Fire rated windows

[Taming It All]

I am currently involved in research for our company to possibly expand its operations with a metal building. I am going over all aspects and one thing I saw from some websites on line is the mention of fire rated windows. I would assume that these are safer than "regular" windows. They also say there are various levels of fire rating through independent laboratories. Does this mean a UL listing? I talked to a guy that has experience with fire investigation and he said that fire-rated isn't what we should be concerned about in a metal building but rather what the contents are because that's what's going to burn-not the building. To let you know this will be a software company production site in North Carolina if anyone chooses to respond. Thank you in advance.

[Ironman]

I do know about one part and that's the contents. This fellow at the National Fire Sprinklers Association says that although metal buildings are rated as non-combustible that what's inside that burns is what counts and that every building (including metal) needs a sprinkler system. As he says "better to be having water coming out your doors than fire coming out your windows."

[NASCAR Crazy]

Amen...Ironman....safety first.

[As2]

Agree...fire rated windows are an excellent option.

[BroncosFan]

If this is for your company, then I am sure that they want to save as much money as possible. I am sure some companies would be so stingy as to give their employees a chamber pot to save the cost of installing bathrooms. Yet, all companies are scared to death of being sued. Therefore, they want to install the windows that will pass inspection. You definitely want the "fire rated windows" in your new building. From the human element alone--that it will save lives--this just makes the most sense even if it costs you more.

I hope this helps.

[Amy K.]

Does the guy you talked to think that you should have all fire-proof furniture? What does he mean that you should only be concerned about the contents of a building? It sounds like someone is just trying to keep his job. Do yourself a favor and get the best fire-rated windows you can.

Amy

[Allclear]

I know a litle about fire safety and I think that what was mentioned about "contents" is this. Of course you can't have "fireproof" furniture but you can think about the chemicals and materials used in your furniture. Some items have more of a propensity to catch fire than another as they are more flammable. The "contents" issue may revolve around chemicals or fluids that are dangerous when in an enclosed space. I don't know about the software industry but maybe there are some items used that are more prone towards combustibility. Call the fire marshal in that town and see what THEY look for as far as a fire safety inspection based on contents. After all, in the back of his mind he wants an overview of the worst possible scenario because his men would be fighting the fire.

[Taming It All]

Thank you to all forum members for their input.