IFC Technical Library - International Firestop Council

The IFC Technical Library

Representatives from the International Firestop Council are available to the media to serve as expert sources for stories on fire protection. IFC can also contribute unpublished, original case studies, white papers and byline articles. For more information about IFC, to speak to an IFC member, or to request images, please email [email protected].

INTRODUCTION TO FIRESTOPPING

ENGINEERING JUDGMENT GUIDELINES

DESIGN INFORMATION

GUIDANCE FOR CONTRACTORS AND INSTALLERS

ASTM E3157, Standard Guide for Understanding and Using Information Related to Installation of Firestop Systems, $108 from ASTM International (22 pages)

IFC synopsis of ASTM E3157 HERE

Learn about the development of the ASTM firestop installation guide

The Guide is filled with the wisdom and good practices that are well-known to the more experienced firestop installers.Read More

WHITE PAPERS

IFC White Paper – Fire Resistive Duct Assemblies ASTM E119, ASTM E2816, ISP 6944-1 and the I-Codes
Maintaining Life Safety Effectiveness in the New Building Codes — Richard Licht, P.E.
Balancing Active and Passive Fire Protection Systems in the Building Codes – Richard Licht, P.E.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Firestopping Inspection Pocket Guide:

Inspection Guidelines for Through-Penetration Firestops, Fire resistant Joint Systems, Perimeter Fire Barriers, and Duct Enclosures – 5th Edition

Download Here

ARTICLES

“Top 12 Firestop Deficiencies – By John Valiulis, P.E. and Scott Phillips, AST
Facility Alterations Can Affect Firestop Systems – By John P. Sinisi, “Facilitiesnet”
Firestop Systems – By David J. Volk, P.E., “Canadian Consulting Engineer”
Firestopping & Fireblocking: What’s the Difference? – By Vickie J. Lovell , “PM Engineer Magazine”
Firestopping Fact & Fiction By James Stahl Jr., “Insulation.org”
Common Firestop Code Violations – By Eirene Oliphant, MCP, “ICC Building Safety Journal”
Improving Firestopping for HVAC Duct Penetrations in Fire-Rated Walls – By James Stahl Jr. “Insulation.org”
Stopping Fire in Its Tracks – Part One – By Riley Archer, “International Fire Protection Magazine”
Fighting Fire with Sealants – By Dave Smith, “Adhesives & Sealants Industry”
Use of Differential Scanning Calorimetry Testing to Predict the Aging Behavior of Firestop Materials – By Udo Woersdoerfer & John Valiulis
Owners can manage abandoned MEP installations and save money
Cable firestopping: how to find and choose the best solutions for your application – By John Valiulis, “Cable Networking Systems” Magazine
Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems: Taking a team approach to fire-safe construction – By Tony Crimi, “The Construction Specifier” Magazine
Developments in Fire-Rated Fire Protection Cabinets for Walls By Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association
Plastic Pipe and Fire Safety – By Joe Zicherman, “PM Engineer Magazine”
Drain, Waste and Vent Pipe Transitions – By Naki Ocran & Khash Vorell
The Evolution of Top-of-Wall Fire Resistive Joint Systems – By Don Pilz and Brent Johnson

INFORMATION ABOUT FIRESTOP

Ruskin Damper instructions related to optional use of firestop sealants: Document 1, Document 2

TEACH YOURSELF ABOUT FIRESTOP

View a collection of recorded webinars and lectures from the IFC at our online, on-demand learning platform.

Almost all courses provide ICC Preferred Provider CEUs. Many provide AIA HSW CEUs.

The free 8-hour seminar developed for AHJs, “Firestop Inspection and Plan Review“, is available with or without CEUs.
The CEU version requires you to take and pass a quiz after each module. You must pass the quiz from all modules to earn the 0.8 CEUs (8 professional development hours).
In the version without CEUs, feel free to watch the individual modules as you wish and as you need.

Check out the entire collection of online courses

UNDERSTANDING FIRE RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS

Source: HCAI, California Department of Health Care Access and Information

FIRESTOP OTHER ATTRIBUTES (restricting sound, smoke, water, mold)

How STC is Determined – Part 1

Past Webinar Recordings

Topic: “Special inspection of Firestopping: Understanding and Complying with the 2012 IBC Requirements”

Presenters: John Valiulis (Hilti), Patrick Tesche (Global FPG)
The webinar summarizes and explains the 2012 IBC requirements for Special Inspection of firestopping for penetrations and joints in fire resistance rated construction. It also explains the tools and resources developed by the International Firestop Council to help train people who wish to conduct firestop inspections, and to verify and document their knowledge and understanding via examination.

More Videos:

Close Enough, Is Not Good Enough: A Demonstration of Proper Vs. Improper Firestopping

Inspecting Firestop for Compliance