FM 4991 & UL SOLUTIONS QUALIFIED FIRESTOP CONTRACTOR PROGRAMS
Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors who have been in business for two years or longer can become FM Approved under the FM 4991, Standard for the Approval of Firestop Contractors program or Qualified under the UL Solutions Qualified Firestop Contractor program.
FM 4991 Approved and UL Solutions Qualified Contractors demonstrate that their company complies with an international standard for quality of firestop installations. These programs not only raise the quality of work being done, but they also provide ongoing compliance due to the annual audits by FM Approvals or UL Solutions. Further, they improve Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor operations, resulting in better installations and inspections and safer buildings.
Becoming an FM 4991 Approved or UL Solutions Qualified Contractor is optional. Master Specifications requiring FM 4991 Approved and/or UL Solutions Qualified Firestop Contractors can be found worldwide and are specified in some building types as much as 75% of the time.
This movement — to FCIA Member, FM 4991 Approved, and/or UL Solutions Qualified Firestop Contractors – breeds an environment where firestop systems are installed correctly the first time and function as intended should they be called upon by fire and/or smoke.
Both the FM 4991 Approved Program and UL Solutions Qualified Firestop Contractor Program are company-based accreditation programs with an individual knowledge component. Accredited companies have made an organization-wide commitment to excellence in their craft through an investment in talent and operational efficiency, as well as a strong financial investment in program participation.
Companies must complete several steps before being considered accredited. Each of the Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor accreditation programs – FM 4991 and the UL Solutions QFCP require that:
- An individual within the company pass a rigorous written exam every three (3) years*. Once the company completes all the steps for accreditation, this individual then becomes the DRI, or Designated Responsible Individual. The DRI maintains the company’s compliance with the program requirements, including their own continued education every 36 months*.
- The accrediting organization (FM Approvals or UL Solutions) conducts an initial audit of the firestop contractor company’s Quality Management System (QMS) based on the company Management System Manual. This involves an on-site review of the implemented company policies and procedures, the company’s Management System Manual, and a jobsite audit(s) to verify that field operations are following the procedures and policies outlined in the Management System Manual.
- FM Approvals or UL Solutions conduct an annual follow-up and audit to ensure the company’s continued compliance with program requirements and the policies outlined in the company’s QMS Manual.
Once a company becomes FM 4991 Approved or UL Solutions Qualified and pays the fees, they assign a Designated Responsible Individual (DRI) – the individual who passed the FM Firestop Exam for FM 4991 or the UL Firestop Exam for UL Solutions QFCP – to oversee the program. These companies are listed at www.FCIA.org and the accrediting company website.
When the Contractor is an FM 4991 Approved or UL Solutions Qualified Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor, then is inspected by an IAS AC 291 Accredited Special Inspection Agency with educated Inspectors, the result is firestop systems installed and verified for protection.
Working with FCIA Member FM 4991 Approved or UL Solutions Qualified Companies provides all parties involved in the construction process – from specification and design to construction, inspection agency to building owner and manager and building occupants – firestop systems installed correctly. Firestopping done right the first time is the best line of defense should fire and smoke attack the building.
To find an FM 4991 Approved or UL Solutions Qualified Firestop Contractor near you, visit FCIA’s Member List.