Key points

• As a result of climate change, wildfires in Australia are becoming more severe and more frequent.
• Wildfires pose a serious risk to properties located in high fire hazard areas.
• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) is a highly flammable material used in panelling, which poses a significant fire risk.
• This article explains how to mitigate the fire risks associated with EPS, as well as other strategies to reduce fire hazard risks and improve insurance outcomes.

 What is EPS and why is it dangerous?

EPS or Expanded Polystyrene is a foam material manufactured using polystyrene beads. These beads expand when heated, which creates a lightweight insulation material that is often used in construction. The material is an exceptional thermal insulator; however it is also highly flammable.

 Case studies – Grenfell Tower and Lacrosse Building

In 2017, Grenfell Tower in London went up in flames when a fridge-freezer caught fire. The fire spread rapidly as a result of EPS cladding, which was installed during a refurbishment. 72 people tragically lost their lives as a result of the fire, which sparked global conversation about the use of EPS in high rise buildings.

In 2014, the Lacrosse Building in Melbourne’s Docklands caught fire as a result of a lit cigarette on a balcony. The fire spread across 13 floors in less than 15 minutes, largely fuelled by EPS cladding in the building. The fire resulted in extensive property damage, major insurance claims and legal issues.

Both of these incidents highlight the need for property owners to have clear and current fire risk management plans.

Why do I need a fire risk management strategy?

• Protect the people who live or work in your building.
• Minimise potential damage to property.
• Tends to lower insurance premiums and improve coverage.

Here are tips on creating an effective risk management strategy for your property.

How to develop a fire risk management strategy

1. Choose the right building materials

The building materials you choose need to comply with fire codes and building regulations. Avoid highly flammable materials such as EPS and use fire-resistant or non-combustible alternatives where possible.

2. Fireproof your landscaping

The areas outside your building should be cleared of flammable debris. Your goal is to create a defensible space, using plants and materials that are fire resistant. Ensuring your landscaping is fireproof may also reduce overall premiums, due to your lower fire risk.

3. Inspect your building regularly

Implementing a regular inspection and maintenance routine will help you to identify potential fire risks. Things like dry leaves accumulating on the roof may seem minor but could result in a major fire risk. Regular inspections ensure seemingly small issues don’t become dangerous.

4. Train and prepare

Everyone who lives or works in your building should know what to do in the event of a fire. That means understanding what the evacuation routes and muster points are and having regular fire drills so they can practice how to respond.

5. Fire detection systems

Suppression systems, such as smoke alarms and automatic sprinklers, will significantly reduce the damage a fire can do. Smoke alarms alert people before a fire gets out of control and sprinklers can often extinguish flames before they spread.

6. Engage your community

Prevention programs and emergency response drills are just a couple of initiatives that can make communities more resilient and prepared. These can be developed with the support of local firies and other organisations that have a strong understanding of fire safety.

7. Keep records

Always keep detailed documentation of the risk management actions you have taken. This includes safety measures, maintenance, fire safe materials used and any other actions you have taken to reduce fire risk. Submit this information to your insurer (with updates as they arise), as this may reduce your premiums.

Being fire safe saves lives

Being proactive about fire safety not only protects your investment, it also saves lives. This means taking the time to develop a clear fire safety strategy and educating the people who access your property, so they know how to act in the event of a fire. Investing in fire safety is also likely to lower your insurance premiums and improve your level of coverage.

If you need comprehensive insurance for your property or want to know if your current cover is still right for you, please get in touch.