Best Practice guidance focused on firestopping receives CPD approval from RIBA

The document was produced thanks to a collaboration involving the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, the Building Engineering Services Association, the Building Services Research and Information Association, the Finishes and Interiors Sector and the Gypsum Products Development Association designed to assist in the design, specification and installation of building services penetrations through fire compartment walls and floors in new buildings to ensure that fire compartmentation is always maintained.

The ‘Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practice in Design and Installation Guide’ defines nine ‘Golden Rules’ that should be followed during the design and installation of firestopping for service penetrations. These range from early engagement with manufacturers at the initial design stages through to specifying third party certificated products and installers and implementing a structured inspection plan.

In essence, the document offers advice to help architects understand the design process for the selection of firestopping of service penetrations, the importance of early engagement, the terms and definitions used in fire stopping and the key questions to ask to ensure a compliant installation of firestopping. It also outlines and defines roles and responsibilities and how to use a fire strategy drawing.

Further, the ‘Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practice in Design and Installation Guide’ discusses how to read the data provided by the firestopping manufacturer to ensure a compliant installation at the design stage, focuses on design service openings and looks at how to select compliant firestopping products.

Vital role of compartmentation

Commenting on the RIBA’s approval, ASFP CEO Niall Rowan declared:

“We welcome the RIBA’s recognition of this excellent Best Practice guide and thank the Institute for its continued support in educating architects and others of the vital role of fire compartmentation in buildings and, in particular, the need for early engagement with specialist manufacturers and contractors.”

Rowan added: “Firestopping must be properly designed and specified and should only be installed by specialist contractors who can demonstrate their competence. All ASFP contractor members are third party certificated and must prove that a proportion of their employees have been suitably trained and/or have achieved appropriate qualifications in passive fire protection.”

*The ‘Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practice in Design and Installation Guide’ can be downloaded for free from the ASFP’s website