CTS Construction Testing Services- Firestopping

IFC FIRESTOPPING INSPECTION

The 2012, 2015, and 2018 International Building Codes now require third party Special Inspections of firestopping by a qualified firestop inspector for Risk Category III and IV buildings, as well as those over 75 feet in height.

Thielsch Engineering, Inc. (TEI) has International Firestop Council (IFC) Premier Firestop Inspectors.

What makes someone qualified?

Not just someone who has installed firestopping!

According to ASTM E3808:

Certified by IFC or FM/UL
Previous firestop inspecting experience
Training from four (4) different manufacturers OR six (6) hour class that is acceptable to AHJ or AA

TYPES OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Containment

Confine a fire for a specified duration, thereby preventing fire spread and allowing more time for safe evacuation of the building occupants.

Suppression

Used to extinguish or prevent the spread of fire in a building. Suppression systems use either wet or dry chemicals.

Detection

Quickly identify a developing fire and alert building occupants and emergency response personnel before extensive damage occurs.

WHAT IS FIRESTOPPING?

Firestopping is a form of containment and prevents the passage of fire, smoke, and toxic gasses from one part of a building to the other. Firestopping systems are complex and require detailed inspections by individuals trained and certified through the International Fire Council (IFC). The most common standards used for firestop field inspections are ASTM E2174 and ASTM E2393.

COMMON FORMS OF FIRESTOPPING

Firestopping has three key elements: the fire-rated walls, partitions, floors or ceilings being penetrated; the cables, cable trays, pipe, duct or conduits that make up the object creating the penetration; and the materials and methods used to seal the penetrations to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Rated Joint Assembly

Perimeter Barrier Systems

Penetration Systems

Intersections where two fire-resistant assemblies meet create a joint. When left untreated, fire and smoke will spread through joints with very little resistance. The firestop sealant installed in these cases is typically spray-applied, sealing the rated joint assembly properly.

Perimeter barrier systems resist the passage of fire and smoke through the gap between the floor slab edge and an exterior wall or curtain wall. These systems are essential in fire containment and are challenging to install correctly, making inspections crucial and necessary. Failure to protect these gaps will result in fire spreading rapidly to floors above.

Penetrants often pass through rated walls and floors for the installation of utilities. The two types of penetration systems are through and membrane. Common penetrants are air ducts, electrical cables, data cables, and plumbing pipes. The open space around the penetrating item needs to be sealed in order to restore the integrity of the rated assembly and prevent the passage of flames, smoke, and toxic gasses during a fire.

Rated Joint Assembly

Intersections where two fire-resistant assemblies meet create a joint. When left untreated, fire and smoke will spread through joints with very little resistance. The firestop sealant installed in these cases is typically sprayapplied, sealing the rated joint assembly properly.

Perimeter Barrier Systems

Perimeter barrier systems resist the passage of fire and smoke through the voids between the floor slab edge and an exterior wall or curtain wall. These systems are essential in fire containment and are challenging to install correctly, making inspections crucial and necessary. Failure to protect these voids will result in fire spreading rapidly to floors above.

Penetration Systems

Penetrants are often needed to pass through rated walls and floors. The two types of penetration systems are through and membrane. Common penetrants are electrical cables, data cables, and plumbing pipes. The open space around the penetrating item needs to be sealed in order to restore the integrity of the rated assembly and prevent the passage of flames, smoke, and toxic gasses during a fire.