FSC Documentation & Record Keeping 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a Firestop Submittal typically include that is reviewed and approved before installation begins?
- The contractor's insurance certificate only
- Product data sheets, UL system listings, and installation drawings for the proposed assemblies (Correct answer)
- The project owner's financial statements
- Only the brand name of the sealant to be used
Correct answer: Product data sheets, UL system listings, and installation drawings for the proposed assemblies
A Firestop Submittal package includes product data sheets, UL system listings, and installation drawings so the engineer of record and AHJ can verify compliance before work starts.
Question 2: Which ASTM standard provides guidance on documenting and managing firestop systems in existing buildings?
- ASTM E814
- ASTM E2174
- ASTM E2393 (Correct answer)
- ASTM E119
Correct answer: ASTM E2393
ASTM E2393 is the Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection and Maintenance of Installed Firestops, which covers documentation requirements for existing buildings.
Question 3: What is the role of a Qualified Firestop Inspector (QFI) in the documentation process?
- To purchase materials for the project
- To verify, witness, and document that installed firestop assemblies conform to approved submittals and code requirements (Correct answer)
- To design the fire stopping systems
- To apply for building permits on behalf of the owner
Correct answer: To verify, witness, and document that installed firestop assemblies conform to approved submittals and code requirements
A QFI's role is to independently verify that installed systems match approved submittals and code requirements and to formally document those findings.
Question 4: When a field condition does not match the approved firestop submittal, what is the required first step?
- Proceed with installation using the closest available product
- Stop work and submit a Request for Information (RFI) or change order to get the condition re-evaluated and approved (Correct answer)
- Apply extra sealant to compensate for the difference
- Remove all firestop material and start over
Correct answer: Stop work and submit a Request for Information (RFI) or change order to get the condition re-evaluated and approved
Any deviation from the approved submittal requires a documented RFI or change order so the engineer of record and AHJ can evaluate and approve the alternate condition.
Question 5: On a LEED-certified project, fire stopping documentation may be used to contribute to credits under which category?
- Indoor Water Use Reduction
- Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) or Materials & Resources (MR) (Correct answer)
- Site Selection
- Renewable Energy
Correct answer: Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) or Materials & Resources (MR)
Proper fire stopping contributes to occupant safety and material documentation which can support LEED Indoor Environmental Quality or Materials & Resources credits.
Question 6: What is a 'through-penetration firestop system' drawing typically required to show?
- The labor cost for installation
- The floor/wall assembly, penetrating item dimensions, annular space, and the specific firestop product and installation depth (Correct answer)
- Only the product brand logo
- The general contractor's organizational chart
Correct answer: The floor/wall assembly, penetrating item dimensions, annular space, and the specific firestop product and installation depth
A through-penetration drawing must depict the host assembly, penetrating item details, annular space dimensions, the specific firestop product, and required installation depth to fully document the system.
Question 7: Who is typically required to sign and seal the fire stopping special inspection final report on a commercial project?
- The general contractor's project manager
- A licensed special inspector or registered design professional as required by the AHJ (Correct answer)
- The firestop material manufacturer's representative
- The building owner
Correct answer: A licensed special inspector or registered design professional as required by the AHJ
Special inspection reports must be signed and sealed by a licensed special inspector or registered design professional to carry legal and code authority.
FSC Documentation & Record Keeping 2
What does a Firestop Submittal typically include that is reviewed and approved before installation begins?