EVENT REPORT EVENT REPORT Firestopping service penetrations – the importance and benefits of early engagement

he article has been based on How early is early enough? wanted to change the way we thought the virtual panel discussion held In the preparation of ‘the purple book’, about service penetrations; we wanted T under the umbrella of London there has been a lot of debate going into them to be discussed and everyone Build Online on 25 November 2020. determining how early is early enough, engaged in this process at the earliest The industry has already seen a major and how early is too early – Alex Double possible stage,’ he pointed out when shift regarding the early consideration revealed. The document recommends discussing the aim of the document. of firestopping service penetrations in that, ideally, the specialist firestopping Keith Patrick explained that from the last few years, and especially since contractors, as well as the manufacturers, a main-contractor point of view, the tragic Grenfell Tower fire – this is are engaged during Stage 1 of RIBA plan traditionally, procurement has been something all participants have agreed of work. Even if the fully extended details carried out in order of procurement value during the discussion. However, they of the M&E services are not known at that of each package. This meant that the all pointed out ways in which current stage, it is advisable to at least keep track firestopping, due to its relatively small practices and mentality within the of the details, and as soon as they are value compared to other packages, such construction industry can and need known, take the firestopping contractor as the M&E, has been considered as far as to be improved further. and the manufacturer on board. ‘We 9–10 months after the start of the project. Who needs to be engaged? pipes. Ideally, there should be tested p Educating the construction industry about ‘That is just far too late,’ he warned and As Alex reminded, firestopping service solutions for firestopping when they bring firestopping is key. shared that they always ensure that they penetrations is not just about the new systems to the market. The panel members were: procure the M&E and the firestopping actual firestop products, it is about the package at around the same time of the services themselves and the substrate How can manufacturers help and what stakeholders to communicate with the Philip Trueman BA Hons, Dip Arch, ARB, RIBA: Director, Hester Architects – programme. construction. This makes it important can they do to facilitate the process? manufacturer, they need to be made aware he is overseeing all aspects of drawing production, with particular focus on the ‘From an architect-practice perspective, to engage with all the trades and other Craig also reported of early experiences about emerging trends in construction, firestopping strategy. consideration of firestopping can start manufacturers of systems, for example the similar to those of Chris: firestopping being so that they can react faster with potential even earlier, during pre-planning, when drywall manufacturer to establish their considered too late in the process, and solutions. ‘There is certainly an appetite Keith Patrick: Head of Quality Development and Supply Chain Management, decisions are made about the location of requirements for creating the penetrations manufacturers coming under pressure at to test those scenarios, but they can only Graham Construction – taking his 12 years of experience as a Project Director, his compartmentation walls and main routes remembering the firestop is intended to the last minute to come up with a solution, test them if they know,’ he said. Craig has current focus is education around quality and fire safety. of M&E services,’ Philip Trueman added. It maintain the integrity of the compartment which is essentially not possible because of confirmed that it is in the manufacturers’ needs to be ensured that, when it comes to construction. the timescales. interest to test common occurrences, Chris Morgan: Director – Fire Protection Division, GBS Builders (Ipswich) Ltd – firestopping, principles allow it to happen Keith also highlighted the necessity of He sees the role of the firestopping but testing and certification is a time- he has been in the industry his entire professional life, just over 20 years, and in line with the manufacturers’ guidance. engaging the M&E contractor, in addition manufacturer in the improvement of this consuming process, hence they need to experienced the evolution of this life-critical industry first-hand. Over the last three years, Chris Morgan to the firestopping contractor, because process as an educator: anybody who is be made aware as soon as possible. As an has seen a significant shift not only in of the overlap between those disciplines; involved in the design and management of example of recent trends, Alex brought Alex Double BEng (Hons), BA (Hons) Arch, MCIOB: Director, A D Design the scope of the work that the specialist some firestopping work may still have to installation of firestopping solutions needs up the rising trend of the installation Consultants Ltd (ADDC), Drylining & Fire Protection Consultants – his aim is to achieve firestopping contractors undertake but be done via the M&E package for practical to be made aware of the requirements but of stacked plastic ventilation ducts in compliance with manufacturers’ guidance and current legislation. He has been also in the time of their engagement. ‘Our reasons. ‘You must get both of those people also the solutions available and how they residential schemes. He also warned heavily involved in the creation of the recently issued Best Practice Guide for presence on the site has shifted from the in the same room talking before anything should be installed. against assuming that if a solution has been Firestopping Service Penetrations, otherwise known as ‘the purple book’.1 end of the job to essentially when pipes gets built, along with the architects and Craig added that ‘the most important tested in a singular application, it can just are being fitted,’ he said. ‘Five to six years designers to go through everything,’ he thing we can do is just make information be multiplied, and the same rule applied. Craig Wells: Sales Director and Technical Sales Consultant, Quelfire Limited, ago, the firestopping package was often said. He mentioned the insulation that is readily available for those that need it’. ‘I think we all have to be better in our Manufacturer & Supplier of Specialist Firestopping Products – supporting various carved up to various other subcontractors, going on the pipes as a typical example: it This could include scope of application, industry at communication, something that stakeholders in construction projects, he is a keen advocate of educating the such as the drylining and M&E contractors, needs to be determined whether there is assessments, test reports, installation I think historically the construction industry industry about firestopping requirements. and firestoppers were called in at the end a tested firestopping solution compatible guides, standard details that can be drawn is not great at. It is getting much better, but of the job to complete “awkward stuff that with it before building can begin. on by anyone at any point. we can still do more,’ Alex concluded. Moderator: Dr Andrew Taylor, Technical Officer, Association for Specialist Fire nobody else could do” as an “emergency Craig Wells also mentioned other system He believes manufacturers also need to Protection (ASFP) – his background includes 30+ years in intumescent coating for service”,’ Chris described from previous manufacturers that, he believes, need to be keep an open mind for feedback on how Who should liability sit with? structural steel, shifting to firestopping in the last few years. He has also been actively experiences. ‘Today, we are often talking included in the ‘circle of communication’ they can contribute to moving the industry As Philip confirmed, responsibility for participating in the production of the Firestopping of Service Penetrations Guide. through projects that have not even about firestopping: ventilation companies, forward. the selection and type of firestopping started on site.’ the manufacturers of gas pipes or sprinkler Alex also advised that it is vital for other systems should be taken by the architect.

