Since the annular spaces covered by any given product may vary,
it is very difficult to provide accurate information until the hole and
penetration are actually made; only then is it possible to select the
actual system to be used. For example, for any given wall assembly
and pipe type, you might need product A for a continuous point of
contact installation; product B for an installation with a single point of
contact and a 3-inch annular space on the other side; and product C
for a pipe centered in the hole with 1 ½ inches all around. However,
although code officials and designers need to be realistic in their
expectations as to what information and detail can be provided
early on, it is still important that, prior to installation and inspection,
the details of protection be determined so that the manufacturer’s
installation instructions are available before the firestop system is
installed or inspected.
Section 110.3.6 specifically addresses a part of the inspection
process as it relates to firestops and joint protection. This section
recognizes that the building official must have the opportunity to
inspect these systems before they are concealed from view. The
contractor needs to be aware of this requirement so he or she
does not proceed beyond the approved sequencing schedule. An
inspector should not be expected to accept/approve work which he
or she is unable to verify, and can prompt the removal of construction
in order to ascertain proper installation.
Besides simply requiring a special inspection program, Section
1705.17 references ASTM E 2174 and ASTM E 2393, which
establish how inspections are to be performed. The standard, the
ASTM E 2174 “Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed
Fire Stops,” provides procedures on how to inspect the systems
and guidelines to be followed for both conducting the inspections
and reporting the results back to the code official and the firestop
installer.
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