Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/607779
DECEMBER 2015 | 45 Fire Protection Systems PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY AFFINITY FIRESTOP CONSULTANTS Fire protection systems evolve in response to new requirements by STEFAN DUBOWSKI I f you get the chance to visit the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, be sure to study the architecture as well as the exhibits. Designed by Antoine Predock, the structure combines glass, concrete and steel to inspire visitors to celebrate human rights and think about the evolution of a just society. It houses numerous galleries to encourage people to consider vital topics such as human dignity, respect and responsibility. A home for such important contempla- tion must be designed to foster discussion and thought. But the building also has to be designed to protect the exhibits for years to come, and ensure that the people who walk through its doors are safe. Fire is a serious risk. That's why during the museum's construction, fire pro- tection was a crucial concern. But it was also a challenge. Michael Sutton, fire bar- rier technologist at Affinity Firestop Consultants Inc., says his company was on hand to make sure that the intumescent fire-resistive material (IFRM) used on the exposed interior steel beams and columns was installed properly, to guarantee that the structures would withstand high heat. Protection is always key, but with a building as architecturally significant as this museum, esthetics matter too. Sometimes safety and beauty clash. That seemed to be the case when it came to applying the IFRM to the beams and columns. "The material is applied in several separate steps, a few coats at a time, in order to achieve the thicknesses specified in the corresponding tested systems," Sutton explains. "As additional layers are applied, imperfections tend to become extruded and magnified outwards. Even a small imperfection at the beginning can cause an unsightly end result once the requisite number of coats have been applied." Affinity worked closely with the company applying the IFRM to monitor instal- lation at every step. In the end, the installers and inspectors managed to create a textured look with the material, adding visual depth to the steel matrices while ensuring that the structures are protected. Affinity's careful approach exemplifies a current trend in fire protection; consul- tants, contractors and systems providers have enhanced their offerings, building on years of experience to provide cost-effective and easy-to-use safeguards. As a result, architects, developers and facilities managers can expect these blaze-bust- ing experts to provide top-notch advice to help ensure projects built today remain standing well into the future. Sutton has seen greater demand for information about fire barriers. Owners and managers want to see markings and reports that clearly identify the separations within their facilities. Sutton says this desire for straightforward as-built details stems in part from a growing sense of frustration. Too often, owners discover that remodelling projects have made barriers, coatings and other fire protection sys- tems less effective, resulting in the need for expensive renovations. Armed with knowledge about barrier placement and design, renovators should be able to avoid compromising the protections. Sutton notes that a growing number of contractors seek to demonstrate their capabilities by becoming accredited and certified: "We tend to see more certifica- tion in the U.S., but it is growing in Canada," he says. Affinity is taking part in that trend. The company is on track to complete the ULC Qualified Firestop Contractor Program, which educates contractors on best prac- tices for choosing and installing firestopping systems. When they complete that program, Sutton and his crew plan to take the International Accreditation Service's AC291: Accreditation Criteria for Special Inspection Agencies, which details best practices for inspectors. Meanwhile, two of Affinity's employees – including Sutton himself – are working toward accreditation from the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba, which recognizes technically qualified individuals who have completed significant levels of post-secondary education and related practical experience. Carmine Bozzo, VP of fire strategy at Chubb Edwards, says he sees a positive trend toward advanced technology, especially in the area of control and manage- ment. "There has been steady progress in the development of enhanced functional- ity and performance across the core fire panel hardware and the related peripheral sensing devices," Bozzo says. "But the most notable advances have been related to the supporting software – the user's graphics interface with the system. Recent software developments have focused on simplification and on generating a highly intuitive experience." Take, for example, Chubb Edwards' new FireWorks control system; software that provides information for building managers and fire systems operators when responding to emergencies. "A new version of FireWorks soon to be released will offer standalone and network-based options that will allow end-users to operate the platform on one or multiple workstations," Bozzo says. "It can be installed on a dedicated life-safety network or on a facility's network backbone to offer the tools needed to monitor, control and address emergency situations." The new FireWorks software will colour-code and prioritize emergencies based on alarm type. And it supports custom audio messaging to reinforce emergency action plans. Five customizable screens display maps, images, event lists and actions, arming managers and first responders with the information they need to handle emergencies. Feel The Force + Intumescent fireproofing coats the steel structure work at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights; An inspector tests for applied material thickness.