Complete guide to selecting fire-resistant panels for medical facilities
A detailed guide to choosing fire-resistant panels for hospitals, clinics and medical centres, taking into account all DBN and healthcare regulations.
Medical facilities have specific requirements for finishing materials. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore all aspects of selecting fire-resistant panels for hospitals, clinics and medical centres — from regulatory requirements to practical recommendations.
Why fire-resistance matters in medical facilities
Fire safety in medical facilities is of critical importance for several key reasons. First, patients often have limited mobility and require significantly more time for evacuation. Second, medical equipment and materials can be highly flammable, creating additional risks.
According to research by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the use of NG-class materials reduces the risk of fire spread by 85% and increases safe evacuation time threefold — from 3 to 9 minutes.
Statistics on fires in medical facilities
Over the past 5 years, Ukraine has recorded over 200 cases of fire in medical facilities. In 78% of cases, the rapid spread of fire was caused by finishing materials with low fire-resistance class.
Classification of materials by fire safety
In Ukraine, the system of classification of construction materials by fire-technical characteristics is in force according to DSTU B V.2.7-19:
- CM-0 — non-combustible materials, highest safety class, mandatory for medical facilities
- CM-1 — low-combustible materials with low smoke production and toxicity
- CM-2 — moderately combustible materials, permitted for certain premises
- CM-3 — normally combustible materials, prohibited for public buildings
DBN requirements for medical facilities
In accordance with DBN V.2.2-10:2019 "Healthcare facilities", the use of NG-class materials is mandatory for wall and ceiling finishing in medical facilities in the following areas:
- Operating theatres — all surfaces must be non-combustible and easy to disinfect
- Intensive care units — enhanced requirements due to presence of oxygen equipment
- Evacuation corridors — critical for safe patient evacuation
- Intensive care wards — combination of fire-resistance and hygiene
- Children's departments — strictest requirements for safety and environmental friendliness
Sanitary and hygienic requirements
In addition to fire-resistance, panels for medical facilities must meet strict sanitary standards. This includes resistance to aggressive disinfectants, antibacterial properties and easy cleaning without surface damage.
Panels for medical facilities must withstand treatment with chlorine solutions of up to 0.5% concentration and UV disinfection without colour or surface structure change throughout the entire service life.
Antibacterial coatings
Modern panels for medical facilities are equipped with special antibacterial coatings based on silver or copper ions. Such coatings provide continuous protection against pathogenic micro-organisms.
Recommended GYPSUN panel series
For medical facilities, we recommend the following series of our products, specially developed taking into account all requirements:
GYPSUN Fire-0 Medical
A specialised series for medical facilities with enhanced antibacterial properties. The panels have a perfectly smooth surface that is easy to clean and disinfect. Available in 24 colours, including special "soothing" shades for wards.
GYPSUN ECO Hospital
An environmentally friendly series with no harmful emissions. Ideal for intensive care wards, children's departments and maternity homes. It holds an environmental safety certificate ISO 14001.
GYPSUN Acoustic Medical
Acoustic panels with enhanced sound absorption for creating a comfortable environment. Particularly recommended for psychiatric departments and rehabilitation centres.
Certification process and documentation
When selecting panels for a medical facility, be sure to request a complete package of documents:
- Fire safety certificate — confirmation of NG-class from an accredited laboratory
- Hygienic conclusion from the Ukrainian Ministry of Health — permission to use in medical facilities
- ISO 9001 conformity certificate — guarantee of stable production quality
- Test protocols — detailed results of fire-resistance testing
- Product technical passport — complete specifications and installation instructions
Installation and maintenance
Proper installation is the key to longevity and safety. Our certified specialists have undergone special training for work in medical facilities, adhering to all sanitary protocols, including work in "clean" zones.
Warranty obligations
All Medical series panels come with an extended 15-year warranty, including preservation of fire-resistant properties, colour and antibacterial coating.
Conclusion
Selecting fire-resistant panels for a medical facility is a responsible decision that directly affects the safety of patients and medical staff. Investment in quality NG-class materials pays for itself with peace of mind and confidence in the protection of your facility.
Contact our experts for a free consultation, site survey and project cost estimate. We will help you select the optimal solution for your medical facility.
