Firestop Training

This course provides an update on the advancements in perimeter fire containment systems for galvanized backpan assemblies. The value of understanding the performance of galvanized backpan assemblies in today’s ever changing complex designs cannot be overstated. By identifying the unique challenges that these assemblies present in the design phase, you can eliminate costly changes, delays, and compromised life safety requirements prior to construction. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

Thermal Protective, fire-rated shaft enclosures are perhaps one of the most important features of modern high-rise construction. From fire alarm cables to fuel oil, rated enclosures are imperative to the life safety of a building’s occupants. This course will discuss the events and relevant code developments which have brought us to this modern era of fire rated shaft enclosure. Furthermore, this course covers the ever-evolving code requirements and modernization of building materials and how each has impacted the way we design and build in the 21st century. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

The Firestop 101 course focuses on the basics of passive fire protection. The seminar will cover why firestopping is used today, where it is required, how it is tested, product options, UL systems selection and common installations. (AIA 2 LU|HSW)

This basic competency course is an in-service training and includes an exam. This course is excellent for designers, installers, code compliance officers and anyone seeking a basic understanding of firestopping. This course is non-proprietary to specific brands and will teach the UL System approach as well as product and system management. (AIA 3 LU|HSW)

According to the IBC, “…Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code…as determined by the building official.” Failure to properly to do so can jeopardize life safety and property and result in serious liability. This course is intended to provide architects and specifiers of firestop products and systems with the information and resources they need to meet the intent of the code. Being aware of the requirements for proper firestop specifications and drawings during the design phase cannot be overstated. Fully understanding the unique challenges of proper specification are critical to avoid costly changes, delays, and liability downstream. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

Firestopping Engineering Judgements, or “EJs” as they are commonly referred to as, show up on construction projects often when field conditions differ from the original intended design. These unanticipated construction hindrances encountered in the field often cannot be easily or cost-effectively redesigned, so firestop manufacturer recommendations are typically made to propose alternative designs to ensure performance of the firestop system is not compromised. While EJs may be unavoidable at times, upfront planning during preconstruction meetings and coordination between the trades can minimize the number of EJs required. Still, firestop manufacturers are called upon to issue tens of thousands of EJs per year to address non-standard construction. Since these recommendations are not based upon identical designs as tested, it is important that they be developed using sound engineering principles and good judgment. This course is intended to identify the critical elements needed for architect, specifiers, construction industry professionals, building officials, fire officials, firestop contractors and other stakeholders to obtain EJs when necessary, providing guidelines and resources for doing so. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

Firestopping is clearly defined in all model building codes and is essential to life safety. Passive containment is necessary to contain fire and smoke to their point of origin. This presentation covers code compliant design and contractor coordination for modular firestopping. We will be discussing a “system approach” to mechanical, plumbing and electrical through penetrations as well as protecting construction joints and marriage points. Product installation recommendations and techniques for firestop devices (in-factory) and wet seals (on-site) will be highlighted and we will conclude with a discussion on the engineering judgement process and the future of modular fire testing. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

In this one-hour course, the basics of life safety and code compliant design for firestopping installation are covered. Additionally, this course covers major issues in design such as the coordination of different trades responsible for firestopping. A UL system approach for firestopping for mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler, electrical and data cabling penetrations is covered, as well as for joint construction and curtain walls. Finally, this course covers how code requirements can impact design. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

The International Building Code (IBC) is an essential tool intended to preserve public health and safety by providing safeguards from hazards associated with the built environment. The IBC addresses design and installation of firestopping materials that meet or exceed public health and safety goals. The IBC provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process. This course is intended to identify the critical areas and guidelines for firestopping within the IBC that architects, specifiers, construction industry professionals, building officials, fire officials, firestop contractors and other stakeholders must be aware of to ensure that the code requirements for a building’s life safety are met. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

Standard Operating Practices (SOP) exist in healthcare facilities for emergency room care, the administration of anesthesia, and life-saving surgical procedures to name a few. SOP’s are put into place in many areas in healthcare to save people’s lives. And yet when it comes to firestopping, or passive fire protection, a life safety component designed to protect the very lives of the people whose lives were just saved, there often is no plan in place. This seminar will outline the benefits of having this most important life safety feature. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

Today’s high performance curtain wall systems demand high performance fire protection. Fully understanding the role and value of tested perimeter fire barrier systems in today’s ever changing and complex designs cannot be overstated. New hybrid window wall designs have changed the configuration of traditional window wall framing leaving architects, code officials, and curtain wall consultants searching for tested solutions for this growing wall design. Understanding the unique challenges hybrid window wall designs present are critical in the design phase to eliminate costly changes, delays, and compromised life safety requirements prior to construction. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

In this one-hour course, we’ll cover the history of public safety in-building wireless communications, including the events leading up to the passing of national codes, and an overview of the NFPA and IFC codes. Additionally, the course covers in-building public safety terminology, various examples of the way the codes have been adopted in different cities, gathering requirements from local AHJs, and the differences in designing and installing public safety systems in new construction vs. retrofits. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

In this one-hour seminar, the basics of Interior Finish and Joint system design for firestopping installation are covered. Additionally, this course covers joint types, how they are tested and what to look for when choosing the correct UL system for each application. Finally, this course covers movement capabilities, how and why this performance is tested in today's evolving construction. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

The primary purpose of firestopping is to contain fire and smoke. But before they are called to perform to their intended design, they may need to serve a dual purpose of reducing sound transmission. In this course, we will start by explaining the fundamental nature of sound and how it travels as an energized wave through objects. From there we will discuss the differences between lab and field sound transmission testing, how compartment-to-compartment air leakage plays a critical role in sound transmission, and how proper firestopping effectively solves fire and sound requirements. We will finish by covering what types of materials and applications are most effective in reducing sound transmission and comparing them with materials and applications that are better suited for situations where sound transmission is not critical. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)

This course is designed to eliminate much of the confusion associated with perimeter fire containment systems. An understanding of the role and value of tested perimeter fire barrier systems in today’s ever changing and complex designs cannot be overstated. By identifying the unique challenges that these systems present in the design phase, you can eliminate costly changes, delays, and compromised life safety requirements prior to construction. (AIA 1 LU|HSW)