A proposed standard from ASTM International provides a set of guidelines for conducting and reporting on-site inspections of fire-resistive materials.
Both spray-applied (SFRM) and intumescent materials (IFRM) are used on structural steel and other substrates to maintain structural integrity and safe conditions in the event of a fire.
“These materials are a vital component in designing schools, hospitals, homes, offices, factories, petrochemical plants, and other places where structural steel is crucial to supporting the load of the structure,” ASTM member Phil Mancuso, technical-services manager, Isolatek International, said. “It is important that steel and other key structural elements are directly protected and properly inspected to ensure safety.”
In addition to giving building officials and fire marshals a way to inspect SFRM and IFRM materials, the proposed standard, ASTM WK54567, New Practice for Standard Practice for the On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Materials, offers code language that references both existing and new methods of inspecting the materials. The proposed standard also would be used by architects, specifiers, building owners, and others involved in the fireproofing industry.
ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. To become a member, go to www.astm.org/JOIN.