fire stop training session oboa – amts hamilton, ontario october 9, 2013

Fire Stop Training SessionOBOA – AMTS

Hamilton, OntarioOctober 9, 2013

Today's Session Today's Session

• Today’s session is a variasion of the “Training Session” I delivered to the OBOA-AMTS (Kingston) in 2008.

• It’s an unbiased look at the OBC requirements for “Fire Stopping” and the complexity of applying those requirements to various combustible and noncombustible “Piping Systems” and “Service Penetrations” installed within all building classifications.

• It is by no means intended to promote, insult or offend any specific product, material or manufacturer.

• This presentation is strictly intended to reveal and address Code requirements and current issues.

• Today’s session is a variasion of the “Training Session” I delivered to the OBOA-AMTS (Kingston) in 2008.

• It’s an unbiased look at the OBC requirements for “Fire Stopping” and the complexity of applying those requirements to various combustible and noncombustible “Piping Systems” and “Service Penetrations” installed within all building classifications.

• It is by no means intended to promote, insult or offend any specific product, material or manufacturer.

• This presentation is strictly intended to reveal and address Code requirements and current issues.

Fire Stopping is a “Stand Alone” IssueFire Stopping is a “Stand Alone” Issue

• It has no bearing on whether a building is classified combustible or noncombustible!

• It has no bearing on whether the penetrant is combustible or noncombustible!

• It doesn’t matter if the penetrant meets the FSR and or SDC.• It doesn’t matter if the penetrant is an open or closed system, but

rather,• The requirement for firestopping applies to all service

penetrations in all buildings!

• It has no bearing on whether a building is classified combustible or noncombustible!

• It has no bearing on whether the penetrant is combustible or noncombustible!

• It doesn’t matter if the penetrant meets the FSR and or SDC.• It doesn’t matter if the penetrant is an open or closed system, but

rather,• The requirement for firestopping applies to all service

penetrations in all buildings!

The primary objective of the National and Provincial Building Codes is to provide “Life Safety” for all occupants within the building

envelope.

The primary objective of the National and Provincial Building Codes is to provide “Life Safety” for all occupants within the building

envelope.

The intent of OBC, with the assistance of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is to provide

uniform understanding and enforcement of this Code throughout the Province of Ontario.

The intent of OBC, with the assistance of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is to provide

uniform understanding and enforcement of this Code throughout the Province of Ontario.

Facing Constant ChangesFacing Constant Changes

Over the past 30 years we’ve witnessed many changes in our industry with;

• New Products

• New Applications

• New Requirements

• New issues (headaches)

Over the past 30 years we’ve witnessed many changes in our industry with;

• New Products

• New Applications

• New Requirements

• New issues (headaches)

Life SafetyLife Safety

As mentioned, the primary objective of the Building Code is to provide Life Safety for all occupants within the building structure and in order to do this, we must maintain the integrity of all vertical and horizontal “required” fire separations. Interruptions in a “required” fire separations would typically apply to;• All curtain walls• All fire dampers and• All Service penetrations involving water and drainage products,

as well as all heating and electrical services.

As mentioned, the primary objective of the Building Code is to provide Life Safety for all occupants within the building structure and in order to do this, we must maintain the integrity of all vertical and horizontal “required” fire separations. Interruptions in a “required” fire separations would typically apply to;• All curtain walls• All fire dampers and• All Service penetrations involving water and drainage products,

as well as all heating and electrical services.


• In the past, I’ve spoke about the necessity for proper “Fire Stopping” regarding piping services within buildings, however, there appears to be an even more significant problem with proper “Fire Stopping” of “Curtain Walls” and “Fire Dampers”.

• It seems that Engineers and Inspectors throughout the Province are struggling to find satisfactory solutions for these applications and they are losing the battle.

• With that, the industry is settling for a compromise, rather than an absolute solution.

• Even if proper Certified “Fire Stopping” solutions are being applied to piping service penetrations, they would be deemed useless, unless the Curtain Walls and Fire Dampers are being “Fire Stopped” properly as well.

