New Industry Standard for Architects- Part Two
Last week we introduced a new standard for firestop installers. Today, we discuss the New Industry Standard for Architects in Special Inspection of Firestop.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
We find that many special inspection firms, which perform various special inspection tasks, are asked to conduct fire inspections. However, they often comply with the client’s request without adhering to the specific standards written into the building codes. This causes a liability for everyone- the owner, the builder, the community…. However, it also poses a liability for the architect, as they are responsible for reviewing both the inspector and their reports, as stipulated by the inspection standards. Since these standards are integrated into the building code, there is a legal obligation to adhere to them.
If you have questions and you are a building official or architect, I can provide you with a document designed to assist in vetting special inspection firms to ensure they meet current code qualifications. Please email me from an official building or fire department email address, or an architect’s office email, and I will promptly send you the document.
WHAT MIGHT AN ARCHITECT CHANGE IN THIER SPECIFICATIONS
Our discussion today is on relatively new standard that architects may want to consider writing into their specifications. ASTM E3038 is the “Standard Practice for Assessing and Qualifying Candidates as Inspectors of Firestop Systems and Fire-Resistive Joint Systems”. By including this requirement in your project specifications, you are ensuring that anyone performing this scope of work possesses the necessary training to complete it according to established standards (such as ASTM E2174 and ASTM E2393 for inspecting firestop penetrations and rated joints)
To simplify matters, include this requirement in the quality section of your firestop through-penetration specifications. For further information, feel free to contact us for details or purchase the standard from the ASTM website.
WHAT DOES THE STANDARD REQUIRE?
Here are just a few of the requirements. For all the information please visit ASTM and purchase the standard.
- Two years in construction dealing with firestop under the direction of an inspector
- Two years in firestop QC ( not just QC, but specifically related to the firestop industry)
- Four years working in the firestop industry compiling submittals or field installations
- Be a registered design professional WITH experience in the firestop industry
- Pass an exam covering firestop
- Attend firestop training (the standard has more information on this requirement, but having a manufacturers training card is not sufficient to meet this requirement)
If you are a code official, remember that once you approve a set of plans and specifications, the building team must legally adhere to the specified quality level in the construction documents. Therefore, you can enforce these standards based on the specifications approved by the project owner and architect, as outlined in the building code.
Keep learning and keep improving! If we can help don’t hesitate to contact us!