CSIR Fire Test
Fire-Retardant Dipped Timber Support Poles
A large-scale fire evaluation was conducted in a simulated mine stope facility at CSIR. Rainbow Mining Support Timber was treated by dipping it into a special fire-retardant product, allowing deeper penetration compared to spraying, which helps prevent the spread of fire underground.
The treatment’s impact on the fire performance of the timber support poles is evident, effectively preventing the spread of fire and enhancing the overall safety of underground support structures.
The test concluded after 35 minutes with no signs of reignition, demonstrating the timber support poles’ sustained fire resistance and reliability in maintaining underground safety conditions.
Installation of starter pack and 3 x 1.4m fire retardant treated poles, spaced 1 m apart.
Starter pack, composed of pine, was ignited, and ventilation through the stope was provided using a mobile jet fan.
Ignition occurred on fire-retardant-treated Pole 1, resulting in only charring at the top of the pole.
Starter pack pulled over within 10 minutes.
Flame decreased on the fire source.
Test concluded with no indications of reignition.
