Firestopping Book Firestopping Book | Page 11

INTRODUCTION This publication will look at the requirements for Firestopping systems, which are used in a building for compartmentation. One of the primary modes of fire and smoke spread within the building is via the openings which get created by the pas- sage of services/utility path- ways (pipes, electrical cables, ducts,etc.). Fire and smoke generally find their way out of its origin via these openings. Openings and penetrations in a fire-resistance-rated barrier create a potential weak link or hole that could dramaticall re- duce the assembly’s effective- ness or render it completely ineffective if they are not properly protect- ed. If such a situation occurs, then generally it has been seen that even before the fire depart- ment arrives at the place of a fire accident, the building is filled with fire and smoke. Such a spread of fire through the utility service pen- etrations not only endangers the life of the occupants, but it also affects the response of the fire- fighting team. This book will shed light on each topic of firestopping with a goal to enhance education and awareness in the construc- tion and fire-fighting industry. 11