IFC Quality Control & Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document serves as the primary reference for verifying that a firestop installation matches the approved listed system?
- The installer's personal notes
- The UL or FM system drawing (e.g., UL System Card) (Correct answer)
- The building owner's occupancy certificate
- The general contractor's schedule
Correct answer: The UL or FM system drawing (e.g., UL System Card)
UL system cards (or equivalent FM/ICC-ES documentation) define the exact materials, configurations, and dimensions required for a listed firestop assembly.
Question 2: During a QC inspection, an inspector finds that the annular space around a pipe penetration exceeds the maximum allowed by the listed system. What is the correct action?
- Approve the installation if sealant fill looks adequate
- Document the non-conformance and require corrective action before approval (Correct answer)
- Cover the area and note it in a verbal report
- Increase sealant thickness to compensate and approve
Correct answer: Document the non-conformance and require corrective action before approval
Any deviation from listed system parameters must be documented as a non-conformance; the installation must be corrected to match the listed system before it can be accepted.
Question 3: What does the term 'special inspection' mean in the context of firestop systems under IBC?
- An inspection performed only after a fire incident
- An inspection by a qualified inspector to verify code-required work during and after installation (Correct answer)
- A peer review of engineering drawings
- An annual maintenance walk-through by the owner
Correct answer: An inspection by a qualified inspector to verify code-required work during and after installation
Under IBC Chapter 17, special inspection is continuous or periodic inspection by a qualified inspector to ensure structural and fire-resistance systems are installed per approved documents.
Question 4: When inspecting a head-of-wall joint firestop system, which dimension is most critical to verify against the listed system?
- The wall height from floor to deck
- The maximum joint width and allowable movement (Correct answer)
- The color of the sealant used
- The brand of drywall used in the assembly
Correct answer: The maximum joint width and allowable movement
Head-of-wall systems are listed for specific maximum joint widths and movement ratings; exceeding these invalidates the fire rating.
Question 5: A Quality Control Plan (QCP) for firestop work should be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) at which project phase?
- After substantial completion
- Before firestop installation begins (Correct answer)
- At the final inspection
- Only if requested post-occupancy
Correct answer: Before firestop installation begins
The QCP must be reviewed and approved by the AHJ before installation starts to ensure all materials, methods, and inspection protocols are pre-authorized.
Question 6: Which ASTM standard governs the installation and quality inspection of through-penetration firestop systems?
- ASTM E84
- ASTM E2393 (Correct answer)
- ASTM E119
- ASTM E1290
Correct answer: ASTM E2393
ASTM E2393 is the Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Joint Systems and Perimeter Fire Barriers.
Question 7: What information must be captured in a firestop inspection report for each penetration or joint?
- Only the installer's name and date
- Location, listing system used, material lot numbers, and pass/fail status (Correct answer)
- Just a photo of the completed work
- The cost of materials installed
Correct answer: Location, listing system used, material lot numbers, and pass/fail status
Comprehensive inspection records must include the location identifier, the specific listed system reference, product lot/batch data for traceability, and the inspection outcome.
IFC Quality Control & Inspection 2
Which document serves as the primary reference for verifying that a firestop installation matches the approved listed system?