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t Firestopping needs to be considered at the earliest possible stage. firestopping system supplier

training needs to be provided to anyone involved in PFP installation during the you can rely on? project, involving the manufacturer with their presence on site if needed. In his experience, operatives on site tend to be very appreciative of any training opportunity. Alex listed the following training types that can contribute to more compliant installations: manufacturer training, NVQ training, in-house training, IFP & ASFP courses. Chris completed the list with site- specific inductions, monthly updates on changes to the industry and visual training where possible, so that operatives can see what a particular brand’s product looks like.

Key takeaways ■ More and earlier communication Supported by information provided by M&E contractors to apply correct spacings between every party involved in the the manufacturer, they have to ensure that between services. ‘Everyone needs to be project. design details are in line with the various engaged and understand what the whole ■ Early engagement, cooperation, manufacturers’ test data and certificates, end goal is.’ collaboration, teamwork from everyone, and that what is being issued to site for Andrew and Alex took the opportunity ensuring ‘everyone is on the same page’. construction is compliant. They also work to refer to the Firestopping of Service ■ Being as specific as possible about closely with the firestopping subcontractor, Penetrations Guide and remind everyone firestopping, capitalising on data to make sure they understand the details. that it promotes collaboration. It includes available. Keith welcomed the attitude and 34 questions to go through to design a ■ Education in PFP of everyone involved in explained that when it comes to penetration seal, and it is very unlikely that firestopping, at all levels. Technical support at every stage of the project P12 (Firestopping systems) of NBS one person will have the answer to all of ■ Using third-party certified products, Specifications, main contractors still often those questions. That is why it is vital to installed by third-party-certified Collaboration with each stakeholder involved in the project see the phrase ‘contractor’s choice’ on the bring everybody around the table with contractors. documentation received from architects. their own areas of expertise. ■ Ensuring compliance with Rather than focusing too much on liability or manufacturers’ guidance and current Easily accessible documentation who is responsible for what, he encourages How to choose a firestopping legislation, keeping updated on both. the approach of working together: ‘Get contractor and what training ■ Not treating firestopping in relation to its everybody in the room, early doors and they need to ensure compliance value compared to other packages but Generic and tailored training opportunities talk it out to get it right the first time.’ He Keith believes that pricing could be one its importance. Eventually, it contributes reminded about the detrimental moral, of the indicators. Prices significantly lower to saving lives! Quick response time and approachable team legal, as well as financial consequences of than the rest should be a warning sign that any non-compliant or incorrect installations. not all aspects of firestopping have been For more information, go to He described the Draft Building Safety considered. Simply engaging with them in  www.quelfire.co.uk Bill2 as a ‘sobering document for anybody communication could also reveal their level involved in the construction industry’ and of competence. References pointed out that under Section 94, creating According to Alex, other things to look 1 Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Quelfire - your trusted Partner in Firestopping or contributing to conditions, where an for in a firestopping installer are third- Practice in Design and Installation, produced collaboratively by the Association for Specialist occupant in a building could be injured, will party certification, as well as trade-body Fire Protection (ASFP), Building Engineering become a criminal offence, punishable by memberships, which show commitment to Services Association (BESA), Building Services up to two years in prison. the industry and having their work audited Research and Information Association (BSRIA), Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS) and the Supplying the construction industry with high-quality Chris also promoted collaboration and by a third party. He also recommended Gypsum Products Development Association believes the other key stakeholders such asking whether they are doing any ongoing (GPDA), https://asfp.org.uk/firestopping-of- third-party certified firestopping solutions as the M&E contractors and the dryliners training on site. Changing regulations, service-penetrations-a-new-best-practice- need to be encouraged to fully understand intricacies of installation of different guide/ supported by strong technical expertise 2 Draft Building Safety Bill, published 20 July why they are being asked to carry out manufacturers’ systems make ongoing 2020, https://www.gov.uk/government/ installations in certain ways – for example, training a necessity. publications/draft-building-safety-bill dryliners to form openings correctly or the Keith also emphasised that ongoing

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