Firestops are physical barriers designed to prevent the spread of flames, deadly gases and toxic smoke through openings created during building upgrades and the installation of electrical, communications, plumbing and ventilation systems, as well as grease ducts. Barriers also can fill breaches in fire-resistant walls and floor assemblies in institutional and commercial facilities.
To help building managers, owners and architects understand the role and proper performance of firestopping, Safe Piping Matters recently issued a report that reviews issues related to firestopping assemblies for various plastic piping materials including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyethylene (PE), and crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) plastic, as well as non-combustible piping materials such as copper, iron and steel.
Safe Piping Matters is a professional association that encourages facility managers, architects and community leaders to prioritize specification and construction of safe, healthy and resilient piping systems in buildings.
The report offers insights and information on key firestopping issues, including the role of combustibility in firestopping, common errors to avoid and recommendations for successful firestopping implementation and compliance.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor of the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.
