60-minute fire glass aids evacuation time
24th November 2015

PILKINGTON Pyrostop fire resistant glass was used extensively in a £6.9million specialist dementia facility, Lydia Eva Court in Great Yarmouth, to ensure staff and residents have as long as possible to vacate in the event of fire.

Care home provider NorseCare took advice from specialist glass processor and distributor Nicholls & Clarke (N&C), which recommended Pyrostop, a fire-resistant glass which remains intact for a minimum of 60 minutes, extending the crucial time needed to exit. The 18mm glass minimises the amount of heat that is able to pass through it.

Youngs Doors fitted the 170m2 347 panes which were framed into primed softwood and had a total length screening of 350m.

Karen Knight, Managing Director at NorseCare, said: “We know that the number of people living with dementia in Norfolk is set to grow over the next few years, and we need to be ready to meet this demand by providing personalised care in specially designed surroundings.

“There were many factors to consider during the development stage, including the scenario of a fire. Our residents need differing levels of care support. We wanted to make the environment as safe as possible and ensure all residents and staff had adequate time to vacate the premises during an emergency.

“To solve this problem N&C Glass were approached and able to supply Pilkington’s specialist glass. It means that visitors, residents and staff have at least an hour to reach safety when faced with the danger of a fire.”

Pilkington Pyrostop glazing, supplied by N&C Glass, has been used in other key health projects across the UK including the £550million Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, St Bartholomew’s Hospital’s redevelopment in London and the £430million Southmead Hospital based in Bristol.

Graham Ingle, Sales Manager, Clear Fire Protection at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: “The Lydia Eva Court project showcases the reasons why Pilkington glass is becoming increasingly popular with architects, developers and health organisations.

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