Third Party Special Inspections – Penetration Firestops and Fire-Resistant Joint Systems
- Affects all applicable projects submitted under 2018 North Carolina State Building Code.
– Exceptions as defined by Mecklenburg County: NCEBC Alteration Levels 1 and 2
- Major impact on upfront anticipated project cost and typical schedule. However, has potential to save fortunes if implemented correctly. How?
– Prevent Schedule Delays & Reduce Change Orders
– Mitigate liability for the building owner, the RDPIRC, the general contractor and all involved trades.
- Requirements to provide this Special Inspection Service:
– Mecklenburg County Approved Designated Special Inspector (DSI) is a Registered Design Professional (PE or Architect) employed by a Special Inspection Firm (SIF) contracted by the Owner who is experienced with firestop systems and qualified to manage the required Special Inspections.
- Granular Process: ASTM E2174-18 & ASTM E2393 Standards
– Conflict of Interest – Inspector shall be completely independent of and divested from the installing contractor, general contractor, manufacturer or supplier of any material being inspected.
– Plan Review, Specifications, UL System Submittals
– Penetration Count – 2% Destructive Inspection of Each Type
– Fire Resistive Joint Systems and Perimeter Fire Barriers – One sampling / 500 linear feet of each joint type
– Photo documentation, multiple phase detailed reports, notarized documents stating compliance.