Firestop systems are comprised of several different elements that work together to obstruct the flow of fire, smoke, and toxic gasses. Not having a system in place is not only against the Alberta Building Code, but is putting your people and your business at an unnecessary risk.
Why Firestopping is Important
Your building probably experiences a lot of foot traffic. Staff, clients, and contractors all use this structure at some point or another. From your people to your products, there are a lot of moving parts that make up your facility. The elements you have which enable this movement, like pipes or doorways, are also perfect for more dangerous intruders like flames and smoke.
Each year in Alberta, nearly 20,000 structural fires occur. Thousands of those fires take place in industrial facilities, places of gathering, retail stores, and office buildings. Firestopping is the best way to prevent and manage these types of disasters.
What Firestopping Entails
Put simply, firestopping is the art of finding the holes in your structure and using certain products to impede the passage of fire and harmful gasses through these areas. Think of all the spaces that could provide easy movement, like expansion or floor-to-floor joints, cable openings, or any other type of annular spaces. Firestopping products could include sprays and sealants, mechanical devices, pillows, or foam blocks.
Who Installs a Firestop System
The owner of a building is responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations around firestopping. However, most owners are busy running their business and don’t have the knowledge or time to devote to implementing an effective firestopping system themselves. With this in mind, utilizing a professional firestop contractor is the best way to get the job done right. Contractors, like the experts at Westcal Firestop, will be able to survey a building, determine the holes, and design a firestopping plan that will be tailored specifically to that building’s needs. A firestop system in a retail clothing store will look wildly different than one in a chemical processing plant. A custom fit is required in order to be effective.
Often forgotten about, the functionality of your building’s firestop system could be the difference between life and death. If your facility does not have one in place, don’t wait any longer. Call the experts at Westcal Firestop today to get started.
