On October 3rd, 2022 representatives from cta Architecture and Design attended the Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) Symposium on Existing Building Fire Resistance. Billed as the premier event for the fire-resistance rated and smoke resistant industry in Canada, the conference featured presentations from leaders in the field in both the testing and installation of firestop systems, and was attended by representatives from the design field, such as Architects and Engineers, as well as Municipal representatives like Fire Marshals, and professional firestop suppliers and installers like Hilti Canada and Specified Technologies incorporated.
The focus was on the “DIIM” approach to Fire-Stopping; ‘D’esign, ‘I’nstallation, ‘I’nspection and ‘M’aintenance. Topics covered included new Code requirements from the NRC coming with the next edition of the BC Building Code, (especially pertaining to new ASTM E2307 based Test-Listing Requirements for Perimeter Fire-Stopping Systems), Firestop Design, Installation & Inspection from representatives of the FCIA and UL Canada, Fire-Stopping issues related to Mass Wood Timber (MWT) and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Construction from representatives of Hilt and STI, as well as a section on the issues around Firestopping to various types of Combustible, (Plastic) Pipes and Best Maintenance Practices for existing Fire-Stops and Fire Rated Assemblies.
The day proved to be extremely elucidating in regards to a multitude of aspects of this important issue, and many practical lessons were brought back to be incorporated into our office’s design culture. As the implementation of the new Building Code approaches, it is to be expected that next year’s event will prove to be even more educational!