• In the past, I’ve spoke about the necessity for proper “Fire Stopping” regarding piping services within buildings, however, there appears to be an even more significant problem with proper “Fire Stopping” of “Curtain Walls” and “Fire Dampers”.

• It seems that Engineers and Inspectors throughout the Province are struggling to find satisfactory solutions for these applications and they are losing the battle.

• With that, the industry is settling for a compromise, rather than an absolute solution.

• Even if proper Certified “Fire Stopping” solutions are being applied to piping service penetrations, they would be deemed useless, unless the Curtain Walls and Fire Dampers are being “Fire Stopped” properly as well.


• In order to prevent fire and smoke migration from one unit to another, we must have a means of maintaining the integrity of a required fire separation and

• The fire separation is only as good as the weakest point.• Fire Stopping requirements are based on providing

“containment” within a unit.• Whether a fire separation is required to be 1 or 2 hours, it would

then require all services to provide the same endurance.

• In order to prevent fire and smoke migration from one unit to another, we must have a means of maintaining the integrity of a required fire separation and

• The fire separation is only as good as the weakest point.• Fire Stopping requirements are based on providing

“containment” within a unit.• Whether a fire separation is required to be 1 or 2 hours, it would

then require all services to provide the same endurance.


• It’s my understanding that “Curtain Walls” and “Fire Dampers” are typically installed and approved based on Manufacturer recommendations and or, Engineering Judgments.

• I’ve also been informed by numerous Building Inspectors, that since there is no specific testing Standards for these products, they can’t be 100% certain as to whether these applications are capable of achieving a full 1 or 2 hour endurance.

• I find that very scary and disturbing!

• It’s my understanding that “Curtain Walls” and “Fire Dampers” are typically installed and approved based on Manufacturer recommendations and or, Engineering Judgments.

• I’ve also been informed by numerous Building Inspectors, that since there is no specific testing Standards for these products, they can’t be 100% certain as to whether these applications are capable of achieving a full 1 or 2 hour endurance.

• I find that very scary and disturbing!


• Once again, providing adequate Life Safety in a building depends on all components and services.

• The weakest link will negate any of the benefits being provided by the properly Tested, Certified and compliant materials.

• Once again, providing adequate Life Safety in a building depends on all components and services.

• The weakest link will negate any of the benefits being provided by the properly Tested, Certified and compliant materials.

Fire Stopping Service PenetrationsFire Stopping Service Penetrations

• As many of you know, I’ve been taking about the Fire Stopping issue for a very long time.

• This issue remained stagnate for many years and it wasn’t given much attention until we began to see the onset of new materials in the construction industry.

• More specifically, it wasn’t until we began to see more Plastic (combustible) piping systems being used.

• However, regardless of the type of “system” being installed (combustible or noncombustible), the requirements for Fire Stopping remain.

• Furthermore, Listings for a fire stop system must be relative to both the penetrant and the floor or wall assembly.

• As many of you know, I’ve been taking about the Fire Stopping issue for a very long time.

• This issue remained stagnate for many years and it wasn’t given much attention until we began to see the onset of new materials in the construction industry.

• More specifically, it wasn’t until we began to see more Plastic (combustible) piping systems being used.

• However, regardless of the type of “system” being installed (combustible or noncombustible), the requirements for Fire Stopping remain.

• Furthermore, Listings for a fire stop system must be relative to both the penetrant and the floor or wall assembly.

“Firestopping”“Firestopping”

• According to the MMAH, OBC 3.1.9.1. is the primary requirement for firestopping service penetrations and references the required test Standard CAN4-S115, however,

• Article 3.1.9.4. Sentences (1) through (8) separately addresses firestopping for “combustible piping penetrations” and references the required test Standard CAN4-S115-M, in addition, it requires that the product to be tested with 50 Pa pressure differential.

• This 50 Pa pressure differential is a Canadian requirement and does not apply the US.

