Alerts

FCIA leadership has recently been made aware that North American mineral wool supply times have been extended significantly – in some cases up to 27 weeks.  Know that FCIA leadership is working with manufacturer partners to resolve the issue as fast as possible.

Read More Here

FCIA has learned of situations where contractors have had to discover in the field, after inspection agencies or others questioned an installation, that there is an issue with compatibility between certain firestop products and the surfaces with which they come in contact in construction.  The firestop product (sealant or other products) is incompatible with either the surface, the treatment of the surface, or the penetrating item, coverings, or assembly.

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Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors looking to provide additional value to Building Owners should look at the UL Master Certificate of Compliance (MACC).  The project-specific MACC is provided by the UL Qualified Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor to the Building Owner.  Issued after a successful onsite UL Audit of the firestop installation contractor’s management system, the Master Certificate of Compliance provides assurance to the Building Owner that processes were followed at that specific jobsite.  Because it is annually renewable after the Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor visually inspects the building, the MACC Certificate provides the building owner with a tool to show Fire Marshals as evidence of compliance with the annual visual inspection of firestopping required in the International Fire Code.

Interested? Email Ruben.SandovalJr@ul.com or Mark.St.Onge@UL.com for details.

With sweeping changes in work and workplace, it’s imperative for facility management professionals to lead their organizations to higher levels of performance and experience. Hosted by the association that has provided training, knowledge sharing and support to FMs globally for more than 40 years, IFMA’s Facility Fusion is about building future-ready leadership skills. It’s about exploring what’s possible – for our facilities, industry and careers. It’s about synthesizing ideas and industries for a new world of work. It’s about fusing methods and mindsets from both within and outside of FM to find answers. It’s about having the tools to adapt to rapid change.

FCIA and Life Safety Digest are proud to support this event. Be sure to grab your copy of Life Safety Digest while there!

Learn More

In April 2020, the Gypsum Association released a tutorial for the proper repair of fire-resistance-rated gypsum panel product systems. The video clearly and concisely addresses the much talked about topic through animated representations of the proper steps one should take when repairing these fire-resistance-rated barriers.

The most recent issue of Life Safety Digest also addresses the question in the "From the FCIA Question Box" article. FCIA recommends following the GA-225-2019 Repair of Fire-Rated Gypsum Panel Product Systems letter OR a tested and listed repair method.

Watch the Gypsum Association video here.

On January 25, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that it is withdrawing its COVID-19 vaccination and testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), which OSHA originally issued on November 5, 2021 and required employers with more than 100 employees to develop, implement, and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination or testing policy. The withdrawal will be effective on January 26, 2022.

Although OSHA is withdrawing the ETS as an enforceable temporary standard, it is keeping the ETS provisions in place to serve as a notice of proposed rulemaking for a permanent COVID-19 Healthcare Standard.

Even with the COVID-19 ETS withdrawn, OSHA will be able to use its enforcement of the General Duty Clause to address workplace responses to COVID-19, which requires employers to provide their employees with a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.

OSHA’s full announcement on its withdrawal of the COVID-19 ETS is available here.

POP QUIZ…
What US city can boast being home to the best haunted hotel in the US, has TWO of the stages named on the “Top Global Venue for Live Music” list, was recently named the eighth best city in the US by the Readers’ Choice Awards, AND will be hosting ECA ’22?

Music City, baby!

That’s right, ECA ’22 – the FCIA Education & Committee Action Conference – packs up and heads to Nashville, TN this May 17-20, 2022.

Registration is Now Open. Learn More

FCIA recently posted tips from the law office of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Siegel on how to manage volatile materials pricing challenges. “Recent price volatility of construction materials, including, but not limited to, steel, copper, lumber, and PVC, has left contractors faced with another challenge in completing their work at the price they quoted.”

UL has just announced a new numbering system for firestop systems and fire-resistive joint systems.

Two tested and listed system categories are moving from a 4-digit System Number to a 5-digit System Number soon (Ex: C-AJ-20000, after C-AJ-2999). Moving forward, when a 4-digit UL numbering series runs out of system numbers, UL will expand the series to a 5-digit numbering system, while existing systems numbers do not change.

Resources are posted on FCIA’s Technical Resource Page and UL’s Resources Page. 

On Sept. 9, US President Biden announced that the US Dept. of Labor will issue an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) requiring employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their employees either get vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing.    When published in the Federal Register, the ETS will become effective immediately in states under OSHA […]

Register Today for FIC ’21, the FCIA Firestop Industry Conference & Trade Show, opening this November 2-5 in San Diego, CA. While there, you’ll have: Three days of riveting firestop education The FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams The FCIA Memorial Golf Tournament and other networking events The Firestop Industry Trade Show And so much more!

Announcing the multi-level FCIA Education Program (FEP).

The FEP brings the student a depth of knowledge in firestopping and other effective compartmentation elements and assemblies and allows them to separate themselves from those that don’t know firestopping by providing personnel a verifiable level of competence in the field of firestopping and effective compartmentation.

