Firestopping Book Firestopping Book | Page 97

Some key points to keep in mind while conducting inspections: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Is the firestop system listed? (e.g. by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek Testing Services (ITS)). Do the specified firestop systems comply with the standard testing requirements for the in-place conditions? The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) shall approve Firestop system details and Firestop products. Hence, Firestop systems details and materials should be included in the plans and specifications. How are engineering judgments evaluated? Are all the firestop system details made available to building inspectors? Do the general contractor and subcontractors understand that the protection of penetrations and joints will be inspected? Firestop systems must not be concealed from view before being inspected and approved Walkthrough visual inspections should be made during the firestop installation When necessary or required, a destructive evaluation will be made on various types of firestop systems Flashlights, coring device and other appropriate tools make a proper inspection easier Proper depths, annular space and product types are critical to the effectiveness of the system Construction documents detailing the firestop locations and systems must be kept on-site to assist in the conduct of the inspection Observe that the actual products, containers, wrappings or boxes are labeled with the approved testing agency marks and are as specified in the submitted details Measure the depth and width of materials as indicated in the details (sometimes density measurements are also required for products such as thermal insulation) 97