I noticed an article on the BBC website a few days ago which was again claiming that PVC windows had helped spread the flames at the Camberwell fire. Click on the link at the bottom and you’ll see how misguided the article is.
Well it appears the BPF have acted quickly to at least try to balance up the argument, as the following press release shows:
Following swift action by the British Plastics Federation, the BBC has amended an article on the Camberwell fire that appeared on-line claiming that PVC windows helped spread flames, when it was previously proven the information was incorrect.
BPF director Philip Law contacted BBC London journalist Ed Davey and challenged his assumption that PVC windows were responsible for the spread of the fire when the windows were acknowledged to be aluminium by Southwark Council.
Mr Law explained the burning behaviour of rigid PVC and sent the journalist a written statement.
“We explained that rigid PVC is inherently flame retardant and does not contribute to the spread of a fire as indicated in the article and that PVC does not melt or drip, instead it forms a carbonaceous char which itself further impedes the spread of flames.
“We do not wish to pre-empt the report on the fire. At the moment, our aim through our PVCaware.org campaign is to get the facts right. The BBC was wrong to state that rigid PVC contributes to spreading fires. PVC is safe in fires.
“Although the article has been amended to give more balance, we are still in dialogue with the BBC over the contents and proving the excellent performance of PVC in fires. We are also in contact with RIBA, as again the architect quoted appeared to be misinformed.”
The article was amended on 22 October with a quote from Mr Law confirming that ‘PCV is safe in fires’ and ‘has a higher combustion temperature than wood.’ See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8319612.stm
