Only competent individuals should carry out firestopping. It’s specialist work, requiring the installer to have the correct knowledge, skills, experience, and behaviours.
Service penetration sealing is a key area of passive fire protection, and it’s the area we specialise in. Its role is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through what’s known as fire compartmentation.
This uses products, like fire collars and wraps, to seal gaps around services penetrating compartment lines.
But what makes a firestopping product ‘lifesaving’ is the test evidence behind it. Without important test evidence, we cannot know how a product will behave in a fire.
Whereas traditional methods of ‘batt and mastic’ used to be a prominent solution, today, firestopping contractors work to precise spacing requirements, quantities of materials, and depth of product.
Many now also participate earlier in the project, which allows them to share their ideas on how practical the installation will be.
Because, ultimately, the only way to keep buildings and the people in them safe is to install the correct products in the correct way. This relies on the expertise and collaboration of all key stakeholders.
Passive fire protection is all about prevention. It’s also about keeping people safe when it matters; we want them to feel secure in the places they live, work, shop, and eat.
So, when reflecting on who can carry out firestopping work, it’s important to think about the life-safety element of the job, and the skills needed.
Who can carry out firestopping works?
Effective and compliant firestopping relies on trained and competent installers. It is now a legal requirement under the Building Safety Act to ensure and demonstrate your competence.
There are many initiatives across the industry to support this, such as the IFE training courses and a wide variety of CPDs, webinars, and product-specific training.
There are even projects that offer on-the-job learning. Quelfire’s Technical Team has recently conducted workshops to support those entering the industry, giving them the opportunity to learn how to build a firewall and install tested solutions.
Furthermore, third-party accredited installers have become more recognised in the industry. Third-party accreditation essentially provides independent verification that a product, process, or service meets specific standards.
Though we know of highly competent installers who don’t have this accreditation, it does provide the client with peace of mind by guaranteeing compliance and safety.
Finally, manufacturer-trained installers. No one knows their products, including their scope and limitations, better than the manufacturer.
Participating in regular training will ensure the correct installation of the products and use of test evidence.
Service penetration sealing isn’t just about getting the job done; it’s about getting it right and wanting to! This requires those carrying out firestopping works to be competent: to have the correct training, skills, and attention to detail.
Do you have a firestopping query? Please get in touch with us at technical@quelfire.co.uk.
