Firestopping Course

Lesson 1 • Fire Behavior and Building Compartments

Covers how fire, heat, and smoke travel through structures and how compartmentalization limits spread. Grounds all subsequent firestopping concepts in fire science fundamentals.

Lesson 2 • Passive Fire Protection Overview

Defines passive fire protection and distinguishes it from active systems. Positions firestopping as a critical passive fire protection discipline within the broader building safety framework.

Lesson 3 • Firestopping Terminology and Definitions

Establishes precise vocabulary used throughout the course and in field documentation. Accurate terminology prevents installation errors and supports communication with inspectors.

Lesson 1 • Caulks, Sealants, and Putties

Examines intumescent and non-intumescent caulks, sealants, and putties used to seal penetrations. Students match product type to substrate compatibility and movement capability requirements.

Lesson 2 • Spray-Applied and Foam Systems

Addresses spray-applied firestop materials and single-component foam systems for complex geometries. Students identify correct application conditions and limitations of each spray or foam product.

Lesson 3 • Firestop Boards, Pillows, and Mortars

Introduces solid and semi-solid firestopping materials used in large openings and cable trays. Students evaluate when boards, pillows, or mortars outperform flexible sealants.

Lesson 4 • Material Selection Decision Framework

Synthesizes material knowledge into a structured selection process based on penetrant type, substrate, and rating requirements. Prepares students to justify product choices on real projects.

Lesson 1 • Matching Systems to Field Conditions

Applies parameter knowledge to real penetration scenarios, selecting the correct listed system for each condition. Students practice matching exercises using actual listing databases.

Lesson 2 • Substitutions and Deviations

Explains permissible substitutions within listed systems and the process for obtaining approval for deviations. Students distinguish acceptable substitutions from unauthorized modifications.

Lesson 3 • Structure of a Listed System Document

Breaks down the anatomy of a listed firestop system document including system number, scope, and components. Students navigate any listing document confidently before attempting field application.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Trade and Complex Penetrations

Addresses penetrations containing multiple penetrants of different types in a single opening. Students plan installation sequence and select systems that accommodate combined penetrant conditions.

Lesson 2 • Plastic Pipe Penetrations

Addresses combustible plastic pipe penetrations requiring intumescent devices to close the annular space upon melting. Students install collars and wraps correctly for PVC, CPVC, and ABS pipe.

Lesson 3 • Ductwork and HVAC Penetrations

Covers firestopping around sheet metal ducts and insulated ductwork passing through rated assemblies. Students differentiate firestopping from fire damper requirements and install each correctly.

Lesson 4 • Electrical Conduit and Cable Penetrations

Teaches firestopping of EMT, rigid conduit, and bundled cable penetrations in rated assemblies. Students address fill ratios, cable management, and sealant compatibility with insulation materials.

Lesson 1 • Floor-to-Floor and Perimeter Joints

Addresses the perimeter gap between a floor slab edge and a curtain wall or exterior wall system. Students apply listed joint systems that maintain ratings while allowing thermal movement.

Lesson 2 • Expansion and Seismic Joints

Teaches firestopping of large-movement joints designed to accommodate thermal expansion or seismic drift. Students select systems rated for the required movement capability and fire resistance.

Lesson 3 • Head-of-Wall Joint Systems

Covers the dynamic gap between the top of a partition and the underside of a floor or deck above. Students install mineral fiber and intumescent systems that accommodate structural movement.

Lesson 1 • Trade Coordination and Sequencing

Addresses the sequencing of firestopping relative to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trade work. Students prevent access conflicts and ensure penetrations are sealed before concealment.

Lesson 2 • Estimating and Material Takeoff

Introduces quantity takeoff methods for firestopping materials based on penetration counts and joint lengths. Accurate estimates prevent material shortages and support competitive bidding.

Lesson 3 • Developing a Firestop Program Plan

Guides creation of a project-specific firestop program covering scope, responsibilities, and procedures. A written plan aligns all stakeholders before work begins and reduces field disputes.

Lesson 1 • Quality Management Systems

Connects individual inspection activities to a project-wide quality management framework. Students implement tracking logs, corrective action workflows, and closeout documentation packages.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Installation Inspection

Establishes conditions that must be verified before firestopping begins, including substrate readiness and product availability. Early verification prevents costly rework after installation.

Lesson 3 • Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing

Introduces testing methods used to verify sealant depth and fill integrity beyond visual inspection. Students understand when each method is appropriate and how to interpret results.

Lesson 4 • In-Progress Inspection Techniques

Covers observation points during installation to catch errors before sealant cures or access is lost. Students identify common installation defects and the corrective actions required.

Lesson 1 • Remediation Installation Techniques

Covers removal of failed or non-compliant firestopping and installation of compliant replacement systems. Students work within occupied building constraints including dust and odor controls.

Lesson 2 • Unique and Difficult Substrates

Addresses firestopping on masonry, glass, structural steel, and other non-standard substrates. Students select primers and products that achieve adhesion and rating compliance on each surface.

Lesson 3 • Identifying and Assessing Deficiencies

Develops a systematic approach to locating and categorizing firestop deficiencies in existing buildings. Students prioritize remediation based on risk level and occupancy impact.

Lesson 4 • Post-Installation Modifications

Covers procedures for maintaining firestop integrity when penetrations are added or modified after initial installation. Students enforce a penetration management process to prevent uncontrolled breaches.