Nine Golden Rules: Quelfire highlights common firestopping pitfalls and how to prevent them
Iain Hoey
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Quelfire outlines the Nine Golden Rules for Early Engagement, explaining how early coordination across trades can secure tested firestopping and prevent costly installation problems
“Firestopping needs to be considered earlier.” If you work in the construction industry, you’ve likely heard this before.
And although it’s not a new message, we do understand that it may feel unhelpful, especially when you’re already trying to stay ahead of legislation and best practices.
Sometimes, it may seem more like another vague instruction than actionable support.
But there’s a reason it continues to be discussed.
Often, firestopping is considered far too late, usually when key decisions, such as ceiling heights, have already been made.
And while the construction industry is beginning to change, the race against time to rectify installations that do not align with test evidence occurs far more than it should.
This can lead to additional costs and project delays, and may even result in pushbacks from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) at Gateway 2.
Gateway 2 was introduced as part of the Building Safety Act (BSA) for higher-risk buildings.
It requires contractors to submit a detailed design along with all fire safety information to the BSR.
Only projects with designs that meet building regulations will be approved for construction.
In April 2024, Tim Galloway, the Deputy Director of the BSR, announced that approximately 75% of applications for higher-risk buildings were still being rejected due to ‘missing or flawed’ information.
His explanation? A lack of industry design expertise, especially regarding fire and structural safety.
This highlights the need for earlier firestopping engagement when designing people’s homes, workplaces, and leisure spaces.
In this article, we focus on the Best Practice Guide’s 9 Golden Rules, exploring the importance of early engagement in firestopping and providing a roadmap for construction projects.
What are the 9 golden rules?
Firstly, let’s take a look at what the term ‘early engagement in firestopping’ means.
It simply refers to collaborating with other key stakeholders at the design stage, ensuring that each service penetration has an appropriate tested solution detailed.
However, a firestop is only as good as its design, installation, the material it’s installed into, and the services that run through it.
Dryliners, electricians, mechanical contractors, and wall manufacturers all influence the firestop’s effectiveness.
This is why collaboration is essential to confirm that all parties are on the same page and that tested solutions are implemented.
The guide published by the ASFP, BESA, BSRIA, FIS, & GPDA titled “Firestopping of Service Penetrations: Best Practices in Design and Installation” contains nine Golden Rules.
Seven of these relate to the building’s design, clearly highlighting where the emphasis needs to be.
Ultimately, an accurate design makes a compliant installation much easier to achieve.
Golden Rule 1: Engage early with the manufacturer & installers
Manufacturers are typically engaged during RIBA Stages 4 and 5; however, this can create challenges because service routes are established much earlier in the design process.
In these circumstances, applying a tested detail can be almost impossible without rework.
We strongly believe manufacturers should be involved earlier at RIBA Stages 2 and 3: Concept Design and Spatial Coordination.
When coordinating the MEP design across the building, the MEP designer will need support from the manufacturer.
This collaboration ensures that the services and builder’s work openings comply with the manufacturer’s fire test evidence.
In our experience, waiting until RIBA Stage 4 often results in project rework and late changes to MEP designs.
Additionally, early collaboration with specialist installers is highly beneficial, as they are qualified to advise on the practicality of the installation.
They know what will work in practice and not just on paper.
Golden Rule 2: Review the fire strategy documents in conjunction with M&E specs
The building’s fire strategy document should outline the preventative measures in place for a fire emergency and focus on the appropriate responses.
It should also include the location of compartment lines, required fire ratings, and escape routes, for instance.
This document is an emergency response plan, so all information must be accurate for design decisions and future fire safety management.
Golden Rules 3 & 4: Identify all service types and insulation – repeat for penetration seals & establish spacing requirements
In this industry, specific information is invaluable.
When it comes to firestopping, there are many required variables, from different types of walls and floors to services and fire ratings.
Only by having specific information about these variables can we provide the most appropriate firestopping solution for your application.
For example, slight adjustments to spacing or insulation material can change the choice of tested details; therefore, accurate information is non-negotiable when working to achieve building compliance.
Having this information in the early stages of a project helps solve any challenges that may arise.
It’s simply easier to change the design when it’s a draft on paper than when services are already installed.
Golden Rules 5 & 6: Select third-party certified & tested products from one manufacturer
A building must be designed and constructed around tested details.
This is the only way to guarantee the building will respond as intended in the event of a fire.
Therefore, third-party certified and tested products are necessary.
Third-party verification essentially removes manufacturer bias and thoroughly vets the products, giving peace of mind to those using and installing them.
A manufacturer can say their products will perform as intended, but how can anyone know for certain without this vital evidence?
Third-party certification and testing provide that level of transparency; it’s the only way to protect people and property.
Additionally, Golden Rule 6 highlights that only one manufacturer’s products should be used throughout the project, unless tested otherwise.
A manufacturer’s products are usually tested as a complete system.
Introducing products from another manufacturer can be risky, as their performance together in a fire is untested and, therefore, unpredictable.
Golden Rule 7: Request certification from manufacturers
Manufacturers should have all certification readily available.
A copy of this certification is a great way to prove that the products used on the project have been independently tested and verified to perform as indicated.
Golden Rule 7 also states that a qualified individual must review the certification to confirm the products are suitable for the specific application.
Further reassurance.
Golden Rule 8: Use an installer that is third-party accredited
Although it is not legally required for penetration seal products to be installed by third-party, accredited installers, this method helps ensure that installations are carried out by qualified and competent parties.
Through gained certification, it provides confidence that the company has been verified, is frequently audited, and qualified to carry out firestopping works in line with building regulations.
Golden Rule 9: Implement a structured inspection plan as work proceeds
When construction begins, it’s about sticking to the agreed plan.
A structured inspection plan makes sure that key project objectives are achieved to the correct standard.
This approach will contribute to the Golden Thread of Information – a digital record of the building’s lifecycle, from design and construction to ongoing maintenance.
One way to achieve this is through photographic evidence.
This provides visual documentation, showing that the construction is in line with the design, while also efficiently recording any changes made.
This approach places responsibility on those constructing the building to present evidence for their key decisions and meet building regulations.
It’s also a great way for installers to validate their work; there’s no need for concern if the design has been followed, as all the correct steps have been taken.
With tighter regulations and a need for transparency across construction projects, firestopping must be prioritised.
But this relies on the collaboration of the right people at the right time.
When done correctly, it can reduce costly rework and delays, guaranteeing the building will perform as intended.
It achieves the ultimate objective of keeping people safe.
It saves lives.
The Best Practice Guide is one of many useful documents that can support you on your firestopping journey – be sure to utilise it and reach out if you need further support!