Title:
Procedure No.:
FS-060
Combustible Materials Guidelines
Effective Date:
12/01/2015
Facility Services
Supersedes No.:
11/03/2014
Page No.:
1 of 2
Introduction
These guidelines are in support of district policy EC – Property Management and the
International Fire Code (IFC).
Definitions
Noncombustible Materials
•
Noncombustible materials are materials that will not ignite, including:
o Stone
o Brick
o Gypsum board
o Concrete
•
These materials are not limited in use.
Combustible Materials
•
Combustible materials are materials that are capable of igniting and burning,
including:
o Student work and artwork
o Teaching materials
o Laminated work
•
These materials are limited to 50% of each wall in the classroom and 20% of
each wall area in hallways and corridors.
•
Flame or fire retardant materials are classified as combustible and are required
to meet the 50% in classrooms and 20% in hallways limitation.
Combustible Decorative Materials
•
Combustible decorative materials are materials used for decorative effect,
including:
o Paper surface coverings
o Fabrics
o Streamers
o Decorative backing
•
These materials greater than 9 square feet are not permitted in classrooms or
hallways unless they meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
standard 701 and are approved by the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA).
Limitations for Use
Classroom Limitations
•
Combustible artwork, teaching materials, and decorative materials are limited
to 50% of each wall in the classroom. If at least 50% of the wall is not visible,
there is too much on the wall.
o Material greater than 9 square feet must be flame retardant and meet
the NFPA 701 standard.
o Student work (i.e. 8”x11” artwork) should be spread out so as not to
be concentrated in one area of the wall.
o Student work cannot be displayed from ceilings or light fixtures.
Directional signage or signage for group seating is allowed.
•
Classroom egress doors and frames shall not have any combustible materials.
Fire evacuation maps and window coverings for lockdown procedures are
allowed.
Title:
Procedure No.:
FS-060
Combustible Materials Guidelines
Effective Date:
12/01/2015
Facility Services
Supersedes No.:
11/03/2014
Page No.:
2 of 2
Limitations for Use,
continued
Hallway Limitations
•
Combustible artwork, teaching materials, and decorative materials can only
cover up to 20% of the wall area in hallways/corridors.
o Material greater than 9 square feet must be flame retardant and meet
the NFPA 701 standard.
o Student work (i.e. 8”x11” artwork) should be spread out so as not to
be concentrated in one area of the wall.
o Student work cannot be displayed from ceilings or light fixtures.
Directional signage or signage for group seating is allowed.
Bulletin Boards
•
Bulletin boards are considered combustible materials:
o If the bulletin board is greater than 9 square feet, any decorative
material/backing covering the board must be flame retardant.
•
If Plexiglas has been installed on the bulletin board, it will render the contents
(i.e. student work) of the bulletin board non-combustible as long as the Plexiglas
is secured and the paper underneath is not easily accessible. Contact Facility
Services at 490-3333 for a cost estimate and for installation of Plexiglas.
•
Bulletin boards can be painted if the paint meets the district paint specification
and is approved by Facility Services prior to painting. Site staff can paint the
boards but will be responsible for protecting floors and walls, and will be
responsible for all associated clean up.
o Please note the paint is to be used for bulletin boards only.
Decorative Backing
•
Decorative fabric and/or Kraft paper greater than 9 square feet in size must be
flame retardant and meet the NFPA standard 701.
o A certificate showing that these materials have passed the NFPA 701
test will be required at the time of inspection or must be on file with
Purchasing & Materials Management.
o These products must be approved by PFA.
Jurisdiction
The Poudre Fire Authority is the enforcement jurisdiction and has the final
determination for combustible materials as well as other fire code requirements.
Guideline Maintenance
The director of facility services, or designee, shall maintain this guideline.