The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) and the Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) have issued a joint statement raising questions about the suitability of pipework that is normally used for underground and buried applications, such as primary heating networks, that is now being deployed inside buildings.

The statement calls this a “fundamental change in product application” and takes the products outside the scope of the quality standards that are normally applied to their performance.

They explain that building services pipe insulation specifications typically reflect the requirements of BS 5422 to ensure full compliance with the Building Regulations. However, pre-insulated pipework systems typically use either PUR or PE insulants, which do not meet the fire performance criteria typically specified for buildings.  

The joint statement said: “In addition, the one-size-fits-all approach to insulation thickness typically undertaken by manufacturers of pre-insulated pipework simply does not allow for the required flexibility to meet individual specification requirements.”

Both associations have highlighted concerns over the use of coiled flexible polyethylene insulated piping systems. “We have increasing evidence that these systems are being installed in high-risk buildings, such as large multi-residential buildings,” they said. 

The statement reminded manufacturers, distributors, and installers of pre-insulated polyethylene pipework systems that they had a responsibility to provide evidence of the suitability of these products for the specific application in question. 

It also urged specifiers to check the thermal performance of the polyethylene system and to ask the supplier how it would meet the heat loss/gain requirements of BS 5422 and Part L of the Building Regulations. It is also vital that each product has the appropriate Euroclass fire rating.

BESA’s Head of Technical Graeme Fox commented: “This is a critical fire safety issue and both bodies were determined to present a united front to help protect best practice in building services installations.

“One of the important lessons learned from the Grenfell tragedy was that products may have been tested and certified, but not necessarily for the particular application in question. We would, therefore, expect all responsible supply chain firms to be able to provide details of how the Euroclass fire rating of the PUR/PE system was achieved and the arrangement of the insulants in the test to determine their exposure to heat and flame.

“We would also expect them to be able to provide clear evidence of compliance with BS 5422 heat loss/gain tables.” 

TICA’s technical policy manager Chris Ridge added that all responsible companies should be able to provide current Euroclass fire test certification for “the complete range of polyethylene pre-insulated pipework products”.  

“Looking ahead, we seek to challenge the wider industry to ensure that all pre-insulated systems meet the required standards,” he added. “This should not stop at pre-insulated pipework but should also include pre-insulated ductwork products.”