Firestopping of service penetrations, Best practice in design and installation

Firestopping of service penetrations, Best practice in design and installation, was published by Finishes and Interiors Sector Limited (FIS) in 2020.

It was written with support and contributions from the following trade associations:

• FIS (Finishes and Interiors Sector).
• ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection).
• GPDA (Gypsum Products Development Association).
• BESA (Building Engineering Services Association).
• BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association).

It is intended to assist in the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations to ensure fire compartmentation is maintained.

The aim of the guide is to encourage all stakeholders in construction to consider firestopping design earlier in the process in order to avoid problems at a later stage in construction. It is not an installation manual but guidance to a good practice approach. The guide is broken down to provide information on actions that should be carried out during each of the stages one to seven as defined in the RIBA Plan of Work.

Dame Judith Hackitt DBE FRENG FICHEME FCGI said: “This document is the result of a collaboration between a number of relevant trade bodies and organisations representing the wider construction and fire safety industries, and it is an example of the collaborative working and acceptance of professional responsibility throughout the supply chain that must become a feature of the industry’s culture from now on.”

The contents of the guide are:

• Foreword 1.
• Foreword 2.
• Introduction.
• Scope.

1. Preparation and briefing.
2. Concept design.
3. Spatial coordination.
4. Technical design.
5. Manufacturing and construction.
6. Handover.
7. Use.

• Appendix a: Regulations, standards and industry guidance.
• Appendix b: Case study.
• References.
• Acknowledgements.

You can download the guide here.

It has also been turned into a short (free) online training course designed for building engineers, designers, installer, inspectors, or insurer who want to learn more about fire stopping.

During this course, you will learn about the design process for the selection of fire stopping of service penetrations, how to apply the nine golden rules, understand the importance of early engagement, as well as the terms and definitions used and the key questions to ask to ensure a compliant installation of fire stopping.

Knowledge check questions will be asked at the end of the course. Once you have completed the course, you can download a CPD certificate.

--FIS

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• BS 476.
• Cavity barrier.
• Compartment floor.
• Compartment wall.
• Dry riser.
• Fire compartment.
• Fire damper.
• Fire door.
• Fire resistance.
• Fire separation.
• Fire.
• Fire-separating element.
• Firestopping.
• Joint fire code.
• Penetration seal.

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