Posted by Nana Hinsley on Wed, Jul 21, 2010 @ 12:54 PM
ASFR-6 and Zipwall make a Positive Impact in RRP Market
Global Plastic Sheeting’s ASFR-6 Anti-Static, Fire Retardant 6 mil Poly Sheeting saves contractors time, money and headaches during Lead Paint Abatement. This unique film does not attract Dust & Dirt like normal poly sheeting (aka Visqueen). This feature saves significant time on RRP job sites (EPA 2010 Lead Law, Renovate, Repair, Paint). When used with the Zipwall pole and jack system to make containments, contractors can set up containments in minutes, without ever getting on a ladder! 
Zipwall poles are incredibly easy to use: simply clamp the plastic sheeting between the plates on top of the pole, stand the pole up until solidly against the ceiling, putting pressure on the spring loaded jack, twist the pole sections to lock in place, and pull the plastic under the bottom foot. Zipwall now offers two different versions of their product, their longstanding commercial version, and a new budget version that is significantly lower cost. Both are excellent tools for the RRP contractor, and will save tons of time and money over the life of the product. When using these products with each other, contractors present an image showing they care about the customer and their safety. This is a very professional looking containment, which impresses customers. Impressed customers tell other people, and contractors get referrals.
Posted by Nana Hinsley on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 @ 12:28 PM
Our company recently joined the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) so we can better understand how we can help our customers protect themselves from the ravages of fire. In the polyethylene industry, Fire Retardant products have been around for a few decades, but have really only come into their own over the past 15 years or so in the USA. Fire Retardant products were much more popular, and were specified on all construction projects in Europe many years before they became established in the USA.
Because polyethylene is made from petroleum/natural gas related products, in its natural state, it makes what Fire Marshals deem a "VERY EXCITING FIRE." When we make polyethylene fire retardant, we interrupt the combustion process using chemistry, so the products no longer contribute as significant fuel sources to a fire. Various additive packages made by additive manufacturers are readily available today, so we can make this a reality in most types of thermo-plastic or poly based products.
Many fire retardant plastics will still burn, but at a much slower rate, and at a much lower temperature, so they are not a significant factor should a fire occur. Standard plastics can be quite a significant fire hazard, and are even used as fuel sources in incinerators where "non combustible" items are incinerated. That should give one an idea how hot these materials can burn.
Fire retardant plastics are suitable for many applications within the construction industry, health care industry, shipbuilding and repair, cruise lines, military, government, laboratories, commercial buildings, scaffolding covering, and the list goes on. In fact, it is my belief that FR plastics should be used in any application where there is any potential for a spark or fire, or where increasing fire safety is beneficial.