Firestop - Just Like Rodney Dangerfield - Gets No Respect!

Beginning In IBC-2012, Third Party Firestop Inspection is Required!

Firestopping, identified in IBC Chapter 7, is a construction detail utilized to seal penetrations or joints in fire-resistance rated walls or floors. Firestop installation has generally been the responsibility of each trade, where it is frequently delegated to the lowest ranking member of the construction crew – and often with little instruction how to properly complete the task. And since many early firestop materials were red in color, the “red is right” mentality was almost universally adopted, with many firestop installations considered complete just because red color materials were applied to penetrations or joints in fire-resistance rated walls or floors.

Compartmentation is utilized to prevent fire spread in facilities. But statistics show 75% of fire-related death is caused by smoke inhalation, with 57% of these deaths occurring in rooms located remotely from where the fire originated. Why? Because air leakage into spaces adjacent to (and far away from) where fires originate quickly lead to these spaces becoming uninhabitable, sometimes within minutes. Properly sealed compartments are a crucial part of passive fire protection that ensures fire event survivability.

Proper firestopping (material selection and installation per a UL System) is essential to achieve effectively sealed compartmentation and, beginning in IBC-2012, certain firestop installations require special third party inspection.

In IBC-2012, Section 1705.16 requires third party special inspection of firestop for high-rise buildings or buildings in Risk Categories III or IV (1604.5).

Risk category III buildings are those representing a 'substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure', including certain public assembly buildings; many school buildings (day care through college or university level); I-2 or I-3 occupancies; as well as those having occupant load over 5,000. Risk category IV buildings are those designated as 'essential to the public', including fire, rescue, ambulance, or police buildings; emergency shelters; emergency response buildings; and many public works (power, water, etc).

With the importance of firestopping elevated by special inspection, its contribution to life safety and project success has been established. Some construction practices need to stop, such as firestop haphazardly installed by a ‘rookie’ without any instruction. But new construction practices need to be developed, such as:Firestopping requirements must be identified on project drawings and in specifications.

1.  Firestopping must be discussed in project meetings to establish requirements.
2. Shop drawings showing firestopping details (including the UL System) must be required, reviewed, and approved as part of the submittal process.
3. If firestopping remains the responsibility of each trade, many people must be educated.
4. A firestopping specialty sub-contractor may be considered for entire projects. Credentials, such as those by FCIA (fcia.org), should be considered.
5. Large projects may utilize a quality assurance professional specifically dedicated to firestopping.
6. Third party inspections must be completed by qualified, independent inspectors. Credentials, such as those by The International Firestop Council (firestop.org), should be required.
7. AHJs must decide if they will accept the responsibility to properly inspect firestopping - or establish requirements for third party inspection on projects within their jurisdiction.

Although special inspection of firestop may not be required for all projects, the precedent (and liability) for properly installed firestopping has been established, along with maintenance requirements (IFC, Section 703.1). Will proper attention to firestopping contribute to the success of your next project – or be a liability leading to its downfall?