The Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust completed another class designed to increase work opportunities in the firestop industry by educating Fire Inspectors.
On Sept. 4, HFIAW Local 78, Birmingham, Ala., hosted a Firestop Market Recovery Program designed for Fire Inspectors.
This unique session brought together Fire Inspectors in the Birmingham area to explain why the Local 78 members trained to install Firestop systems are the industry experts. Thanks to this FMRP, Local 78 has elevated its presence with the region’s Fire Inspectors.
“The more knowledge we have and can share with the people doing these inspections, the better,” said Insulators Local 78 Business Manager Craig Francis. “When inspectors look to us as being the experts, they will start asking for and pushing for our members and contractors to perform the work. “
It is no secret that fire protection systems save lives, but what is not generally understood is that the ability of these systems to work is directly related to the quality of the installation. The firestop systems installed by highly trained members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers work correctly as designed. Additionally, the HFIAW is happy to partner with local Fire Marshals to ensure the integrity of the work of its members.
Fire Inspectors must know a tremendous number of regulations and compliance when inspecting a building, including the firestop systems. As such, this specialized course is designed to aid and elevate inspectors' awareness and help them better identify what to look for when evaluating the quality of the life-saving fire barrier containments within a building.
The course covers the following:
- Basic Fire Stopping Principles
- A building's applicable codes that require Firestop
- Testing procedures and insurance of proper installations
- Difference between Firestop products and systems installed
- Inspection requirements
- How to read and identify the proper UL system
- Fundamentals on how to inspect a Firestop system
The event concluded with fire being applied to a mockup in order to demonstrate the capability and provide proof that Firestop systems work when properly installed. Those in attendance witnessed first-hand how these systems hold back the fire and smoke inside a compartmentalized part of a building.
In a post on its Facebook page, the Irondale Fire Department expressed its appreciation for the class and how it helps inspectors do their job.
“Our Fire Inspection Department, along with others from the Fire Marshall Association of Alabama, participated in an amazing class from Superior Industrial Insulation,” stated the post. “This was a very informative hands-on class where participants had the opportunity to apply several types of firestop materials to various piping that is located in drywall. This type of
training reinforces the importance of proper installation of fire stops in new commercial construction. This type of material keeps fire and smoke from entering an unburned area of the building. A big shout out to the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers for hosting this event and the E-3 crew for standing by during the training portion.”
Last year, in partnership with the Mechanical Insulators LMCT, Insulators Local 78 hosted a traditional Firestop Market Recovery Program for both union leaders and their signatory contractors.
This class motivated the leadership of Local 78 and gave them a vision to include the local Fire Marshals in the next class, so they reached out to LMCT and asked for an Inspector session.
Inviting the region’s Fire Marshals to the FMRP helps validate the expertise of Local 78 Firestop contractors, who employ highly trained and highly skilled Insulators. Now, these Fire Marshals know who the area’s Firestop experts are - the Local 78 Insulators.
“I feel this class will benefit our members by increasing our market share in our territory and, at the same time, increase our members’ yearly income and benefits with gainful employment,” Francis said. “We will be able to increase our membership as the Firestop work increases. The contractors will see their workload increase and profit margins go up. It is a win for all involved.”
Mechanical Insulators LMCT Deputy Director Gina Walsh spearheaded the event.
“Every time I participate in one of these events with the Dake’s, of Superior Insulation, I learn something new,” she said. “Their vast knowledge and presentation keeps the program fresh and moving along. This promotes an atmosphere of learning while keeping the participants engaged.”
The FMRP class was facilitated by industry experts Thomas E. Dake, President and CEO of Superior Insulation, and Thomas E. Dake II, BS CSE, MPA, Vice President of Fire and Life Safety, Services Superior Industrial Insulation.
The Dakes made the material easy to understand and used a hands-on demonstration to show the Inspectors how the materials work.
“The Inspectors were shown what to look for, installed some of the firestop materials themselves, and received a refresher on basic codes and UL ratings,” said Francis. “When the mockup was burned, and they watched the material in action, it was the real eye-opener.”
If any local is interested in hosting the Firestop Market Recovery Program in their area, please contact Gina Walsh.
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