In the project, there is no usual emphasis on how to correctly check the application of firestopping for your construction projects in the PH especially for through penetration MEPF utilities.
Hi Engr. Kaloi! Regarding the inquiry about how to qualify fire-stopping used on job sites, it’s essential to involve local fire officials and installer auditors. These professionals can verify compliance with standards and ensure that fire-stopping installations meet safety requirements.
Section 10.2.6.1 of the Fire Code of the Philippines 2019 regarding the quality assurance for penetrations and joint systems with firestopping states that a quality assurance program for devices and systems installed to protect penetration and joints shall be conducted by an approved inspection agency in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E2393. Standard practice for on-site inspection of installed fire resistive joint systems and perimeter fire barriers.
To aid our firestop inspectors, there is an additional reference mentioned in IBC which is not captured but is fully aligned with our NBC and The Fire Code. And this is ASTM E2174 for thru penetration applications. ASTM E2393 for joint systems is specifically mention in the fire code.
1705.17 Fire-resistant penetrations and joints
In high-rise buildings or in buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV, special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire-resistant joint systems and perimeter fire barrier systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2, 714.5.1.2, 715.4 shall be in accordance with Section 1705.17.1 or 1705.17.2.
1705.17.1 Penetration firestops
Inspections of penetration firestop systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2 and 714.5.1.2 shall be conducted by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E2174.
1705.17.2 Fire-resistant joint systems
Inspection of fire-resistant joint systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 715.3 and 715.4 shall be conducted by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E2393.
How do you qualify if the installed firestop system is suitable for use?
Prior to inspection, information about the application should be gathered.
Information on the application:
- Barrier type
- Penetrant: Combustible/non-combustible, size, types (Through penetrations)
- Joint width (construction joints)
- Barrier thickness
- Annular gap
- Suitable for inhibiting fire/smoke?
- Movement ability
- Firestop assembly rating etc.
Essential documents:
- UL listing or Engineering judgement
- 2D plan or layout with complete information
The firestop system is then to be visually inspected if they comply based on the UL approval document or Engineering judgment.
For additional information regarding relevant topics, please refer to the Ask Hilti article link provided:
Engineering judgement: https://ask.hilti.com.ph/article/what-is-an-engineering-judgement-ej/gs7jx4
Firestop codes, regulations and standards: https://ask.hilti.com.ph/article/a-guide-to-firestop-codes-regulations-and-standards/jqixdo
Importance of fire compartments: https://ask.hilti.com.ph/article/the-importance-of-fire-compartments-part-1/xa7xlv