Quelfire’s campaign promotes early engagement in firestopping

Earlier this year, in February 2024, Quelfire launched its new campaign, “BECAUSE IT’S YOUR JOB TO KNOW,” which focuses on the importance of responsibility in firestopping.

The campaign includes a white paper discussing how early engagement, collaboration, and a clear understanding of responsibilities in firestopping can contribute to smoother project delivery and compliance with regulations.

As reported by Quelfire, firestopping is a complex process that involves more than just the installation of products.

The effectiveness of a firestop relies on several factors, including design, installation, and coordination between different trades.

Early communication between stakeholders is crucial to ensure that tested details and industry best practices are followed.

Early involvement critical for successful firestopping

The white paper emphasises that early engagement in firestopping, particularly at key project stages like the RIBA stages, can prevent complications later in the construction process.

Quelfire highlights the importance of understanding roles and responsibilities, especially the role of compartmentation and the proper testing and installation of firestopping products.

Quelfire believes that all involved parties, including architects, contractors, and firestopping specialists, should collaborate early to ensure that projects align with tested solutions.

This early involvement can prevent delays and additional costs associated with redesigning service penetrations after compartment lines and routes are determined.

Addressing competence and responsibility in firestopping

Quelfire stresses the importance of recognising one’s competence in firestopping.

Understanding when an individual’s expertise is insufficient can prevent mistakes that might compromise the integrity of the firestop.

According to the company, responsibility must be taken at every stage of the process, as early decisions affect the subsequent steps, positively or negatively.

Quelfire promotes education within the industry to address this, encouraging professionals to participate in CPD training, early engagement meetings, and other activities aimed at ensuring compliance with firestopping standards.

This approach, according to Quelfire, can make a significant difference in improving safety and efficiency in construction.

The role of firestopping in saving lives

Quelfire explains that the ultimate purpose of firestopping is to protect lives by ensuring that fire seals function correctly in the event of a fire.

The company asserts that engaging early in the firestopping process can enhance safety by allowing all parties to adhere to tested details and manufacturer guidance.

Considering service penetration sealing during the design phase can streamline the installation stage.

Early engagement allows stakeholders to align with the manufacturer’s support, ensuring the installation matches the tested firestopping system.

This approach, Quelfire notes, helps to avoid last-minute complications and potential project delays.

Firestopping company Quelfire highlights the importance of early engagement in construction projects: Summary

Quelfire’s new campaign, launched in February 2024, encourages early engagement and responsibility in firestopping.

The company explains that effective firestopping involves multiple factors, such as design, installation, and collaboration among different trades.

Early involvement in the process, particularly at key stages like the RIBA stages, can prevent delays and additional costs.

Quelfire also stresses the importance of understanding individual competence and responsibility in firestopping.

The company promotes education and collaboration within the industry to ensure compliance with firestopping standards.

Ultimately, the primary goal of firestopping is to save lives by ensuring fire seals function correctly during a fire.