AES Cleanroom Technology has announced that it has secured FM 4882 approval for its modular cleanroom wall and ceiling panel system, adding low-smoke certification to the products’ existing FM 4880 Class 1 fire approval.
FM 4882 is the FM Approvals standard for Class 1 interior wall and ceiling materials or systems in smoke-sensitive occupancies.
Its scope specifically includes cleanrooms and pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage areas.
For products categorised for cleanroom use, the standard incorporates the FM 4910 cleanroom materials flammability test protocol and assesses materials for low smoke generation.
The distinction between FM 4880 and FM 4882 is therefore important — FM 4880 addresses Class 1 fire performance, but FM 4882 focuses specifically on smoke generation in environments where smoke damage can be particularly consequential.
FM’s own pharmaceutical operations guidance recommends using non-combustible wall, floor and interior finishing materials in cleanrooms.
Where these cannot be used, it recommends materials that are FM Approved to FM 4882 for cleanroom applications or tested to FM 4910.
Why this matters
For pharma manufacturers, the potential impact of a fire extends beyond direct structural or equipment damage.
Smoke contamination can affect cleanroom surfaces, manufacturing equipment and materials outside the immediate fire area, potentially adding cleaning, decontamination and qualification activities to the recovery process.
Thus, this new certification is particularly relevant to the sector, where smoke from a fire can pose contamination and business-continuity risks beyond just the immediate effects of flames.
AES said FM Approvals had independently tested and verified its panels. The company added that the approval followed investment in product development to engineer a solution meeting FM 4882 requirements.
“Patients are the reason this matters,” said Chris Miller, CEO of AES Cleanroom Technology.
Our clients make therapies that people depend on and a contamination event does not just cost a facility; it interrupts supply to people with no alternative.
The FM 4882 approval covers four components of the AES Modular Cleanroom Wall and Panel System: the 2-inch AES Profile wall panel; the 0.5-inch AES Adapt wall lining panel; the 2- and 3-inch AES Marquee ceiling panel; and the 0.5-inch AES Parasol ceiling panel.
AES says the products are now listed as FM 4882 approved.
FM Approvals describes its certification process as involving testing against defined performance requirements, with approved products listed in its Approval Guide.
Certification can also include examination of manufacturing facilities, quality-assurance audits and follow-up surveillance.
