Intumescent Sealant COSHH Assessment Form

A pre-filled COSHH Assessment Form for Intumescent Sealant, with some example text reading:

Health risks:

Skin contact: If brought into contact with the skin, it may cause sensitisation.

Eye contact: There may be irritation and redness. The eyes may water profusely.

Ingestion: May cause irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Inhalation: No known risks.

Intumescent sealant, or fire mastic, is a crucial fire protection material designed to enhance the fire resistance of various structural components, including walls, floors, and door frames. Its unique properties enable it to expand dramatically when exposed to high temperatures, forming a charred, insulating layer that effectively seals gaps and joints. This characteristic is vital in preventing the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases, thus safeguarding both life and property.

Intumescent sealant is a form of passive fire protection. Unlike active fire protection systems, such as sprinklers, which require activation, intumescent materials function autonomously by responding to heat. This means that the sealant's effectiveness is immediate in a fire and does not depend on external systems.

Upon exposure to extreme heat, the intumescent sealant can expand significantly, up to five times its original volume. This remarkable expansion fills voids and gaps, creating a tight seal around openings that could otherwise be conduits for fire and smoke travelling throughout a structure.

The char layer generated by the sealant during expansion acts as an insulating barrier, shielding the underlying materials from the direct effects of fire. This insulating effect significantly slows the heat transfer rate, which helps delay the spread of fire and provides occupants with valuable time to evacuate or for firefighting efforts to commence.

It is particularly effective in sealing the spaces around pipes and electrical cables that penetrate through walls or floors, ensuring that these pathways do not become avenues for fire and smoke migration.

The sealant is commonly used to reinforce fire-rated walls and floors, especially at linear and movement joints, where structural elements may shift and create potential gaps.

Intumescent sealants provide critical fire resistance around door frames and window assemblies, areas that can be vulnerable during a fire incident.

It effectively seals various voids and gaps within walls and ceilings that could otherwise allow fire, smoke, and harmful gases to proliferate.

This document is:

• Recognised by local authorities
• Recognised by principal contractors
• Suitable for CDM sites
• Approved by H&S managers

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