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Fire testing of surface materials and deck coverings for the maritime industry
Surface materials and primary deck coverings used on ships must limit flame spread across exposed surfaces during fire exposure. Surface flammability testing is part of the reaction-to-fire requirements for materials used in marine applications.
DBI performs surface flammability testing of marine surface materials and primary deck coverings according to IMO fire test procedures.
The testing evaluates how exposed surfaces contribute to flame spread under controlled fire conditions.
Facts
Relevant standard:
- IMO FTP Code Part 5 – Surface flammability
- IMO FTP Code Part 2 – Smoke and toxicity (when required)
Typical applications:
- Wall and ceiling surface materials
- Primary deck coverings
- Coatings, laminates and films
Documentation:
- Accredited fire test reports
- Technical assessments
Testing surface flammability of marine materials
Surface flammability testing evaluates how fire spreads across exposed material surfaces during fire exposure. The testing focuses on the surface behaviour of the material itself rather than the fire resistance of the underlying construction.
The evaluation documents:
- How quickly and far flames spread across the surface
- Whether the material contributes significantly to fire growth
- How the surface behaves during fire exposure
The purpose is to document whether exposed surfaces contribute to flame spread in marine interiors.
Surface materials and primary deck coverings
The testing can include coatings, laminates, films, adhesives and other exposed surface materials used in marine interiors.
A primary deck covering is the first layer placed directly on top of the ships steel deck, and is evaluated according to the same test principles.
Depending on the test result, or specific product requirements from SOLAS, additional smoke and toxicity evaluations is required.
DBI performs accredited testing and documentation of marine surface materials.
See some of our fire test furnaces in this video
Our 3,000 square meter headquarters near Copenhagen houses a modern fire laboratory with various furnaces for almost all types of fire tests.
This makes it possible for us to conduct almost all types of fire tests, from small-scale to full-scale, with items as high as 4.48 meters.
Watch the video of some of our fire testing facilities.
Let us help you navigate maritime fire testing
Mark works closely with our fire testing engineers within the maritime sector, and he will be happy to assist you with your enquiry and connect you with the right team.
Mark Lerche
International Sales Manager
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Location
Our headquarters and test facilities are centrally located in Copenhagen, Denmark – close to the motorway and only a 15-minute drive from Copenhagen Airport.
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Copyright © All material on DBI's website is protected by copyright law. If you are in any doubt about how to use our material, feel free to contact us at dbi@dbigroup.dk.
