Fire safety in buildings is not optional — it is a legal requirement that saves lives. Floor coverings, including rubber matting and rubber flooring, must meet specific fire performance standards depending on the building type, use, and location within the structure. Understanding these requirements is essential for anyone specifying, purchasing, or installing rubber flooring in commercial, public, or residential buildings.
This guide explains the fire classification system for floor coverings, what the ratings mean, how they apply to rubber flooring, and how to ensure your specification complies with UK building regulations.
Why Fire Rating Matters for Floor Coverings
In a fire, floor coverings can contribute to fire spread, smoke production, and the generation of burning droplets. While floors are less likely to be the source of ignition than walls or ceilings, they can significantly affect the rate at which fire spreads through a building, particularly in corridors and escape routes.
Fire-rated floor coverings are tested and classified to demonstrate their reaction to fire — specifically, how they contribute to fire growth, how much smoke they produce, and whether they generate burning droplets or particles.
The Euroclass System for Floor Coverings
The UK uses the European classification system (Euroclass) for the reaction to fire performance of floor coverings, as defined in BS EN 13501-1. Floor coverings have their own classification suffix "fl" (for "floorings") to distinguish them from wall and ceiling materials.
The Classification Levels
| Euroclass | Performance Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1fl | Non-combustible | No contribution to fire (e.g., stone, ceramic tile) |
| A2fl | Nearly non-combustible | Very limited contribution to fire |
| Bfl | Very limited contribution | Very limited contribution to fire spread |
| Cfl | Limited contribution | Limited contribution to fire spread |
| Dfl | Acceptable contribution | Acceptable contribution to fire spread |
| Efl | Acceptable behaviour | Acceptable reaction to a small flame |
| Ffl | No performance determined | Not tested or failed to meet Efl |
Smoke Classification
In addition to the fire classification, floor coverings are rated for smoke production:
- s1: Low smoke production
- s2: Medium smoke production
A complete classification therefore reads as, for example, Bfl-s1 — meaning very limited contribution to fire with low smoke production. This is the gold standard for rubber flooring in most commercial and public building applications.
UK Building Regulations: What Is Required?
Approved Document B (Fire Safety)
In England and Wales, Approved Document B sets out the fire safety requirements for buildings. The requirements for floor coverings depend on the building type and the location within the building:
- Escape routes in buildings other than dwellings: Floor coverings in corridors, hallways, stairs, and other escape routes must achieve a minimum classification of Cfl-s1 in most cases, with Bfl-s1 recommended for higher-risk buildings.
- Small rooms (under 30m²): Less stringent requirements may apply, with Dfl-s1 or Efl often acceptable.
- Residential dwellings: Floor covering fire performance requirements are generally less demanding, but landlords of HMOs and blocks of flats face stricter requirements in communal areas.
Scotland (Section 2 of the Technical Handbooks)
Scottish building standards have their own requirements, broadly similar to England and Wales but with some differences in classification thresholds and application.
Post-Grenfell Changes
Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, fire safety in buildings has received intense scrutiny. While the primary focus has been on external cladding and wall insulation, all fire-related specifications — including floor coverings — are now subject to greater examination during building control approval. Specifiers should expect more rigorous documentation requirements for fire performance certificates.
How Rubber Flooring Achieves Fire Ratings
Raw rubber is a combustible organic material, so how does rubber flooring achieve high fire ratings? The answer lies in formulation and manufacturing:
- Fire-retardant additives: Compounds such as aluminium trihydrate (ATH), magnesium hydroxide, and antimony trioxide are added to the rubber compound during manufacture. These additives absorb heat and release water vapour or inert gases, suppressing combustion.
- Halogen-free formulations: Modern fire-rated rubber flooring increasingly uses halogen-free fire retardants to avoid the production of toxic hydrogen halide gases during a fire.
- Compound density: Denser rubber formulations tend to perform better in fire tests, as there is less air within the material to support combustion.
- Surface treatments: Some products incorporate fire-resistant surface coatings or layers that provide additional protection.
Specifying Fire-Rated Rubber Flooring
When specifying rubber flooring for a project with fire performance requirements, follow this process:
- Identify the requirement: Consult Approved Document B (or the Scottish Technical Handbooks) to determine the minimum fire classification required for the specific location within the building.
- Request certificates: Ask the rubber flooring manufacturer or supplier for a copy of the fire test certificate. This should reference testing to BS EN ISO 9239-1 (radiant panel test for floor coverings) and BS EN 13501-1 (classification).
- Check the certificate matches: Ensure the tested product matches the product you intend to install — including thickness, colour, and backing type. Fire ratings are specific to the tested configuration; a different thickness or colour may not share the same classification.
- Document everything: Keep fire test certificates as part of the building's fire safety file. Building control officers and fire risk assessors may request these at any time.
- Consider the substrate: Fire test results depend on the substrate the product is installed on. A rubber floor tile tested on concrete may not achieve the same rating when installed on timber.
Common Fire-Rated Rubber Flooring Products
Several types of rubber flooring commonly achieve Bfl-s1 classification:
- Dense rubber sheet: Continuous rubber matting rolls in fire-rated formulations are available for corridor and escape route applications.
- Rubber floor tiles: Interlocking and glue-down rubber tiles with fire-rated compounds suit gyms, schools, and commercial interiors.
- Recycled rubber products: Some recycled rubber tiles achieve Cfl-s1 classification, suitable for less demanding applications. However, achieving Bfl-s1 with recycled content is more challenging and fewer products meet this standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all rubber flooring fire-rated?
No. Standard rubber matting and basic rubber rolls are not fire-rated and may only achieve Efl or Ffl classification. Fire-rated products are specifically formulated and tested. Never assume a rubber product meets fire requirements without checking the certificate.
Can I use non-fire-rated rubber matting in a commercial building?
It depends on the location within the building. Small rooms and areas away from escape routes may have lower requirements. However, it is always advisable to check with your building control officer or fire safety consultant.
Does fire-rated rubber flooring perform differently?
Fire-rated rubber flooring is functionally identical to standard rubber in terms of slip resistance, comfort, and durability. The fire-retardant additives do not compromise the product's physical performance.
How long does the fire rating last?
The fire rating is a property of the material and does not expire. However, severely worn, damaged, or modified rubber flooring should be assessed, as the effective thickness and integrity may have changed from the tested condition.
What about rubber matting on top of existing flooring?
Fire test classifications are valid for the specific installation configuration tested. Adding rubber matting over existing floor coverings changes the system. Consult the manufacturer regarding composite system fire performance.
The Importance of Getting It Right
Fire safety specification is not an area where shortcuts are acceptable. The consequences of installing non-compliant materials are severe — from building control rejection and costly replacement to criminal liability in the event of a fire.
At Rubber Matting Direct, we supply fire-rated rubber flooring products for commercial, public, and educational buildings. Our team can help you identify the correct fire classification for your project and recommend products that meet the requirement.
Browse our industrial rubber flooring range or contact us for fire-rated product recommendations, test certificates, and technical support. Every building deserves flooring that performs when it matters most.