Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:27 Page 23

Firemaster
Technical manual

delivering low risk building solutions

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 28/09/2011 11:18 Page 24

Contents

About Eurobond Laminates 1

Structural Performance 2

Fire Performance 3

Environmental Performance 4

Thermal & Acoustic Performance 5

Weights, Dimensions & Tolerances 6

Panel Finishes 7

Standard Details
Firemaster vertically laid 8
Firemaster horizontally laid 11
Firemaster ceilings 14

Stone wool properties 16

Technical Expertise 18

Eurobond Doors 19

Ceiling panels guidance for use 20

Panel Clamp 21

If you would like any additional information

on any of the topics highlighted in this
technical manual or project specific technical
information not included then please contact us and
we would be happy to discuss your requirements

Telephone +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77

Fax +44 (0) 29 20 36 91 61
Email technical@eurobond.co.uk

Please note that the information contained in this

technical manual is not comprehensive and
additional information can be found
on our website www.eurobond.co.uk

delivering low risk building solutions

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:25 Page 1

About Eurobond Laminates

Introduction

At the forefront of composite panel design and manufacture for over 25 years, we
have built our reputation on quality products that have been expertly manufactured.
Our panel systems are engineered to the highest standards to help minimise risk
through design, installation, performance in use and end of life disposal.

Eurobond offers a comprehensive range of stone wool,
architecturally flat composite wall and ceiling panel for
both internal and external use. All our panel systems
provide ‘built’ in passive fire protection and are tested
and approved where appropriate to LPCB LPS 1181 Part 1
EXT-A, LPS 1208, FM GLOBAL FMRC 4880, BS 476 Part 22
and/or EN 1364 Part 1.
We invest heavily in product development, testing and
manufacturing technology and operate two of the most
technologically advanced panel production lines in Europe,
producing consistent, high quality products to exacting
tolerances. We also provide a comprehensive technical
advisory service to assist in the correct specification,
detailing and installation of our products.

Subject to the conditions of Approval as a Class 1

metal faced wall panel with non-combustible core
Certificate No 545a LPS 1208 Assessed to ISO 9001:2000
when installed as described in the current edition
Certificate No 545b LPS 1181 Part 1 Certificate Number 545 of the Factory Mutual Research Approval Guide

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 1

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:25 Page 2

Structural Performance

Manufactured using metal facings bonded to a high density structural stone wool
core, Eurobond’s panels offer exceptional spanning characteristics.

Eurobond’s panel strength characteristics have been calculated following the European recommendations for
Sandwich Panels: TWG 7.4.ECCS W56; including a load safety factor of 1.5 and material safety factor of 1.25.

Maximum allowable spans (m) for internal walls & ceilings

Product Panel thickness (mm)
75 100 125 150 175
Firemaster Wall Lite 6.0 6.9 7.7 8.4 9.1
Firemaster Wall Extra 8.2 9.4 10.5 11.5 12.0
Firemaster Wall Ultima – – – 11.5 12.0
Firemaster Ceiling 5.5 6.1 7.0 7.6 8.0

Wall panel calculations are based on a uniformly distributed load of 0.25 kN/m2. Ceiling panel calculations are
based on BS6399 using a uniformly distributed load of 0.25 kN/m2 plus a point load of 0.9 kN. Please note the
above spans are based on the cold state structural performance of the panels. Where fie resistance is required the
allowable spans may need to be reduced to ensure the fie resistance is maintained. These allowable spans are
shown opposite in Fire Performance.

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Fire Performance

Fire performance should be judged on both fire resistance and reaction to fire.
Firemaster panels have been tested/assessed to BS476 Part 22, for fire resistance
and independently approved for reaction to fire by the Loss Prevention Council to
LPS1181 and LPS1208 and by Factory Mutual to Standard 4880.

