Polystyrene blocks

[Andrew C]

Does anyone have a lead to a supplier of fire retardant polystyrene blocks? I don't need vast quantities, and in preference some one who delivers or is in the South-Central area.

 

Done a Google, but was looking for recommendations.

 

Ta muchly...

[the kid]

I'll find out if ther stuf we use at school is fireproof. Its blue and comes in about 5-6cm x 1.5m x 2m.

 

Are you looking for a dense foam or a bubbly one like packaging?

[nerissa]

The easiest place to get it from is big B & Q stores. They can be found all over the country but also deliver though you have to order it in store as it is not listed on their website. Polystyrene is generally fireproof but be careful what glue you use with it. Expandable foam may attach polystyrene quickly but is highly flammable.

[Andrew C]

Polystyrene is generally fireproof but be careful what glue you use with it.

 

Really? Perhaps your organization only buys FR grade but it is, as stated below, inflamable unless treated or specially manufactured.

 

I'm looking for blocks, rather than B&Qs sheet. 300x300x400.

 

Taken from a manufacturers website.

 

PRECAUTIONS IN USE

Under normal conditions EPS is chemically stable and biologically inert and whilst the material is non-toxic, it is inflammable and precautions must be taken in storing, working and applying the material to ensure protection against ignition, contact with solvent based products and with PVC-e.g. Electrical cable insulation-due to the migration properties plasticisers in PVC.

 

 

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY AND READILY ACCESSIBLE (See fire precautions).

 

Forming and shaping of EPS must be undertaken away, and at a safe distance from, the main stockpile to minimise any risk of fire or flame spread.

 

When cutting EPS with automatic saws or knives, static electricity may be generated which could create sparks. Such equipment, therefore, must be correctly earthed.

 

FIRE PRECAUTIONS

 

When subjected to a constant heat of 230 °C and above, EPS emits inflammable vapours which will easily and quickly ignite Melting point 200 °C and ignition temperature in air 350 °C.

 

Extreme caution must be exercised when storing, shaping and applying EPS to ensure total protection from flame and/or fire.

 

DO NOT SMOKE OR ALLOW NAKED FLAMES WHERE EPS IS STORED.

 

EPS must not be stored near and must be protected from, other inflammable materials such as paints or petroleum products.

 

C02 or Dry Powder fire extinguishers, hose reels, sand and other types of flame and/or fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available and easily retrievable where EPS is stored and/or shaped.

 

IF IT IS NECESSARY TO SUMMON ASSISTANCE, ADVISE THE FIRE SERVICE THAT EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE IS INVOLVED.

 

Evacuate the area of all personnel except those fighting the fire.

 

FUMES

 

When subjected to fire, EPS produces carbon monoxide which is potentially toxic, though the amount is far less than that given off by wood. Hydrogen Bromide will also be released from grades which contain Fire Retardant Additives (FRA).