"Frank Z" wrote in message
...

I found some so-called Class "0" cement firbre board from B&Q. It
looks very much like asbestos sheet, and appears to be made of
portland cement with some sort of fibre imbedded in it. B&Q's staff
were unable to offer much information about thier product. One
floor-walker said they sell it as an alternative to asbestos sheet,
and it is pretty much fire-proof.

I would like to know just how fire-proof it is, and at what
temperature it disintegrates or burns. What does "Class O" mean?

Does anyone have any info at all?

Thanks

Frank

Class "0" is only the classification of the surface flame spread and not
it's fire resistance. The classes run from 0 to 6 with 0 being the best.

For instance a plaster coated brick wall painted with emulsion is class "0"
whereas if it had a thin paper covering it would be class "1".

The fire resistance of a material is classified on it's stability, integrity
and insulation during a fire test. Also important is the method of fixing
of the panel, i.e., a sheet of 25mm asbestos board is useless if fixed with
low melting point screws and with a 10mm gap around it.

Hoipe this has been of some help.

Alex