Fire resistance When considering the fire resistance of a panel system

Fire resistance is generally a requirement of Building
Regulations but can also be used when compartmentation
within buildings is required, it is measured in terms of:
i Integrity – the ability of a system to prevent the
penetration of hot gases and flames.
ii Insulation – the ability of the system to reduce the
temperature rise on the unexposed side of the fire and
therefore prevent fire spread through radiated heat.
it is important to refer to both integrity and insulation.
Some foam-cored cladding systems, when used with
cover strip flashings, intumescent and stitching of the
joints, can achieve reasonable levels of integrity but
not insulation. This increased level of integrity is often
mistakenly taken as fire resistance. However, without
the insulation values it is of limited use. Also the use
of additional cover strips, intumescent and stitching
of the joints is often unacceptable from an installation
and aesthetic point of view. This leads to instances
where although specified, the additional cover strips,
etc. are not fitted. Firemaster panels require NO
additional components in order to achieve the
excellent ratings shown in the table below.

Product Panel thickness Fire resistance (minutes) Maximum unsupported length (m)
(mm) Insulation Integrity LPS 1208 BS476 Pt 22
75 30 60 3.0 3.0
100 30 30 5.5 5.5
60 60 4.5 4.5
60 90 4.0 4.0
Firemaster Wall Lite 125 30 30 5.5 5.5
60 60 4.5 4.5
60 90 4.0 4.0
150 60 60 5.5 5.5
90 120 5.0 5.0
175 60 60 5.5 5.5
90 120 5.0 5.0
75 60 60 3.0 3.0
100 30 30 7.5 9.4
60 60 6.0 9.4
120 120 5.5 9.4*
Firemaster Wall Extra 125 30 30 7.5 10.5
60 60 6.0 10.5
120 120 5.5 10.5*
150 30 30 7.5 11.5
60 60 7.5 11.5
120 120 7.5 11.5
175*** 180 180 - 12.0
Firemaster Wall Ultima** 150 240 240 7.5 11.5
100 30 30 5.5 5.5
60 60 4.2 4.2
Firemaster Ceiling
125 60 60 4.2 4.2
150** 120 120 3.6 3.6
60 60 6.0 6.0

Firemaster panels used in a wall application will provide equal fire ALL panels can be fitted vertically or horizontally.
* Joint stitched on both sides at 3m centres
performance from both sides i.e symmetrical fire performance. ** Panel joint stitched on both sides at 300mm centres
*** 0.7mm faces to both sides

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 3

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Environmental Performance

As a responsible UK manufacturer, Eurobond is justifiably proud of it’s

environmental record and recognises the importance of sustainable construction.
Our philosophy is one of continual improvement and we strive to manufacture
the most environmentally responsible products available whether that is
through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), implementation of Environmental
Management Systems or the demonstration of a truly sustainable approach.

WRAP Approved Recycling End of Life Solutions & Recycled content

Eurobond has been given the seal of approval by
leading recycling government backed organisation
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
In independent tests WRAP found Eurobond’s
products are fully and independently recyclable,
allowing new stone wool cored composite panels
to be made diverting waste from landfill.
Life Cycle Assessment
Full Life Cycle Assessments are available on all Eurobond
products and help to quantify the total environmental
impact.
The construction sector is the largest producer of waste
to landfill in the UK, Eurobond recognise that a more
efficient use of materials would help to minimise the
environmental impact of construction, reducing carbon
emissions by diverting materials from landfill and limiting
the depletion of finite natural resources.
As such we advocate a 'Cradle to Cradle' approach to
recycling where materials are recycled in a closed loop.
This maximises material value whilst minimising the
damage to ecosystems - products are used, recycled
and re-used again without losing any material quality.
This ensures that all materials used in the manufacture
of Eurobond panels have a high content of recycled
materials. The separated steel and stone wool are
returned to their respective manufacturers and entered
back into the supply chain as undiminished materials.

Eurobond's stone wool composite panels pose minimal impact to the environment as they rely upon trapped air to
attain their thermal properties. Stone wool is manufactured from diabase rock, a natural resource found in abundance
around the world.