Participants in the Firestop FEP begin with the FEP Firestop Level 1 program. A Certificate of Achievement is awarded after watching each FCIA Recorded Education Course and scoring an 80% or higher on the quizzes and the Firestop Level 1 Final Exam. FCIA Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor and Special Inspection Agency Member Companies can also purchase the Firestop Level 2 Program, as well as get BIG DISCOUNTS on their purchases.

Learn more today!

Ruben Sandoval, Jr. has been selected as Field Business Manager for the Lightning Protection Program – Specialty Engineering. Ruben will lead Field Engineering’s Lightning Protection and Fire Barrier Programs teams, whose focus is on serving critical technical and compliance needs in the inspection and auditing area. Ruben is currently overseeing operation for UL Fire Barrier […]

Announcing the NEW multi-level FCIA Certificate of Achievement Education Program (FCAEP). The FCIA Certificate of Achievement Education Program (FCAEP) brings the student a depth of knowledge in firestopping and other effective compartmentation elements and assemblies and allows them to separate themselves from those that don’t know firestopping by providing Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor and Special […]

Registration is now open for ECA ’21, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Hybrid Conference. The event, which opens at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza in Kansas City, MO this May 10-13, features technical industry education, the FM & UL-ULC Firestop Exams, FCIA Committee meetings, the FCIA Contractor and Special Inspection Agency Members […]

Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) is the recognized industry-leader in education, advocacy, and expertise on the firestop and effective compartmentation industry. To fill a need in the construction industry, FCIA developed the FCIA Firestop Manual of Practice (MOP). The comprehensive resource guide is now the firestop industry’s most definitive handbook of accepted firestop and effective […]

Recognizing the ongoing efforts of hospital and health systems fighting COVID-19 in their communities, the ASHE 2020 Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition will now be held October 5–7, 2020, and will be a fully virtual event. FCIA leadership will be staffing our virtual booth, ready to spread the word of the ‘DIIM’ of firestopping, so […]

Today, FCIA published an updated FCIA Member Resources – COVID-19 document. The list is a collection of important links and information that Members and others can reference to find information related to COVID-19, including several resources related to small businesses. Learn More

At FCIA’s Virtual ECA ’20 Conference, FCIA launched a new initiative to get fire and life safety improvements using the FCIA’s ‘DIIM’ for Existing Buildings. FCIA’s 2020 President Ben Urcavich stated, “The world pays attention to sprinklers and alarms, what about effective compartmentation and its many benefits? FCIA Members provide the services needed – with […]

On April 21-24, FCIA Members and some non-members tuned in for the first-ever Virtual ECA ’20, four days of two-hour webinars on various aspects of firestop education. Read more in the May issue of the FCIA Newsletter, including a highlight of sessions: Economics with Anirban Basu (Sage Policy Group) Air and Smoke Movement with Chris […]

This July 7-9, step into the Future of CRE with BOMA 2.0, connecting the industry via 3 days of real world virtual learning as the 2020 BOMA International Conference & Expo moves to a virtual format. FCIA and Life Safety Digest proudly continue to partner with this exciting event in what is sure to be […]

Due to travel restrictions still in place due to the global coronavirus outbreak, FCIA events in Doha, Qatar and Dubai, UAE have been postponed again. The events, originally scheduled for February, were previously postponed to late-May/early-June. Unfortunately, concerns surrounding COVID-19 continue to persist globally, so FCIA has made the decision to postpone the events a […]

This October 7-9, FCIA and Life Safety Digest partner with VIRTUAL CONSTRUCT. CONSTRUCT is the only dedicated national AEC educational program and exhibition specifically designed to provide the commercial building team with real-world, practical solutions they can implement immediately. Attendees can select from over 20 FREE sessions and earn over 20 hours of FREE CEUs. […]

Previously, FCIA leadership made the difficult decision to cancel ECA ’20, originally scheduled to take place in Kansas City, MO this May. The FCIA Board of Directors has been working hard behind the scenes to find a way to deliver a conference experience to FCIA membership, despite the group being able to come together in […]

The FCIA Board of Directors met to discuss ECA ’20, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Conference. Due to the current global situation and the Board’s efforts to act in the best interest of the membership, the FCIA Board has decided to cancel the program. FCIA’s Board feels strongly that the value brought to the […]

As many of you are aware and are likely doing personally, FCIA’s leadership has been actively monitoring the very fluid COVID-19 situation for the last several weeks.  As a Board of Directors, knowing the FCIA ECA ’20 Conference is still 60 days away, we understand the situation can change quickly and are watching the situation 

Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, FCIA has received a few questions about the upcoming ECA ’20 event in Kansas City, MO. FCIA leadership and staff are watching the situation closely with a keen eye for the health and welfare of FCIA’s attendees, staff, and speakers. We care about our friends, and we are monitoring the

The Barrier Management Symposium is a one- or two-day Symposium hosted around North America by ASHE regions and chapters, APPA chapters, ICC chapters, and others that features technical education from industry experts on the various elements of Barrier Management.

Developed to educate and increase awareness about how various barriers are ‘D’esigned, ‘I’nstalled, ‘I’nspected, and ‘M’aintained for long-term fire and life safety, the Symposium is perfect for:

• Health Care Facility Engineers, Directors, and their Staff;
• Educational Facility Engineers, Directors, and their Staff;
• Code Officials and Fire Marshals;
• and More.

