A product cannot be fire rated. Plywood is quite acceptable as a material used in fire resistance components or structures providing it is combined with other materials so as to meet the fire resistant requirements. A low index value indicates better early fire hazard properties. The early fire hazard indices as defined in AS 1530 Part 3 for untreated pine plywood are given below. 2 Plywood possesses early fire hazard indices which enable it to be used untreated in most applications.
Plywood is suitable for use in most building linings, walls, ceilings, partitions and floors.
Building codes may restrict its use in areas of severe hazard such as flues, hearths, public exits, public corridors, lift wells and certain enclosed public areas and buildings. Treatment of plywood by impregnation with fire retardant salts, to reduce the early fire hazard indices, is permissible, provided appropriate certification is achieved showing compliance with the building regulations. The use of intumescent finishes and paints to reduce the early fire hazard indices is not acceptable under current building regulations.