If you would like further information on the

performance credentials of Eurobond's panels please
contact our technical team on 02920 77 66 77 or
email us at technical@eurobond.co.uk

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Thermal and Acoustic Performance

Thermal Performance: Eurobond panels have been specifically designed to meet the
‘as built’ thermal requirements of the Building Regulations and/or Technical Handbooks
in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

U-value calculations (W/m2K) Typical example of a Trisco

Thermal Model for Firemaster
[°C]
Panel thickness (mm) 20
75 100 125 150 175 19
18
Firemaster Wall Lite 0.46 0.35 0.29 0.24 0.21 17
16

Firemaster Wall Extra 0.49 0.38 0.31 0.26 0.23 15

14

Firemaster Wall Ultima – – – 0.26 – 13

12

Firemaster Ceiling 0.49 0.38 0.31 0.26 0.23 11

10
9
8
7

The above U values have been calculated using a plain 6

5
element approach and do not take into account any 4

thermal bridging through the joint. If you require 3

2
composite panels to be used as external cladding, please 1

refer to our Europanel and Rockspan Technical Manual. 0

Based on a stone wool core with a k value

of 0.039 W/mK for Lite and 0.042 W/mK for Extra All figures have accounted for any thermal bridging at the interlocking joint.

Acoustic Performance: As buildings all need some form of acoustic control to

meet specific client and/or regulatory requirements (Building Regulations Approved
Document E), the following guidance is intended to provide the architect, designer,
acoustic engineer and end user with qualification of Firemaster performance in
England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Weighted sound reduction index Rw (dB)

Panel thickness (mm)

75 100 125 150 175 Rain impact
Reflection sound
Firemaster Wall Lite 27.2 28.5 29.0 30.1 30.8 reverberation transmission

Firemaster Wall Extra 29.2 30.2 30.9 31.8 33.1

Firemaster Wall Ultima – – – 32.7 –
Airborne
Firemaster Ceiling 29.4 30.7 31.4 32.4 33.1 sound
Flanking
transmission

All calculations are based on the following panel construction: Noise Noise Flanking
source source
External face: 0.5mm thick steel
Core: 99Kg/m3 stone wool for
Firemaster Wall Lite
135Kg/m3 stone wool for The information shown above is based on The Metal Cladding and Roofing
Firemaster Wall Extra and Ultima and Ceiling Manufacturers Association (MCRMA) acoustic performance software
provided by the University of Salford Acoustic Department and is fully
Internal face: 0.5mm steel substantiated by tests carried out by the C.S.T.B Paris.

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 5

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Weights, dimensions and Tolerances

Firemaster

Panel thickness Firemaster Firemaster Firemaster Firemaster

(mm) Wall Lite Wall Extra Wall Ultima Ceiling
75 15.09 18.46 – 20.13
100 17.34 21.84 – 23.51
125 19.59 25.21 – 26.88
150 21.84 28.59 31.90 30.26
175 24.09 31.97 – 33.64

Flatness tolerance
Sizes available
(mm) 1.5 mm from the theoretical flat
plane over a distance of 700mm
Length 1800 – 12000
Width 1200
Thickness 75 – 175

Joint details 19 19

16 8

8
16

19 19

Panel Module

Nominal 2mm

Structural Stone
Panel Thickness

Wool Core

1 200mm Standard Module

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Panel finishes

The panels are available with the following

steel face finishes

1. Foodsafe laminate

2. Primer coated galvanised

3. White/grey polyester

4. Stainless Steel 304

The following face profiles are available:

Architecturally flat

5.0 10.0 5.0

Minibead finish
171.0

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 7

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:25 Page 8

Standard details
Firemaster vertically laid

Eurobond have a comprehensive library of standard

details that cover Firmaster in both horizontal and
vertical applications.

NB: Always check with our web site www.eurobond.co.uk

for the latest version of any drawing.

These details are available as PDF files, they are also

available as DWG format to allow them to be directly
imported into project-specific drawings.

