Substandard foil insulation sold by hardware companies to residential and commercial customers has raised the concern of the National Fire Authority.
The NFA is concerned because such practices do not comply with the National Building Code requirements of flammability index of less than five even though they are sold cheaply.
NFA chief fire officer Mr Tupou Saubulinayau said the use of these substandard foils posed a fire risk in buildings, especially home and commercial properties.
“If foils are ignited in the ceiling it will continue to burn undetected until it collapses the ceiling and set the contents a blaze,” Mr Saubulinayau said.
“Substandard foils contribute to the rapid spread of fire at the roofing/ceiling level as experienced by fire officers during structural fires.
“NFA advises people to buy standard foils even though they are expensive because in the long run if a fire occurs in your property the standard foils will minimise the risk of fire fast spreading in your property.
“Consumers can request hardware suppliers to provide labeling or a certificate (Material Safety Data Sheet) to confirm the properties and quality compliance of the foil.
“Those needing assistance can contact NFA’s structural fire safety department, the Fiji Institution of Engineers and/or Ministry of Fair Trade and Commerce”, Mr Saubulinayau added.
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