With IBC Code Enforcement Lacking, and Inspectors Uninformed, Life and Fire Safety Issues Rise in Prominence. Codes Can Save Lives… But Are They Being Enforced?

Many Industry-Standard Horizontal HVAC Fire-Rated Assemblies Are Not in Compliance with the International Building Code (IBC). Current Installation Practices Can Mask – and Even Accelerate – Hazards.

WARREN, Mich.--()--Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of fire-rated architectural and engineered duct systems, today announced that its code experts have detected broad non-enforcement of the International Building Code (IBC), in part from a misinterpretation of the existing codes and/or lack of awareness of code requirements. That conclusion was reached, and reconfirmed, in the market during discussions with numerous state and local code officials, contractors, and engineers over a year-long period.

Conquest Firespray recently made the dramatic statement that most industry-standard horizontal HVAC fire-rated assemblies are not in compliance with requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). States such as Florida (and others soon to concur with Florida’s findings) are now in agreement with Conquest Firespray’s findings.

“The IBC and other applicable codes are not theories; indeed, they are prescriptive practices required for new construction based on lessons learned from past building failures,” said John Pattillo, a Conquest principal and head of engineering. “The codes are only as effective as code officials understanding and enforcing code provisions.”

“Perhaps even more dangerous than the non-compliance is that current practices of insulating non-compliant duct systems not only mask the problem, but accelerate system failure,” John Pattillo added. “This imperils the lives of occupants and first responders, and it really needs to be addressed through immediate enforcement of the codes.”

In response to this situation, Conquest and its fully code-compliant Flamebar® BW11 solution, has introduced an education program to help specifiers, design professionals, and contractors achieve compliance. The program qualifies for continuing education credits and offers modules in five key areas: Architects, Engineers, Building Code Officials, Fire Marshals, and Mechanical Contractors.

Direct links to the no-cost / no obligation code education modules:

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed rectangular and spiral duct, and applies coatings at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; compliance@conquest-firespray.com. More info: www.conquest-firespray.com

Contacts

Conquest Firespray
John D. Wagner, 919-796-9984
Jdwagner@WagnerPR.com

Release Summary

With IBC Code Enforcement Lacking, and Inspectors Uninformed, Life and Fire Safety Issues Rise in Prominence. Codes Can Save Lives… If Enforced.

Contacts

Conquest Firespray
John D. Wagner, 919-796-9984
Jdwagner@WagnerPR.com