Third-party contractor accreditation programs are required in specifications around the world. Special inspection agencies and their inspectors are required to demonstrate competence and relevant experience. This is demonstrated by passing a Firestop Exam.

The Firestop Contractors International Association announced the appointment of Abhishek Chhabra as its director in the Middle East and Asia.

FCIA’s Board of Directors met in Portland, Maine, and looked ahead to the future of the association and industry. The board, comprised of specialty firestop installation contractors from around North America, approached the discussions with one common goal: having FCIA members be recognized as the industry experts in the field of passive fire and smoke protection systems.

The value of the FCIA member, FM 4991-approved or UL-ULC qualified firestop contractor comes from the commitment to excellence. These important designations – FM 4991-Approved, UL-Qualified, ULC-Qualified and FCIA Member in Good Standing – are being recognized by 07 84 00 Firestopping specifications in many occupancies around the world.

The International Fire Code requires annual visual inspection of all fire-resistance-rated assemblies and the protection features – firestopping included. Fire doors can be the entry to building owners to help them satisfy the annual visual inspection requirement in NFPA 80 and the International Fire Code.

Firestop systems serve as critical safeguards against the spread of heat, fire, gases or smoke through breaches in floors and walls. The UL-ULC Qualified Firestop Contractor Program was developed to establish a measurable international standard for installation quality and safety among Firestop Contractors worldwide.

UL has announced a new numbering system for firestop systems and fire-resistive joint systems. FCIA is here to help with this change.

ECA '21, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Hybrid Conference, opens tomorrow, May 11, at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza.