MODULAR TEMPORARY CONTAINMENT SYSTEM

A barrier system for partitioning a space is formed by panels which interlock with each other to provide a barrier that is fire rated. The interlocking panels are assembled in the barrier in columns which include at least two panels. A first horizontal joint between two panels of the barrier in a first column is vertically offset from a horizontal joint between two panels of the barrier in a second column that is adjacent to the first column at a vertical joint. Each panel is made of a laminated structure including a supporting frame around a core layer, barrier layers on opposed surfaces of the core and skin layers on the barrier layers. Tongue and groove construction interlocks the panels and a locking structure formed by a tapered hook in the groove engaging into a slot of the tongue locks horizontally adjacent panels to each other.