As reported by the International Firestop Council (IFC), the IFC Firestop Special Inspector certificate program has reached 400 certified inspectors.
These inspectors are located globally, including in Seoul, South Korea, the Middle East, the UK, and nearly all 50 states in the US.
This milestone indicates the presence of 400 trained and qualified inspectors knowledgeable in firestopping and its proper installation.
The IFC emphasizes the importance of jurisdictions enforcing IBC Chapter 17 requirements for special inspection of firestopping, which has been in place since 2012.
The workforce is now ready to meet this demand.
The special inspector certificate program was developed following the ICC’s approval of special inspections for penetration and joint firestopping in the 2012 IBC.
Incompetent inspections can lead to noncompliant installations being passed or acceptable installations being failed.
To address this, a dedicated team of industry volunteers spent nearly two years developing the IFC education and examination program, launched in June 2014.
The IFC certificate program has gained broad acceptance both in the US and internationally.
It is recognized for providing suitable education and examination in ASTM E3038 and is included in the list of acceptable examinations in ICC IAS Accreditation Criteria AC291.
In California, it is accepted for healthcare special inspections by HCAI, and it is written into the UAE Fire Code as the acceptable credential for firestop special inspectors.
Individuals with the IFC inspector certificate are approved by AHJs in all jurisdictions where special inspection is enforced.
The IFC stresses that proper inspection is crucial for ensuring fire safety in buildings.
In jurisdictions not yet enforcing the IBC Chapter 17 requirement, it is crucial to familiarize with and enforce this code.
The availability of 400 certified inspectors means that there is a qualified workforce ready to support these efforts and ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
The International Firestop Council (IFC) has announced that their Firestop Special Inspector certificate program has reached 400 certified inspectors.
These inspectors are distributed worldwide, including in South Korea, the Middle East, the UK, and nearly all US states.
The certification program, developed over two years and launched in 2014, ensures that inspectors are properly trained and qualified.
It is recognized in various standards and accepted by multiple authorities.
The IFC highlights the importance of enforcing IBC Chapter 17 requirements for firestopping inspections and encourages jurisdictions to adopt these standards to ensure fire safety.
