COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 13, 2023

QUESTION NO.

QUESTION: Councillor M. Lynch

Can the Chief Executive comment on whether the use of conventional acrylic (plastic based) paint in communal buildings such as schools, nursing homes, libraries, apartment blocks etc are putting these buildings outside of the building regulations when it comes to flame spread standards on walls and ceilings.

REPLY:

Part B of the Building Regulations 2020 deals with the rate of fire spread of linings in buildings, and sets out various standard classification types for the rate of fire spread to be achieved depending on the building type and the particular space within the building.  While paint is not considered a lining in itself, when applied to a lining, it can contribute to the classification of the lining.  The owners/operators/management of any type of communal building should seek the advice of a professional fire safety consultant regarding the use of any particular paint in any area of the building, having regard to any previously granted fire safety certificate.