FIRE SAFETY
Technical Memorandum 05-02. It explains that joints between fire-separating elements should be firestopped, and that all openings for pipes, ducts, conduits, or cables to pass through any part of fire- separating elements should be kept to as few as possible, as small as is practicable, and firestopped (which, in the case of a pipe or duct, should allow thermal movement).
Hidden costs
Beyond the initial product and installation costs, there are several hidden costs and risks associated with traditional firestop methods, such as unplanned downtime, cable damage, and the risk of non- compliance. Opting for a self-sealing passive fire protection solution, such as EZ-Path from Legrand, could be the answer for healthcare facilities such as hospitals in order to create a fire-rated pathway for cables. These systems offer a flexible and future-proof firestopping solution whereby further cables can be added or removed without the need for further building work, specialist contractors, or for the fire rating of the wall or floor to be re-validated – all of
which would result in extra costs for end- users if traditional firestop methods were employed.
Unlike conventional firestopping methods, once installed correctly, self- sealing firestopping devices do not require re-certification each time cables are added or removed. Using intumescent foam which expands when exposed to heat and fire, a penetration seal is created to close any gaps between cables to stop fire and smoke spreading, even if the product is filled with cables. In addition, the system does not need to be fitted by a specialist fire contractor, making it an accessible option for a range of healthcare facilities. Unlike traditional methods, there are no gaps in fire protection while additional work is taking place, as no firestopping is removed. Therefore, walls remain intact and continuously compliant, minimising the threat of fire, and helping hospitals to keep running during retrofit installations.
BIM
In addition, as more construction projects move towards using BIM, several firestop systems will have their own BIM files to help plan where firestopping will be required in relation to other services being installed and ahead of the build taking place. Although the initial upfront cost can go beyond what is expected from a traditional firestopping product, no additional costs are incurred, as cables can be added in future without the need for a specialist fire contractor. There is also no risk of non-compliance, avoiding governmental fire safety breach penalties and fines.
As well as providing valuable access to different areas of a hospital, corridors are a key escape route for occupants in the event of a fire.
As they can offer a larger cavity than a conventionally firestopped construction opening, penetration seal systems do not require close inspection to be certain they are working as they should, meaning an expert isn’t required to take ownership of firestopping practices in a building. It also limits working at height by those checking these systems, as no ladders are required to check that firestopping above doors is compliant.
About Legrand Legrand is a global specialist in
electrical and digital building infrastructures. In the UK, the business is organised into six business units: cable management, power distribution, wiring devices, assisted living & healthcare, digital infrastructures, and energy controls. The company offers in-depth knowledge and experience of cable management through its three key brands – Salamandre, Swifts, and Cablofil. A French industrial group based out of the Limousin region, Legrand has a rich industrial heritage dating back to 1860, when it was a porcelain maker. It wasn’t until 1919 that the business diversified into electric switches, utilising porcelain and boxwood as the main materials. Legrand began manufacturing in the UK in 1980, and around 85 per cent of its products sold in the UK are also manufactured here.
Planning and foresight
Ultimately, it shouldn’t take a tragic fire incident for healthcare environments to be reminded of the importance of effective firestopping. Hospitals will always be at a high risk of fire due to the equipment they contain and the considerable amount of cabling they require. However, better planning and foresight in the design of hospitals and healthcare facilities can guarantee that these buildings are as safe as possible. Opting for a reliable firestopping solution at the start of a project will help to keep hospitals running during retrofit installations, protect patients, staff, and visitors, limit the damage caused to a building and its contents in the event of a fire, make any remedial work far more manageable, and fit in with a compartmentalised fire evacuation strategy to prevent the rapid spread of fire and smoke.
hej
June 2018 Health Estate Journal 41
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