Stone wool core

Floor Channel

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Standard details
Firemaster vertically laid (continued)

Firemaster interlocking joint detail

FMV-01A

0.5mm coated
Silicone seal steel face

Structural stone
0.5mm coated
wool core
steel face

Nominal 2mm

Typical wall/floor junction

FMV-05A

50mm deep food safe

laminate channel (width
of panel to suit panel
thickness) bedded on
butyl mastic secured
with hammer fixings
at 900mm centres.
All joints sealed as
required

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 9

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:25 Page 10

Standard details
Firemaster vertically laid (continued)

Typical wall/beam junction with

50mm deflection allowance
FMV-07A
Supporting
steelwork fire
protected as
required by others

Deflection zone
(typically 70mm) stone wool
insulation
(minimum density
23kg/m3)

2mm powder
Self tapping fastener coated galvanised
fixed through 55mm channel with 55mm
slotted hole. Fastener slotted holes
must still allow panel (at 300mm centres)
to slide relative to to allow for 50mm
2mm galvanised deflection of
channel concrete soffit

Wall/ceiling junction detail

FMV-08B

M12 threaded Typical Ø40mm

suspension rod spreader washer

50

2mm galvanised
angle fixed to
panels at
300mm centres

50x50x2mm
galvanised
angle fixed to
50 panels at
300mm centres

Internal flashing
fixed at 300mm
Ø5.5mm self maximum centres.
drilling self All junctions
tapping steel sealed with
fasteners silicone sealant

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Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:25 Page 11

Standard details
Firemaster horizontally laid

Eurobond have a comprehensive library of standard

details that cover Firmaster in both horizontal and
vertical applications.

NB: Always check with our web site www.eurobond.co.uk

for the latest version of any drawing.

These details are available as PDF files, they are also

available as DWG format to allow them to be directly
imported into project-specific drawings.
Stone wool core

Floor Channel

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 11

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:25 Page 12

Standard details
Firemaster horizontally laid

Base detail 1
FMH-05A

2mm galvanised
base channel
support fixed to
floor slab at
maximum
600mm centres

Horizontal joint detail

FMH-01A

Structural stone
wool core
Nominal 2mm

Vertical support
steelwork
Panel module

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Standard details
Firemaster horizontally laid (continued)

Typical wall/beam junction with

50mm deflection allowance
FMH-07A
Supporting
steelwork fire
protected as
required by others

stone wool
insulation
(minimum density
23kg/m3)

Deflection zone
(typically 50mm)
Self tapping
fastener fixed 2mm powder
through 55mm coated galvanised
slotted hole. channel with 55mm
Fastener must still slotted holes
allow panel to slide (at 300mm centres)
relative to 2mm to allow for 50mm
galvanised channel deflection

Typical corner detail

FMH-08A

50x50x5mm steel Extended corner

angle bracket flashing fixed to
fixed to main panel at 300mm
steelwork centres

Any voids filled

with stone wool
Vertical steelwork insulation
fire protected as (minimum density
required by others 23kg/m3)

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 13

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Standard details
Firemaster ceilings

Interlocking joint detail

FMC-01A

0.7mm coated
Silicone seal steel face

Nominal 2mm

0.5mm coated Structural stone

steel face wool core

Joggled top hat suspension detail

– vertical section
FMC-05A

125mm steel cover For lengths

strip secured with 4 x greater than
13mm stainless steel 3000mm use an
rivets at 300mm M12 connector
maximum centres
All junctions sealed
with silicone M12 nylock
nuts 2 off
45 x 70 x 2mm
galvanised
connector
400mm long stone wool infill
must be used
Galvanised (minimum density
joggled top hat 23 kg/m3)
secures to both
panels with
4x13mm stainless 62
steel rivets at 200mm cover
500mm maximum strip All junctions
centres sealed as required
60 70 60
Optional Ø4x13mm
stainless steel rivet 2 full M12 hex
to positively nuts & 2 M12 flat
located cover strip washers

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Standard details
Firemaster ceilings (continued)

Joggled top hat suspension

component details Top hat connector
400mm long
FMC-03C
Joggled top hat cover strip

62 10

25 25

60 70 60

210

3 full and 2 half Ø5mm holes 16 off

holes Ø14mm at 300mm centres

300

150 1650 1650 150

Ceiling Suspension detail

FMC-04A For lengths
greater than
3000mm use an
M12 nylock M12 connector
nuts 2 off

