Reasons Why Firestop Inspection Is Vital
Posted on: 14 September 2021
Your firestop system is one of the most important fire safety components in your facility. However, too often, firestops are overlooked and not inspected for defects. A firestop inspection is an important fire protection measure that can save your life, the lives of your employees, or those you love. It is vital for fire prevention and fire safety. A third-party firestop inspector can identify weaknesses in firestops and seals them to prevent fires from spreading.
What is a Firestop?
A firestop is a physical barrier that prevents the spread of flames, smoke, hot gases, and heat from one building area to another. It seals out a fire that can be caused by faulty construction or material defects. It is designed to prevent or stop fires from causing further injuries or death. Obviously, it must be successful in its task; otherwise, it will likely cause harm.
What is Firestop Inspection?
A firestop inspection is the on-site inspection of firestop systems in order to validate fire protection. Among other things, firestop systems are used to protect floors and roofs, fire dampers, fire doors, electrical penetrations through fire-rated walls or floors, and elevator shafts that penetrate fire-rated assemblies.
The purpose of a firestop inspection is to ensure fire-stopping materials are intact and the fire protection systems work as intended.
Why is Firestop Inspection Essential?
The main purpose of firestop inspections is to ensure that all fire or smoke dampers, fire doors, firestops, and fire-resisting systems meet the fire safety requirements of building codes. Firestop inspection is usually done to check fire sprinkler installations and fire alarm cables that run in walls and floors in order to comply with fire codes. The best time to do this inspection is before the completion of fire-rated construction.
A third-party firestop inspector will ensure firestop systems and fireproofing materials are installed correctly to fire code standards. The aim is not only to protect the structure but also those around it, as fire could spread quickly due to firestop intersections. In this context, firestops are inspected to ensure safety in case of fire. Firestop inspections can prevent fire from spreading between compartments, which could save lives and properties. This also helps protect firefighters who might otherwise be unaware of firestop intersections.
Further, firestops are inspected to ensure the fire rating of the firestop system is upheld so that it can do what it was installed for in the first place: to protect people and property.
Conclusion
A firestop inspection is a crucial component of your company's safety plan. It can save lives and property, as well as ensure compliance with local regulations. It can also save you a significant amount of money on insurance premiums, property taxes, and more.
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