IFC Project Planning & Scheduling 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a firestop contractor receives shop drawings late, what is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Proceed with installation using past project experience
- Issue a formal RFI and document the delay in writing (Correct answer)
- Wait without notification until drawings arrive
- Substitute a different listed system without approval
Correct answer: Issue a formal RFI and document the delay in writing
Issuing an RFI and documenting the delay protects the contractor legally and keeps the schedule accountable.
Question 2: Which scheduling technique allows a firestop foreman to identify which tasks can be delayed without affecting project completion?
- Critical Path Method (CPM)
- Float or slack analysis (Correct answer)
- Resource leveling
- Gantt chart review
Correct answer: Float or slack analysis
Float (slack) analysis identifies non-critical activities that have scheduling flexibility without impacting the end date.
Question 3: A project specification requires firestop submittals to be approved 14 days before installation. The contractor submits 10 days before. What is the likely consequence?
- Installation can begin immediately since submittal was received
- The architect may issue a notice of noncompliance and delay the start (Correct answer)
- The 4-day gap is acceptable as a minor variance
- The GC can approve the submittal on behalf of the architect
Correct answer: The architect may issue a notice of noncompliance and delay the start
Failure to meet the specified submittal lead time may result in a noncompliance notice and delayed installation authorization.
Question 4: In a phased construction project, why is it critical to schedule firestop inspections before drywall closure?
- Inspectors prefer to work in open conditions
- Penetrations must be visible and accessible for inspection approval (Correct answer)
- Drywall installation is always on the critical path
- Fire barriers are only installed after drywall
Correct answer: Penetrations must be visible and accessible for inspection approval
Firestop systems must be inspected while penetrations remain visible; covering them before inspection constitutes a code violation.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a pre-installation meeting specific to firestop work?
- To negotiate pricing adjustments with the owner
- To align all trades on penetration locations, systems, and inspection requirements (Correct answer)
- To finalize the project closeout documentation
- To train workers on general OSHA safety rules
Correct answer: To align all trades on penetration locations, systems, and inspection requirements
Pre-installation meetings coordinate penetration locations, responsible parties, approved systems, and inspection sequencing before work begins.
Question 6: Which document is MOST useful for tracking the status of each firestop penetration from rough-in through inspection approval?
- Project safety plan
- Penetration log or firestop register (Correct answer)
- Material safety data sheet (SDS)
- Certificate of substantial completion
Correct answer: Penetration log or firestop register
A penetration log (firestop register) tracks each opening's location, assigned system, installer, and inspection status throughout the project.
Question 7: When scheduling firestop work in a hospital renovation, which constraint takes highest priority?
- Material delivery lead times
- Infection control and interim life safety measures (ILSM) (Correct answer)
- Subcontractor convenience scheduling
- Permit expiration dates
Correct answer: Infection control and interim life safety measures (ILSM)
Hospitals require strict ILSM compliance; firestop activities must be scheduled to maintain smoke/fire compartmentalization and minimize infection risk.
IFC Project Planning & Scheduling 2
When a firestop contractor receives shop drawings late, what is the MOST appropriate immediate action?