Continuous
bituthene tape Cover strip in CLAQ
to maintain finish secured with
vapour seal Ø4mm x 16mm
plain aluminium
rivets at 450mm
maximum centres.
All junctions sealed
as required

stone wool infill 2mm galvanised

channel powder
coated white RAL
9016 fixed to both
M12 nylock panels at 300mm
nuts 2 off centres with Ø4mm
stainless steel rivets
M12 washer
3mm washer
White plastic Ø20mm inside
necked washer & Ø50mm outside

White plastic
snap on cover M12 washer

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 15

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Stone wool properties

In the past, due to its appearance and texture, doubts have been raised about the
suitability of stone wool when used in food environments and when in contact with
installers and the general public. Eurobond, in conjunction with Rockwool, have had a
series of independent tests carried out to prove the safety and suitability of stone wool.

Promotion of bacterial growth Water absorption properties of Rockwool

Through Campden & Chorleywood Food Research
Association Group two tests were carried out to show that
Rockwool does not promote bacterial growth:
i. Japanese Seal method (Test Report No. FH/67949/1)
The results of this test showed that using an example
of typical food industry Gram of negative (E.coli) and
Gram positive (S.aureus) bacteria, there was no
evidence to suggest that Rockwool sustained more
microbial growth than other control materials and may
potentially inhibit the growth of some micro-organisms.
(Test Report No. FH/67949/2)
Through Campden & Chorleywood Food Research
Association Group a test was carried out which showed
that when water was placed onto the surface of the
Rockwool, a distinct ball formed showing the material is
hydrophobic. Once the head of water is sufficient to
overcome the surface tension holding the water on the
surface, the Rockwool becomes ‘leaky’ and allows the
water through. There does not appear to be any ‘wicking’
or capillary effect.

ii. Injection method (Test Report No. FH/67949/3)

From the results obtained it can be concluded that
Rockwool does not promote growth of
L.monocytogenes, P.aeruginosa and S.cerevisiae when
injected into the material. In fact the counts decreased
in Rockwool compared with PB controls.

In summary, using examples of typical food micro-

organisms, there was evidence to suggest that microbial
counts decrease when injected into Rockwool.

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Stone wool properties
Performance
Stone wool is manufactured from a volcanic rock to which
coke and limestone are added. The molten material is
spun into wool and small quantities of resin binder and
mineral oil are added to lock the strands together and
make them water repellent. The wool is formed into a
mat, which is then carried through ovens where it is cured
and compressed giving it good structural strength. This
mat is used as the core for the Firemaster panel.
Stone wool has outstanding properties and performance
that make it especially suitable for the Firemaster Panel:
• Fire – Superb fire properties and rated A1, the safest
under the new Euroclass Reaction to Fire
• Insulation – stone wool has excellent thermal and
acoustic properties
• Biological – stone wool is completely rot proof and
does not encourage the growth of mould or bacteria
• Environment – No CFCs or HCFCs used in manufacture
and it is fully recyclable
• Water Resistance – stone wool repels water. The
vapour resistance is negligible and usually considered
to be the same as that of air
T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77
Stone wool non-carcinogenic properties UK and
European legislation
The safety of stone wool insulation is confirmed by UK
and EU health and safety legislation whereby stone wool
is free from suspicion of carcinogenic effects, ie is not
classified as a possible human carcinogen (UK HSE ‘CHIP’
Regulations and European Directive 97/69/EC).
A unique feature of stone wool fibres is that they are bio-
soluble – any fibres that are possibly inhaled are soluble in
the human body but are not sensitive in this respect to
humidity or other liquids outside the body.
Fraunhofer ITA certificate no. 02G98006A details the
results of tests undertaken on Rockwool stone wool in
accordance with the required EU method. These results
confirm that it is not necessary to classify Rockwool fibres
under UK and EU regulations.
www.eurobond.co.uk 17
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Technical Expertise

To assist in correct specification, detailing and installation of our products, Eurobond

provide a comprehensive Technical Service which can assist in a variety of areas:

