What most Fitout guides are lacking
Does your fitout guide sufficiently cover everything to ensure Passive Fire compliance?
Most fitout guides may mention penetrations but rarely a path of pre-approval and compliance.
As a passive fire certifier I see some poor attempts at fire stopping of new works, as more often than not this issue is treated as an afterthought, plainly misunderstood or just sadly ignored.
Most problems emerge due to little or no upfront planning, causing last minute panic and expensive reworks.
My suggestion is that the following step by step checklist become a requirement for all new works and be included in your fitout guide.
PRIOR TO STARTING OR AT TENDER STAGE PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING.
Proposed marked up drawing of penetrations through fire barriers
Draft penetration register (a sample can be provided)
Method and system of fire stopping to be used
Submit Test reports or RIR to show compliance to BCA
Draft Form 16 and your Passive Fire Certifiers QBCC licence No.
These documents are to be sent to the building engineer / certifier for pre-approval.
PRIOR TO HANDOVER PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING.
Completed marked up drawings
Penetration register including photographic evidence
All penetrations to be labelled
Completed Form 16 referring to the above
If you have all of this information you will have confidence that compliance is maintained for all works. There’s no doubt that the planning will also allow for the most cost effective system to be identified and used.
ALSO CONSIDER ...
Engaging a nominated passive fire expert who knows your building and can assist contractors.
Conducting an inspection / audit of existing penetrations to ensure current compliance. This creates baseline data making legislated regular inspections easier and cheaper.
Create a register of all new penetrations be added to continue to be on a roll with compliance
Including passive fire compliance in any building induction.
Need any advice or further details please contact the team at Plus Systems on 1800 PASSIVE.