The California Building Standards Commission updated state building codes to allow for the use of flame retardant-free foam building insulation in below-grade applications.
The change will permit foam insulation containing no flame retardants when installed below a minimum 3.5-inch thick concrete slab on grade. Labeling requirements apply for such products to prevent misuse in vertical or above-grade applications. Above-grade applications must continue to meet prescribed surface burning characteristics.
California has also repealed a flammability standard for upholstered seating used in public spaces. This will enable seating manufacturers to more easily meet state requirements without using chemical flame retardants.
State officials said that the use of organohalogen flame retardants typically used to meet a standard dating back to 1991 presents significant health risks to consumers, as established by “overwhelming scientific research.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2019
BREEAM USA In-Use standard to be released this fall
Will expand to include residential and multifamily for assessment and certification.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2019
Intl. Code Council releases Natural Disaster Preparedness Guide
Provides tips for staying safe during and after a hurricane or severe weather.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2019
Market conditions indicate slower growth in industrial real estate sector
E-commerce, market oversupply, rising interest rates to dampen hot market.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Haskell invests in BLOX, creator of modular-based delivery method
‘Represents important part of Haskell’s future strategy,’ says CEO.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2019
Florida may eliminate certificate of need requirement for new hospitals
Bill could boost specialized facilities.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
RELi 2.0 standard for sustainability, resilience being piloted
Will be open to LEED-registered or -certified projects, with introductory pricing and support.
Codes and Standards | May 31, 2019
Pankow Foundation releases report, tools for embodied carbon impacts
Focus is on MEP and tenant improvements.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
USGBC receives funding for LEED for Cities and Communities Program
Bank of America provides $500,000 grant to certify 15 U.S. cities.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
AIA updates Interiors Contract Documents
Six revised documents available for interior construction projects.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Northern California casino offers a template for resilient microgrids
Solar power with batteries and backup generators provide weeks of self-reliance.
