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History
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| History |
asbestos until that time were replaced by non-objectionable Vermiculite
products. After a lengthy period of development, these products were tested
in about 25 different international testing institutes for their suitability with
respect to fire protection as well as smoke and gas production (Toxicity).
The requirements and tests in the shipbuilding industry are regulated inter-
nationally. In 1974, international agreements «For the Protection of Human
Life at Sea» were reached with respect to preventive fire protection. New laws
and rules came into being under the name of SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea).
Treaties were agreed upon, regulations were standardised and new terms
defined.
In addition to this, recommendations and regulations for testing and inspec-
tion methods were established in the IMO Resolutions (International Maritime
Organisation).
The qualifications which materials and components for shipbuilding must fulfil
in general are defined through them.
The IMO Resolutions were then applied to the use of these products in
special applications, e.g. on offshore platforms, hotel ships, riverboats and
megayachts.
Vermiculite products are today's market leaders in the field of «preventive
fire protection in interior design». The large selection of different surface
textures (tiles, marble, laminates [HPL and CPL], bricks, hardwood veneer,
metal surfaces, etc.) and their easy handling (they can be cut and processed
as easily as wood) make the most attractive designs possible.
Through purposeful product development, fire and noise protection is opti-
mised continuously. The product range is extended and aesthetically appea-
ling solutions are continuously developed in the decorative area.