Project Specific Design Advice Typical load/span calculation table Internal Walls
As well as the standard information and range of details
available, project specific information can be developed External face Material steel
Gauge 0.5 mm
to cover:
• Load/span calculations Core Lite, Extra or Ultima extra
Thickness 100 mm
• Development of bespoke CAD details
Internal Face Material steel
In Depth Fire Performance Knowledge Gauge 0.5 mm
Eurobond has extensive knowledge of the performance Width of supporting steelwork 50 mm
of composite panels in fires. We have carried out a wide
range of recognised and bespoke fire tests, as well as Span - steelwork centres 6m
working closely with acknowledged fire experts.
External Temperature 20ºC

This enables us to: Internal Temperature 10ºC

• Provide guidance in selecting the most appropriate
Deflection limit 100L/?
products to achieve the required fire performance
• Provide correct detailing for each product
Results
• Advise on the Building Regulations and insurance Maximum Allowable UDL Pressure 0.62kN/m2
company specific fire requirements Maximum Allowable UDL Section 0.62kN/m2

All Eurobond products are:

• BREEAM-ready with Life Cycle
Assessment to ISO 14040-3
• Fully compliant with relative Building
Regulations and Technical Handbooks
• High in recycled content
• Fully recyclable

Training Eurobond has its own in house research and development

We employ dedicated applications engineers to carry out on
site training and also conduct a more comprehensive range
of training courses at either customer premises or at our
factory in Cardiff.
This includes:
• Product application and installation training to ensure
the correct specification and use of Eurobond products
• Pre-installation project guidance
• Project detail confirmation
• Sign-off and project completion reports
staff who are continually seeking to improve the
performance of existing products and develop new ideas.
Experience gained through research and development
allows Eurobond to speak with authority on the performance
of our panel systems, confident in the knowledge that
advice given is based on information gained through
testing, prototyping and practical experience.
Members of Eurobond’s Technical Department are
available to attend site meetings to provide expert
technical advice at the design stage, during installation
and post-installation.

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Eurobond Doors

Eurobond Doors is a sister company of Eurobond Laminates and is a leading designer and
manufacturer of composite doors, supplying a range of doors for a variety of applications
and due to the quality, technology and performance of the doors they are consistently
specified for a wide range of industries.

Personnel Insulated Fire

doors doors doors

In-house design allows us to provide the perfect solution

for external and internal door applications. Eurobond
combines functionality with outstanding aesthetic appeal,
for use in commercial, industrial and public environments.
Doors are available in single, double and unequal
configurations. Options are also available for side panels,
over panels, vision panels and louvers where applicable.

The doors are specifically designed for incorporation into

Eurobonds panel systems. A range of standard detail
drawings are available via the Eurobond Doors website
and technical department to allow easy specification of
doors as part of your Eurobond building envelope.

If you would like further information please

contact our sales team on 02920 36 11 11
or visit www.eurobonddoors.co.uk

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 19

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Ceiling panels guidance for use

The exceptional performance of Firemaster Ceilings has made the use of stone wool
ceiling panels a practical proposition for specifiers and contractors alike. However,
the abuse of the walk on capacity of Firemaster Ceilings must be avoided and
therefore the following guidelines must be strictly adhered to:

