Icopal launches guide to mitigate fire risks

Flat roofing specialist Icopal has produced a six-page guide to educate readers on mitigating fire risks when it comes to flat roofing.

TorchSafeTM Detailing, Guidance Document for Reinforced Bitumen Waterproofing educates readers on when it is and isn’t safe for roofing membranes to be torch applied. It also underlines the responsibilities of all those involved to ensure that a roof installation is safe.

The guide explains that any element of a roof which contains – or may be likely to contain – flammable material should be covered in a membrane that does not require a flame to install it, such as Icopal’s range of thermally activated (TA) products. 

Icopal Product Manager Dan Tucker explains: “As a manufacturer we often find ourselves as the designer too, providing detailing and advice, which means that we have very important responsibilities as set down in the CDM regulations.”

Icopal has also recently signed up to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ (NFRC) Safe2Torch campaign which aims to make registration to Safe2Torch mandatory for all its members, a move which Icopal whole-heartedly supports.

As part of Icopal’s technical service offer, its technical team can survey and assess roofs, providing a bespoke solution which identifies areas of risk and suggests appropriate products with a roof plan which clearly highlights zones that are safe to torch and those that are at risk.

Tucker concludes: “If in doubt, it’s important that contractors take advice, which is what we are here for. And, if ever in doubt, err on the side of caution. Failing to do so can be disastrous, as we have seen all too often.”