IFC Inspection, Maintenance, and Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document is the primary reference a firestop inspector uses to verify that an installed system matches the approved design?
- The building permit application
- The Firestop Systems Schedule or listing sheet (Correct answer)
- The architect's floor plan
- The general contractor's RFI log
Correct answer: The Firestop Systems Schedule or listing sheet
The Firestop Systems Schedule (or listing sheet) identifies the specific UL-listed or tested system number, substrates, and fill material required for each penetration type.
Question 2: When documenting a through-penetration firestop inspection, what minimum data point must be recorded for each penetration to enable future re-inspection?
- The installer's Social Security number
- A unique location identifier such as floor, room, and grid coordinate (Correct answer)
- The brand name of the sealant tube
- The outside air temperature at time of installation
Correct answer: A unique location identifier such as floor, room, and grid coordinate
A unique location identifier allows inspectors to return to the exact penetration for re-inspection or verification without guessing.
Question 3: Under IFC guidelines, which entity is responsible for retaining completed firestop inspection reports for the life of the building?
- The firestop installer
- The testing laboratory
- The building owner or owner's authorized representative (Correct answer)
- The local fire marshal exclusively
Correct answer: The building owner or owner's authorized representative
The building owner or their authorized representative is responsible for maintaining inspection records as part of the building's permanent documentation.
Question 4: A firestop inspection report notes a penetration as 'NCI' — what does this designation mean?
- Non-Combustible Installation
- Not Currently Inspected
- Non-Conforming Installation (Correct answer)
- No Caulk Installed
Correct answer: Non-Conforming Installation
'NCI' stands for Non-Conforming Installation, indicating the installed firestop system does not meet the required listed system criteria.
Question 5: After remediation of a non-conforming firestop penetration, what step must occur before the inspection record is closed?
- The AHJ must be notified by certified mail
- A re-inspection must confirm the corrected installation meets the listing requirements (Correct answer)
- The original installer must sign an affidavit
- A 30-day curing period must be observed
Correct answer: A re-inspection must confirm the corrected installation meets the listing requirements
Re-inspection after remediation confirms that the corrected work now complies with the applicable listed system, closing the deficiency loop.
Question 6: Which standard provides the test method most commonly referenced when evaluating the fire-resistance rating of a through-penetration firestop system?
- ASTM E119
- ASTM E814 (UL 1479) (Correct answer)
- NFPA 72
- ICC A117.1
Correct answer: ASTM E814 (UL 1479)
ASTM E814 (also published as UL 1479) is the standard test method for through-penetration firestop systems, measuring F-Rating and T-Rating.
Question 7: Which condition would most likely trigger a mandatory re-inspection of a previously accepted firestop installation?
- The building is repainted
- A new penetration is cored adjacent to the sealed penetration (Correct answer)
- The HVAC system is serviced
- Seasonal temperature changes occur
Correct answer: A new penetration is cored adjacent to the sealed penetration
Coring a new penetration nearby can disturb the annular space or substrate of an existing sealed penetration, potentially compromising its integrity.
IFC Inspection, Maintenance, and Documentation 2
Which document is the primary reference a firestop inspector uses to verify that an installed system matches the approved design?