• According to the MMAH, OBC 3.1.9.1. is the primary requirement for firestopping service penetrations and references the required test Standard CAN4-S115, however,

• Article 3.1.9.4. Sentences (1) through (8) separately addresses firestopping for “combustible piping penetrations” and references the required test Standard CAN4-S115-M, in addition, it requires that the product to be tested with 50 Pa pressure differential.

• This 50 Pa pressure differential is a Canadian requirement and does not apply the US.

Common Misconceptions:Common Misconceptions:

• Firestopping is not required if the penetrating service is noncombustible.

• It’s OK to use a combustible service provided you penetrate the fire separation with noncombustible.

• The size of the annular space surrounding the penetrant is not an issue, as long as the penetrant is noncombustible.

• It’s OK to fill an annular space with concrete, gypsum compound, silicone caulking, pink insulation or the Toronto Sun. And lastly,

• It really doesn’t matter what you use to fill the annular space, as long as you don’t get caught!

• Firestopping is not required if the penetrating service is noncombustible.

• It’s OK to use a combustible service provided you penetrate the fire separation with noncombustible.

• The size of the annular space surrounding the penetrant is not an issue, as long as the penetrant is noncombustible.

• It’s OK to fill an annular space with concrete, gypsum compound, silicone caulking, pink insulation or the Toronto Sun. And lastly,

• It really doesn’t matter what you use to fill the annular space, as long as you don’t get caught!

“Piping Systems and Firestopping” “Piping Systems and Firestopping”

• When referring to a piping “System”, we must consider all of the components that make up the “System”. For example,

• “Plastic Piping”; even if a plastic piping “System” is capable of meeting the FSR and SDC, it is still classified as combustible and therefore, the system must be firestopped accordingly.

• “Asbestos Cement”; although Asbestos Cement (AC) pipe and fittings are classified as noncombustible, the components that join the “System” are combustible and therefore, the noncombustibility of the “System” is now compromised.

• “Conventional Metal Drainage Piping”; once again, while conventional metal drainage pipe and fittings are classified as noncombustible, it is typically joined by means of MJ couplings that, while meeting the FSR and SDC, are still classified combustible and therefore would compromise the integrity of the piping “System”.

• When referring to a piping “System”, we must consider all of the components that make up the “System”. For example,

• “Plastic Piping”; even if a plastic piping “System” is capable of meeting the FSR and SDC, it is still classified as combustible and therefore, the system must be firestopped accordingly.

• “Asbestos Cement”; although Asbestos Cement (AC) pipe and fittings are classified as noncombustible, the components that join the “System” are combustible and therefore, the noncombustibility of the “System” is now compromised.

• “Conventional Metal Drainage Piping”; once again, while conventional metal drainage pipe and fittings are classified as noncombustible, it is typically joined by means of MJ couplings that, while meeting the FSR and SDC, are still classified combustible and therefore would compromise the integrity of the piping “System”.


• Over the past 30 years, the joining methods for noncombustible piping systems have changed and the primary joining components for these “Traditional Systems” are now in fact combustible.

• Therefore, this has become a serious problem for fire stopping because, you no longer have integrity or continuity within a traditional noncombustible piping “System”.

• As mentioned, although some mechanical joint couplings are capable of meeting the FSR and or SDC, they are still classified as combustible, and

• In the event of a fire, the noncombustible “System” would be compromised!

• Over the past 30 years, the joining methods for noncombustible piping systems have changed and the primary joining components for these “Traditional Systems” are now in fact combustible.

• Therefore, this has become a serious problem for fire stopping because, you no longer have integrity or continuity within a traditional noncombustible piping “System”.

• As mentioned, although some mechanical joint couplings are capable of meeting the FSR and or SDC, they are still classified as combustible, and

• In the event of a fire, the noncombustible “System” would be compromised!

Important To Note:Important To Note:

• It’s very important to note that not all products are tested and Listed in the same manner in which they are typically installed in the field.

