Glenn Hutchins, Technical Client Relations Manager, Quelfire, explores how firestopping manufacturers can support safer construction through evidence, expertise and early engagement
The role of the manufacturer is changing. Traditionally, the perception has been that manufacturers make products and provide them to projects along with the relevant documentation.
However, construction today, particularly with respect to fire safety, demands much more than this. Manufacturers are experts in their products and systems, so their role goes further than simply supplying products to include a broader support function.
But with this added layer of manufacturing, there must be an understanding of where their responsibility starts and ends – and that is where competency becomes essential.
Why firestopping manufacturers are key in design discussions
Since the introduction of the Building Safety Act in 2022, the construction industry has had to become more evidence-led and collaborative, with a focus on competency and, importantly, on teams actively demonstrating how their designs meet compliance requirements.
Manufacturers are proving to be an important link between design and firestopping, as they understand how their products have been tested, the scope and limitations of that evidence and the installation requirements.
They also have a good understanding of how their systems interact with other construction elements and of the information needed to reach the most relevant tested solution.
Ultimately, products are not standalone components; the test evidence supporting them and their installation is critical to their overall performance in the event of a fire.
You could select a fire collar because it states a ‘4-hour fire rating,’ but if it isn’t designed and installed in accordance with the tested scope of application, it won’t perform as intended. Context matters. That’s why a manufacturer’s expertise is critical during design discussions to ensure the correct solution is selected and to offer advice on the parameters of its test evidence.
Firestopping manufacturers as a source of evidence
Choosing a product because it’s cheaper or because it might work is not best practice and could be detrimental to those occupying a building. Firestopping is complex, which is why manufacturers need to guide parties through test evidence and limitations.
And be a source of evidence. Manufacturers regularly fire test scenarios based on customer feedback and market trends. Quelfire alone has over 700 tested firestopping details, showing that the scale of test evidence matters, as construction very rarely presents the same scenarios.
How early engagement improves firestopping compliance
Early engagement in firestopping is the foundation of any successful project. It ensures the end building is designed, then built around tested solutions. If services, openings or substrates have already been designed without considering test evidence, the manufacturer may not have a solution.
Whereas, if parties engage at RIBA Stage 2 or 3 while MEP services are being coordinated, this provides an opportunity to ensure that the services and builders’ work in connection openings comply with the evidence.
Engaging early brings all relevant parties around the table to iron out any grey areas and gives the design team access to important information while there is still time and flexibility to make changes.
Firestopping manufacturers and design responsibility
Because manufacturers are increasingly involved in design discussions, it is often assumed that they hold design liability. But manufacturers like Quelfire believe they are not the final step. So where should a manufacturer’s responsibility end?
Manufacturers should be able to support customers every step of the way by explaining their test evidence, identifying relevant systems, clarifying limitations and answering questions about service penetration sealing – but that doesn’t make them designers.
While Quelfire is an expert in its systems and in firestopping-related areas, project-specific design must be handled by the fire consultant, principal designer, architect and MEP contractor, who have the appropriate expertise and qualifications.
And so, it’s important that the manufacturer understands the limits of their competence and when to say, “this isn’t our decision to make.”
How to Work Effectively With Firestopping Manufacturers
System manufacturers rely on specific information in order to identify compliant solutions. For firestopping, this means following the ‘what’, ‘what’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ process:
• What substrate will be used? (E.g., single-skin wall, solid wall or hollow core)
• What services penetrate those substrates? (E.g., CPVC pipes, insulated copper pipes or steel conduit) • What is the required fire rating?
• How are those services going through the substrates? (E.g., direct seal, letterbox or builders’ work in connection)
Providing detailed and accurate information can save a lot of backand-forth, as the manufacturer can respond with a precise technical response – rather than if the enquiry was “I have a plastic pipe” – helping to reach the best detail in less time.
Ultimately, the design team and the manufacturer need to work in partnership, as both parties rely on the quality of information to fulfil compliance requirements.
How firestopping manufacturers support construction projects
Manufacturer support can take many forms, but the value is in giving project teams access to the right evidence and expertise throughout the project journey – whether that’s through product training or technical guidance.
They may not have the broadest range of products, but invest in fire testing to ensure their systems can be used safely and perform as intended in a fire.
It’s got to be about supplying solutions that, when designed and installed in accordance with test evidence, supporting guidance, and documentation, can help protect people and property.
And that’s why evidence, expertise, engagement and perhaps most importantly, boundaries, are critical in manufacturing. Ultimately, while manufacturers don’t assume a designer role in the traditional sense, they have the resources and tools to help project teams make informed decisions and incorporate relevant solutions that support Gateway 2 submissions and overall building safety