The GAME CHANGER in Fire Stopping - 'Think Inside the Box'

Traditional fire stopping methodology is being challenged by BOSS FyreBox™.

In the past, building consents were issued with a basic fire engineering report with little if any reference to specific fire stopping systems. Architects did not specify any fire stopping product or systems prior to consent and consequently there was very little for the QS to base budgets on.

Traditionally, each trade tried their hand at doing their own fire stopping or sub-contracting it out to specialist passive fire installers - at considerable cost. Compliance was the next hurdle and the cost of re-works and rectifications of noncompliant installations resulted in huge budget blow-outs.

When it is left to passive fire stopping installers to specify the penetration seal, often their go-to option is the most labour-intensive option. This can often be due to the installer being on a charge out rate, or due to quoting per penetration. By quoting multiple separate penetrations they can get away with charging more. Commonly, the installers may not co-ordinate with other contractors or the project managers resulting in the substrate not being prepared appropriately or the timing of the installations not being sequenced effectively.

With the introduction of new technology in fire mastics, the highpressure expanding mastic (HPE) has paved the way for a multiple service - single point of entry – transit box to be developed.

BOSS FyreBox™

Tested to AS1530.4 (2014) the BOSS FyreBox™ can provide up to FRR -/120/120 and is capable of protecting the full range of apartment services through a single penetration. When installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications it is compliant and cost effective on a supply and install basis.

The specialist fire installation contractor is often not consulted in this process and the preparation of the building element (and the timing of this activity) leads to un-budgeted costs.

A simple feasibility exercise comparing the supply and install cost of a list of traditional fie stopping for individual services per apartment - verses the cost of supply and install of a BOSS FyreBox™ (including the cost of concrete drilling through slab walls) would illustrate the savings.

The BOSS FyreBox™ is the GAME CHANGER that has the construction industry challenging traditional installation methodology, in pursuit of the substantial cost reductions in the supply and install of tested (AS1530.4 – 2014) NZBC compliant fire penetration systems.

The savings are also evident using the BOSS FyreBox™ later in a project’s life cycle after initial construction is completed for both building owners and managers. Inspecting grouped services through the BOSS FyreBox™ is a simple task for maintenance inspectors and also provides a far easier solution when any new services need to be added as you won’t need to cut any new penetrations in the fire compartment. (Passive fire installers can often profit heavily in this area by selecting the older traditional method).

Specification is the answer

When an architect specifies the use of a cost effective, compliant fire protection product / solution, the consent locks in the specification and control of the cost is awarded to the QS.

Inclusion of subject matter specialists at design phase is the answer. The trick is in the timing of the involvement of Potters Passive Fire. The earlier we are engaged in the concept design phase the more effective our contribution would be in the overall cost saving on fire protection.

Where to find the true cost of passive fire

It is obvious that fire protection should not be left out of the design phase of the project. Project managers and quantity surveyors are concerned with getting the job done right the first time, on time & within budget. The fire stopping installer may prioritise the most profitable solution for themselves over the most cost effective option for the builder and/or end user.

Herein lies the conflict – cost of re-works and rectifications of non-compliant installations will be determined when the building consent authorities do their inspections. By then it is too late to do anything about budget blowouts.

By involving the supplier early in the project design phase, the true cost of fire stopping can be more accurately determined, and also have a positive long lasting effect on the building owners – so all we need to do is TALK to each other.

For more in formation pease call: 0800 50 2677 or visit: www.potters.co.nz/productcollection/bossfire-fyrebox/