• Therefore, we may not be aware of the performance results of a product if it hasn’t been tested with all components that represent a typical installation!

• For example, if we have a noncombustible material that is required to use combustible connections.

• In order to get accurate test results, these materials would have to be tested as a “system”.

• It’s very important to note that not all products are tested and Listed in the same manner in which they are typically installed in the field.

• Therefore, we may not be aware of the performance results of a product if it hasn’t been tested with all components that represent a typical installation!

• For example, if we have a noncombustible material that is required to use combustible connections.

• In order to get accurate test results, these materials would have to be tested as a “system”.

Important To Note:Important To Note:

• Furthermore, to get accurate fire stop test results, the “system” would then have to be tested along with all of the components that represent a typical field installation and then be tested to the CAN-S115 Standard.

• The Standard test method would then determine the “F” rating and the “T” rating for various applications.

• Furthermore, to get accurate fire stop test results, the “system” would then have to be tested along with all of the components that represent a typical field installation and then be tested to the CAN-S115 Standard.

• The Standard test method would then determine the “F” rating and the “T” rating for various applications.

Piping InstallationsPiping Installations

• Here is typical installation and example of what I found at a recent site visit in a nearby major City.

• Here is typical installation and example of what I found at a recent site visit in a nearby major City.

Piping InstallationsPiping Installations

• Considering the number of combustible joints in this system, it would be virtually impossible to achieve an “F” rating required for a 2 hour fire separation.

• Considering the number of combustible joints in this system, it would be virtually impossible to achieve an “F” rating required for a 2 hour fire separation.

“Piping Systems and Firestopping”“Piping Systems and Firestopping”

• Some people have suggested that a combustible joining system might be considered a “minor component”!

• However, when we review the contents of the OBC 3.1.5.2. “Minor Combustible Components”, there is no exemption for a “primary joining method of a piping system”!

• Furthermore, after viewing the next couple of slides, I’d like you to be the judge as to whether or not the joining system might be considered “minor”.

• Some people have suggested that a combustible joining system might be considered a “minor component”!

• However, when we review the contents of the OBC 3.1.5.2. “Minor Combustible Components”, there is no exemption for a “primary joining method of a piping system”!

• Furthermore, after viewing the next couple of slides, I’d like you to be the judge as to whether or not the joining system might be considered “minor”.

“Piping Systems” and “Firestopping” “Piping Systems” and “Firestopping”

• The slide you are about to see will illustrate an area that measures approximately 6’ x 4’ and it has 22 joints.

• The slide you are about to see will illustrate an area that measures approximately 6’ x 4’ and it has 22 joints.


• Slide #2 illustrates an area that measures approximately 5’ x 4’ and has 18 joints.



• Slide #5 illustrates an uncountable number of joints! • Slide #5 illustrates an uncountable number of joints!


• Combustible components used within a noncombustible “System” will compromise the integrity of that “System” and therefore,

• Firestopping the service penetration becomes virtually impossible.

• Combustible components used within a noncombustible “System” will compromise the integrity of that “System” and therefore,

• Firestopping the service penetration becomes virtually impossible.

Major Firestop IssuesMajor Firestop Issues

Major Issues Include;Major Issues Include;

Contractor bidding process.• I’m constantly hearing about contractors who have extremely

low bids for Fire Stopping service penetrations. • When this is the case, I’ve found that the low bids are typically

coming from Mechanical Contractors that have inherited the Fire Stopping responsibility for the products they’re installing, and

• In general, these contractors have had very little or no training in Fire Stopping various service penetrations and very likely will not be doing the job properly.

• This situation is extremely detrimental to the properly trained contractor. Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Municipality to request Certified Fire Stopping methods.

Contractor bidding process.• I’m constantly hearing about contractors who have extremely

low bids for Fire Stopping service penetrations. • When this is the case, I’ve found that the low bids are typically

coming from Mechanical Contractors that have inherited the Fire Stopping responsibility for the products they’re installing, and

• In general, these contractors have had very little or no training in Fire Stopping various service penetrations and very likely will not be doing the job properly.

