BM TRADA to launch fire-stopping certification at FIREX International

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by Brianna Crandall — May 28, 2014—BM TRADA, U.K.-based provider of independent certification, testing, inspection, training and technical services around the world, is launching a new certification program that aims to ensure that fire-stopping solutions are being fitted correctly and to verify the competence of installation companies, while offering building owners and Responsible Persons with a certificate of installation.

The Q-Mark Scheme for Fire Stopping Installation, which will be launched at FIREX International in June 2014, is designed to provide confidence to fire-stopping installers that they are fitting products correctly; to building owners, specifiers and Responsible Persons that fire compartment lines have been properly sealed; and to fire-stopping product manufacturers, that their products are being fitted correctly, in line with both their instructions and their fire test evidence.

A label will be placed next to each installation to confirm that it meets the requirements of the program, and each will be registered with BM TRADA through its Web-based database. Once this has been completed, BM TRADA will e-mail a certificate to the person nominated by the installer, confirming details of what has been installed.

As BM TRADA explains, fire stopping plays a critical role in maintaining the fire resistance of compartment lines within buildings. Where services such as water, gas, electrical and communications penetrate through compartment walls, it is important to ensure that the hole is appropriately sealed with a suitable fire-stopping solution, reminds the company.

The Q-Mark scheme for Fire Stopping Installation was developed in response to demand from building owners, manufacturers and industry following concerns that fire-stopping products are being incorrectly installed and maintained, thus placing doubt as to whether they will work as intended in the case of a fire.

BM TRADA will be launching the scheme from stand U800 at FIREX International 2014. The stand will feature videos that will demonstrate how correctly installed fire stopping can hold back the spread of fire and smoke, and will show the consequences of getting it wrong. Also on show will be a full-sized fire door that has been subjected to a fire test.