How the law applies Fixing the ceiling

The erection of insulated panel ceilings or subsequent
maintenance and access operations come under health
and safety law and this requires hazards to be identified
and where possible, eliminated. Any residual risks should
be assessed and safe systems of work developed to
minimise them. Remember, having a safe system of work
when undertaking work on a ceiling is a legal duty and
should be a co-operative effort between Client,
Contractor and Designer.
How the law applies
Provide dedicated and safe access onto the ceiling and
ensure that all persons access the ceiling from these
point(s) only. Whenever possible, access should be via a
stair-tower. However, if ladders are used they should be
tied at the top and extend at least 1.1m past the access
point. Personnel must not jump or bounce on ceilings and
should not gather in groups of more than two. Signs
should be erected at all points of access.
Provision of access to maintain the roof
Where access is required to the ceiling area to inspect or
maintain plant, designated walk ways must be used.
These could take the form of an independently supported
walk way which gives access to the necessary plant.
Where a walk way cannot be installed but access is still
required, the ceiling must be protected with 6 mm
ply/hardboard to spread loads. These boards should be
fixed to the back of the ceiling panels with self tapping
screws and positioned:
Always fix ceiling panels in accordance with Eurobond’s
recommendations, e.g. sequence of laying down the
panels, number of fixings, etc. Never allow partial fixing
only of ceiling panels. Each panel should be fully fixed,
allowing progress of the work as it is laid down, with the
correct number of fixings as required and system of
support. If any cut outs for penetrations over 100mm wide
are required this must have prior approval of Eurobond.
Post construction maintenance
Like any other product, Eurobond ceilings will perform
better and for longer if you maintain them properly. But
remember the hazards in maintaining a ceiling or using it
for access can be greater than for constructing them. Do
not allow any person access to a ceiling without vetting
their skills and safety methods. Do not allow untrained
employees to “pop up” for a quick look or to carry out
quick repairs.
Remember – Contact Eurobond if in doubt on any
aspect of new ceiling construction or subsequent
access. The Best Practice Guide for work on ceilings
constructed with steel faced insulated composite
panels is also available upon request.

• Close to and running parallel with the ceiling

suspension system

• At the Perimeter of the ceiling where the ceilings

panels are fixed back to the walls.

NB Should anything other than normal maintenance

access be required, Youngman’s’ type walk boards
should be used by all subcontractors at all times.

20 delivering low risk building solutions

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:26 Page 21

Panel Clamp
Standard details for Horizontally laid Firemaster Panels

Eurobond recommends the use of our patented panel clamp for safe and easy
installation of panels. The panel clamp is perfect for installing our Europanel,
Rockspan and Firemaster range of panels, when laid horizontally.

Clamps are available to suit all panel thicknesses. Each

pair of clamps has a safe working load of 500 kg, which
allows them to safely lift even the longest panels that
Eurobond can currently supply.

The clamps work by gripping the flanges on the top of

the panel by means of a cam and wedge mechanism.
A half turn of the actuating lever is all that is required to
lock the clamp onto the panel. Safety features are a spring
loaded pin that holds the cam in the locked position,
a mechanism that tightens the grip on the panel during
lifting and in the unlikely event that there is a failure of the
panel or the clamp, a set of safety strops that will stop the
panel from falling. The Benefits of Mechanical Handling Techniques
• Increased productivity - realistic installation of up to
The clamps are designed to offer an easy installation of
600m2 of panel a day
horizontally laid panels whilst maintaining the highest
levels of safety. The clamps are suspended from the lifting • Full compliance with H&S and CITB due to the removal
beam by links that allow them to rotate in the horizontal of manual handling on site
plane, making it possible to pick-up panels directly from
the stack as delivered with the minimum of manual • Time savings - being able to install up to 600m2 of
handling. Lifting methods can either be a crane or a panel a day allows for earlier project completion,
telehandler as shown below. meaning contractors are able to complete more
projects in a year
• Significant labour cost savings are provided, through
reduced labour and faster completion on site
• Reduced damage to panels on site

Panel Clamp Components

• 3m spreader beam
• Set of safety strops
• 2 clamps
• Safety chain
• D shackles
• Delivered in a toolbox

Each clamp is CE marked and comes with an instruction

booklet.

If you would like further information on our

panel clamps or require additional installation
information please contact our technical team on
02920776677 or email technical@eurobond.co.uk

T +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77 www.eurobond.co.uk 21

Firemaster SHORT Tech Manual SEPT11_Layout 1 27/09/2011 11:27 Page 22

Eurobond Laminates Ltd

Wentloog Corporate Park
Cardiff CF3 2ER

Telephone: +44 (0) 29 20 77 66 77

Fax: +44 (0) 29 20 36 91 61
Email: technical@eurobond.co.uk
www.eurobond.co.uk
Ref: FTM - 9/11

In association with our strategic trading partners Rockwool, Leeson and Tata Steel.

delivering low risk building solutions 22