• This situation is extremely detrimental to the properly trained contractor. Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Municipality to request Certified Fire Stopping methods.


• This type of situation is extremely detrimental to the properly trained contractor. Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Municipality to request documentation for Certified Fire Stopping methods.

• We are now beginning to look at having Fire Stop contractors considered to be a separate trade! Or

• Make a change to the Fire Stop Standard, so that it requires all installs to be Certified.

• If this is the case, it would ultimately be referenced in the OBC and could be enforced by the Building Inspectors.

• This type of situation is extremely detrimental to the properly trained contractor. Therefore, it becomes even more important for the Municipality to request documentation for Certified Fire Stopping methods.

• We are now beginning to look at having Fire Stop contractors considered to be a separate trade! Or

• Make a change to the Fire Stop Standard, so that it requires all installs to be Certified.

• If this is the case, it would ultimately be referenced in the OBC and could be enforced by the Building Inspectors.


Architects and Engineers:• Engineers appear to be carrying the responsibility of ensuring

that the proper Fire Stopping methods are being applied. However, most Engineers feel that it should be the responsibility of the Architect.

• The bottom line is that someone needs to understand and ensure that the proper methods are being employed by the installer, and

• It can’t just be left in the hands of the Contractor!

Architects and Engineers:• Engineers appear to be carrying the responsibility of ensuring

that the proper Fire Stopping methods are being applied. However, most Engineers feel that it should be the responsibility of the Architect.

• The bottom line is that someone needs to understand and ensure that the proper methods are being employed by the installer, and

• It can’t just be left in the hands of the Contractor!

Requirements for Fire Stopping:Requirements for Fire Stopping:

• Although things are getting better through continued education programs, requirements for Fire Stopping is still one of the most grossly misunderstood issues for Contractors.

• In general, they have no idea why they’re required to Fire Stop service penetrations.

• I’ve been told by a Contractor that, “the only reason he Fire Stops at all, is to keep the Inspector off his back”.

• Although things are getting better through continued education programs, requirements for Fire Stopping is still one of the most grossly misunderstood issues for Contractors.

• In general, they have no idea why they’re required to Fire Stop service penetrations.

• I’ve been told by a Contractor that, “the only reason he Fire Stops at all, is to keep the Inspector off his back”.

The fire stop system selected must be Third Party Certified and have an “F” rating not less than the fire-resistance rating required for the fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN4-S115-M”. Ref: (O.B.C. 3.1.9.1.(1)(a) & 3.1.9.4.(4)(a))

The fire stop system selected must be Third Party Certified and have an “F” rating not less than the fire-resistance rating required for the fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN4-S115-M”. Ref: (O.B.C. 3.1.9.1.(1)(a) & 3.1.9.4.(4)(a))

FactFact

One last time,

The primary objective of the National and Provincial Building Codes is to

provide “Life Safety” for all occupants within the building envelope.

One last time,

The primary objective of the National and Provincial Building Codes is to

provide “Life Safety” for all occupants within the building envelope.

In order to achieve this OBC objective, we have to be diligent with enforcement in all areas of what

we have discussed today.

In order to achieve this OBC objective, we have to be diligent with enforcement in all areas of what

we have discussed today.

As we close, there is one last thing to remember,As we close, there is one last thing to remember,

The families that will occupy the buildings that are being constructed, are trusting that everyone

has done their job properly and that they are being provided a safe place to live!

The families that will occupy the buildings that are being constructed, are trusting that everyone

has done their job properly and that they are being provided a safe place to live!

Confirming the accuracy of the information contained within this presentation, can be obtained

by contacting Danny Hui or John Gryffyn at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Buildings Branch

Confirming the accuracy of the information contained within this presentation, can be obtained

by contacting Danny Hui or John Gryffyn at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Buildings Branch

Thank you.Thank you.

fire stop training session oboa – amts hamilton, ontario october 9, 2013

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