What Exactly is FM4991 and What Does It Mean for Firestopping
Picking an FM4991 Approved and UL-Qualified Firestop Contractor is a great way to ensure high-quality results for your project.
If you are a contractor, building owner, or facilities engineer, you have a lot of work to do to ensure the structure you’re working on is actually safe. Finding the right qualified construction professionals is quite important, especially for firestop work. You have probably seen the term “FM4991 approved” or “UL Qualified” when researching potential firestop contractors for your construction job, but what exactly do they mean? These terms represent the accreditation and qualification programs for firestop professionals. Picking an FM4991 Approved and UL-Qualified Firestop Contractor is a great way to ensure high-quality results for your project. Read on to learn more!
FM4991 and the Firestop Contractors Association
FM4991 is a set of quality standards developed by the Firestop Contractors International Association in conjunction with FM Approvals. This approval standard is a highly detailed set of quality standards following the ISO 9000 series certifications designed to help ensure Approved Contractors install optimal fire and life-safety systems in your buildings. Contractors could achieve approval through a special accreditation program which includes a quality system review, jobsite audits, and process analyses. Since its inception, FM4991 has become a widespread industry standard that various architectural firms and engineers require for their projects.
UL Qualified Firestop Contracting Program
You may have seen the “UL” logo on many products you use every day. UL operates the UL Qualified Firestop Contractor Program, which is designed to help allow contractors to demonstrate, assess, and maintain their abilities to follow the best practices and effectively install some firestop systems. Contractors have to pass a slew of assessments and audits to help achieve a UL qualification.
Why UL Qualified, FM4991 Approved Contractors Are So Important
While the FM4991 Approval standard and the UL Qualified Firestop Contractor Program are both different, they serve similar functions. Firestop contractors who are UL Qualified and FM4991 Approved can show they’re continually dedicated to upholding quality control standards well above the norm. Periodic reassessments and auditing push these professionals to redouble their overall commitment to quality and continuously evaluate processes for improvement. While decision-makers look for firestop contractors they can depend on, seeing the words “UL qualified” or “FM4991 approved” should provide a level of comfort knowing that Firestop Contractor has been thoroughly evaluated by an outside third-party and has been given a stamp of approval from respected industry auditors. Finally, these two programs serve the public because when an FM Approved or UL Qualified Firestop Contractor is used during the construction process, they can rest assured their structure is one of the safest on the market.
Revitalize Your Business with G&M Services
G&M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. We reward our employees for displaying positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved know how to handle equipment and potentially risky situations during a project. We offer services in the way of concrete core-drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, Air Barriers, Firestop, and BIM Project Management and Coordination. To get started with us, call today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page. Follow the official company page today on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
