

Very significant difference in flame spread

Mr. Sarwar: “Although we have performed lab tests before, this was the first time we witnessed the actual effect of Fire Retardants in an outdoor setting. We have compared the burning behavior of treated and non-treated tents and tarpaulins. The tests were preformed according to the EN 13823 standard. The difference in flame spreading time, which leaves time for people to evacuate, was very significant. The non-treated tent burned to the ground within two minutes, whereas the FR treated materials left only burning holes in various sizes.”

Cooperation humanitarian sector and industry

The seminar was concluded with a forum to discuss the initial results and the way forward to improve the current fire safety standards of the aid industry. Mr. Sarwar: “We are looking forward to the official results, but based on the what we have seen, I strongly believe the humanitarian sector together with the aid industry should work towards a situation where all tents and tarpaulins are treated with Fire Retardants. We have demonstrated that with a new tent design we can overcome weight and cost issues. It should be a minimum standard to protect those who already lost their homes once before.” The official results of the tests will be published on our website once obtained from the laboratory.

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This article was provided by our strategic partner NRS International.