Dricon has been recommended for use by London Underground (LUL) since 2007 but now also has a fully approved listing on its product register. This is the key reference for all suppliers into LUL. Dricon is at present recognised as the only fire protection to meet the stringent requirements of LUL for both underground and above ground projects due to its proven track record and unique accreditations.

Dricon also remains a popular choice for the fire protection of interior timbers and board products used in numerous rail and transport projects. It also remains the only British Board of Agrément (BBA) approved fire retardant treatment for timber, and the only UK Wood Protection Association (WPA) approved status humidity resistant product.

Non-Com Exterior, Arch’s leach resistant treatment for exterior construction timbers, has also recently been accepted by the National House Building Council (NHBC) building control service for timber cladding in situations adjacent to boundaries or above 18m in new build projects.

Jacqui Hughes, fire retardant product manager for Arch, commented: "both Dricon and Non-Com Exterior have proven records of performance for over 25 years, a unique feature that should provide confidence for specifiers and contractors. The LUL decision should give reassurance to companies involved in the current Cross Rail project that by using Dricon treated timber and plywood they will have protection that is fully LUL compliant."

"The acceptance of Non-Com Exterior by NHBC is also a significant step in terms of raising standards for the fire retardant treatment of external timbers."

"With recent changes to European Standards for the fire protection of timber, it is vital that specifiers, and building control officers in particular, demand accurate information to ensure fire treatments will be fit for purpose. Three key questions can deliver this. Is the treatment compliant – with a full classification report that identifies the Euroclass rating, the specific timber species and thickness being used? Is the treatment durable – an approved humidity resistant status for interior applications or an approved leach resistant status for exterior applications? Does the treatment have independent accreditations – to demonstrate a quality and professional application process?"

"These new acknowledgments will provide further assurance to specifiers and users of Dricon and Non-Com Exterior that they are making the correct choice to protect lives and buildings in any fire situation," concluded Hughes.