Learn more about the Barrier Management Symposium and upcoming events year you.

Barrier Management Symposium Video Series

A’20 is turning the Los Angeles Convention Center into a product playground. Demo the most innovative, high-tech materials and solutions to hit the market by 650+ of the industry’s best building product manufacturers. While there, be sure to pick-up your copy of Life Safety Digest! Learn More

The 2020 BOMA International Annual Conference & Expo is the premier CRE industry event. It boasts a full schedule of new educational content, the latest technology, innovative solutions and prime networking. Once again, the BOMA International Annual Conference & Expo welcomes FCIA and Life Safety Digest to bring firestop and effective compartmentation education to the commercial real

The NFPA Conference & Expo combines an unrivaled conference with a 300-supplier strong exhibition. It’s an ideal opportunity to meet experts, evaluate firestop solutions, and stay current with advances in fire safety. FCIA and Life Safety Digest are proud to partner once again with this important fire safety event. Make sure to stop by the

Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors and Special Inspection Agencies can now take advantage of a new FCIA endorsed Professional Liability Insurance program with The Norman Spencer Insurance Group. FCIA’s leadership worked with The Norman Spencer Insurance Group to assemble a program that closes the gap between General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance that understands your business, your operations, your 

Note the change in dates – ECA ’20 will be a Monday-Thursday pattern this year. Plan accordingly! Registration is NOW OPEN for ECA ’20, the FCIA Education & Committee Action Conference. Heading to the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza this May 11-14, the event features FCIA Committee round table meetings, the FM & UL-ULC

This June, take advantage of two separate FCIA events in the Middle East. Learn More Join FCIA at the Oryx Rotana Hotel in Doha, Qatar this 4 June 2020 for the FCIA Fire Code and Fire & Smoke Barrier ‘DIIM’ Symposium, featuring a full-day of firestop & effective compartmentation industry education, followed by education and

InterContinental Dubai Marina | Dubai, UAE7-9 June 2020 FCIA heads to Dubai, UAE and the InterContinental Dubai Marina this 7-9 June 2020 for the FCIA Fire Code and Firestop & Effective Compartmentation Membership Meeting and the FM & UL Firestop Exams. Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors and Special Inspection Agencies seeking third-party accreditation can kick-off their […]

Oryx Rotana Hotel | Doha, Qatar2-4 June 2020 Registration is now open for the FCIA Fire Code and Fire & Smoke Barrier (FSB) ‘DIIM’ Symposium and the FM & UL Firestop Exams. The full-day symposium returns to the Oryx Rotana Hotel this 2 June 2020 with technical sessions on a variety of topics like barriers

FCIA celebrated our 20th Anniversary at a hugely successful FIC ’19, the FCIA Firestop Industry Conference & Trade Show. The event, held at the Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, FL, welcomed a dynamic lineup of Speakers, Exhibitors, Attendees, and Honorees for our highest attended event ever. Attendees were treated to a multitude of surprises 

The FCIA Firestop & Effective Compartmentation ‘DIIM’ Symposium Canada, held in Montreal, QC September 25, 2019, brought many Firestop Contractors, Special Inspection Agency personnel, Manufacturers, AHJs and more together for a full-day of education focused on the ‘DIIM’ of Firestopping – the proper ‘D’esign, ‘I’nstallation, ‘I’nspection, and ‘M’aintenance of installed firestop systems. The event featured...

The new FCIA endorsed Professional Liability Insurance program with The Norman Spencer Insurance Group provides coverage to protect Firestop Inspection Agencies and Firestop Contractors. Professional Liability coverage closes gaps in General Liability policies for Firestop Contractors. The FCIA Program is underwritten by Lloyds of London. Learn more

Check out this Blog regularly to see what’s going on in the industry. Maintaining Fire-Resistant-Rated and Smoke-Resistant Assemblies…Yes, It’s Critical FCIA recommends that all parts of Total Fire Protection be continuously, maintained. Read the rest in the “News You Can Use” Blog.

What’s required by the International Building Code (IBC) for Firestopping Special Inspection? What’s required to be an AHJ ‘Approved’ Special Inspection Agency of AHJ ‘Approved’ Special Instructor? This is the REAL story…

FCIA recently released their Firestop Containment Worker Education Program (FSCW-IE and FSCW-M). This comprehensive, instructor led education program for the Firestop Containment Field Worker, Instructor, and Inspector, is everything needed to train workforces from the ground up. Learn more today!

FCIA Contractor Members provide many services. FCIA Associate Members are valuable assets to all. FCIA Member Firestop Inspection Agencies inspect to ASTM E2174, ASTM E2393, required by the IBC’s Chapter 17. FCIA Member Firestop Manufacturers, Manufacturers Reps & Distributors provide products to those that make them ‘SYSTEMS’ after installation to System Designs and Manufacturers Installation Instructions.

FCIA Friends at Underwriters Laboratories and IFC produced a nice UL/IFC Video on firestopping. Check it and FCIA’s sample Firestop Containment Worker education video.Our industry is working for better reliability through education at all levels of the industry.