Maryland Concrete Scanning: What is GPR Scanning?

March 7th, 2012

If you need to get familiar with GPR Scanning and its capabilities, then this article is a must-read. We will provide you information on the essentials you need to know about GPR Scanning.

What is GPR Scanning?

 GPR Scanning stands for Ground Penetrating Radar Scanning. GPR Scanning is used for locating buried pipes and cables. It can detect both metallic and non-metallic structures with its distinctive locating capability. When set to locate and mark mode, the device can do rapid on-site solutions for you because it has an unmatched surveying and mapping capability for defining subsurface infrastructure.

Why Choose GPR Scanning?

Since GPR Scanning is so accurate the device is a great tool to use for construction projects. One reason you should choose GPR Scanning is that it offers real time results. After a GPR scan, a field Mechanic can send the scan to his or her supervisor to cleanup the images and forward the images to clients and /or structural engineers for review. The GPR can scan up to 24″ and it can be performed on one side of a concrete slab.

Read next week’s blog post on how to locate pipes & cables, as well as how to use Subsurface Utility Mapping.

If you need GPR Scanning for your next construction project, call Concrete Visions, LLC Today at (410) 766-2210 to learn more about our Concrete GPR Scanning Services.

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Locating Pipes & Cables

Concrete Scanning:How GPR Improves Airplane Runway Safety

March 2nd, 2012

Airplane Runways can be tremendously damaged when airplane wheels drop through concrete taxiways. This accident occurred at the Mid Delta Regional Airport in Mississippi when the wheels of a refurbished Boeing 737 dropped literally through the concrete taxiway. The aircraft had damages worth $1.5 million from the freak accident.

Geologists believe that subsurface processes, connected with the flooding of the Mississippi River, caused voids to form under the concrete. Accidents like this can hinder flight operations and be a danger to people, aircrafts and equipment.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can help improve Airplane runway safety by mapping voids. Bricked storm drains are one of many likely voids on airplane runways. A GPR can show the location and depth of voids, such as pipes, pits, ditches, wells, and potholes.

Why Choose GPR?

-Real Time Results- After a GPR scan a Field Mechanic can send it to their supervisor who will then clean up the images and forward them to their client and /or structural engineer for their review.

-No Radiation

-Can Scan up to 24″- However, in most areas 16″- 18″ are scanned more accurately (images are visually clearer). Depth of scan is determined by how many targets are in the concrete slab.

-GPR is Safer than X-Ray- gives off less of a signal of a cell phone.

-GPR Scan can be performed on one side of a concrete slab.

Concrete scanning services are so accurate that in 2010 we, G&M Services,LLC performed 6,800 scans with only 7 reported incidents. These statistics support our philosophy that the proper training of our field mechanics leads to better GPR accuracy for our clients.

Our Field Mechanics are Trained to:

-Take Visual Surveys of their Surroundings in the Field to Help Identify Possible Obstructions

-Observations when Possible, Can be Made Above and Below the Concrete Slab

GPR and How to Read the Scans Accurately

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact G&M Services LLC, by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to learn more about Our Concrete GPR Scanning Services.

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Airplane Through Runway

The Importance of Establishing a Drug-Free Workplace

February 23rd, 2012

Improving the safety of the workplace is a necessary and continuous task. An excellent safety measure for the workplace is setting up a drug-free workplace environment. When employees abuse alcohol and other drugs, the safety and health of a workplace is put at risk. This article will provide you information on how to establish and maintain a drug-free workplace –it only takes one impaired employee to devastate a business. Get informed now.

You can protect your business from substance abuse by implementing workplace prevention programs that educate your employees about the dangers of substance abuse and how they could get help if suffering from substance abuse problems.

When a drug-free environment is part of the work environment, occupational injuries and illnesses are drastically reduced.

There are five components that should be part of an effective drug-free workplace program: A written policy, supervisor training, employee education, employee assistance and drug testing. Below are details about what should be included for each component:

Written Policy

The written policy will make up the foundation of your dug-free workplace environment. Although every business has specific organization policy guidelines, there are effective policies all businesses should have in common. One common aspect is explaining why the policy is being implemented. Give a concise description of what behaviors are not allowed in the workplace. Make sure consequences for violating the policy are clear and share the policy with all employees. This will keep employees aware of the drug-free workplace policy and program.

Supervisor Training

Once the policy is established, your business must train all supervisors so they will know how to recognize and deal with employees who have performance problems because of substance abuse. Teach supervisors about drug testing and how to refer employees for substance abuse help.

Employee Education

Knowledge is power. A drug and alcohol education program is necessary to provide employees with information on how to follow policy and benefit from a drug free workplace program.

When drug and alcohol education programs are effective, they can provide your company information about the nature of addiction, work performance, health and personal life.

Employees should participate in the program and be delivered the message of the safety benefits of a drug-free environment on an ongoing basis. Send home mailings. Use displays around the company. Have guest speakers and sessions for new employee orientations.

Employee Assistance

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPS) are work site programs that help you identify problems, assess problems and refer services for employees. EAPs effectively address poor performances that originate with personal problems such as substance abuse.

EAPs help employers respect staff and offer alternatives of help that do not consist of dismissal for drug abuse challenges. Some assistance examples are counseling and referrals.

 Drug Testing

Requiring employees to have a drug test helps deter them away from drug abuse and helps employers detect drug use. Early intervention could really help employees to stop endangering themselves and others.

The Department of Labor’s Working Partners for An Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Program and OSHA encourages businesses to maintain safe, healthy and drug-free workplaces here.

Keep your business as a safe, drug-free environment today with G&M Services.

The safety of others is very important to us. We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all concrete sawing and drilling, firestop, and concrete scanning services are installed properly. Improper Installation of concrete sawing and drilling, firestop, and concrete scanning materials could result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives. Proper installation of services save lives!

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact G&M Services LLC, by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: A Safe Workplace is a Drug-Free Workplace

CSDA And OSHA Release New Documents To Put Concrete Sawing And Drilling Safety First

February 15th, 2012

Have you heard about the release of a new Best Practice Entitled Hearing Conservation by The Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA)? If you did not hear about the release, this article will provide you information about it and how it helps improve concrete sawing and drilling work safety.

 

CSDA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have an alliance. They have not only released the new Best Practice Entitled Hearing Conservation (CSDA-OBP-1008) but also two additional Best Practices Entitled Establishing and Maintaining the Work Area and Mechanical Anchors (CSDA-BP-012).

 

The three documents will improve the Association’s series of standards, specifications, tolerances, and Best Practices to 30.

 

CSDA is a non-profit trade association of contractors, manufacturers and affiliated members from the concrete construction and renovation industry. The purpose of documents released by the CSDA is to lower total project costs, precision cutting, maintenance of structural integrity, reduce downtime, reduce noise, decrease the build up of dust and debris and protect workers.

 

A major hazard in sawing and drilling operations is noise exposure. CSDA-OBP-1008 provides employers and employees important information on hearing conservation. This will help improve worker safety for concrete cutters because of the wide safety and training aids.

 

The CSDA’s Standards and Specifications Committee has worked with industry experts to create the two additional Best Practices on work area maintenance and mechanical anchors. The two additional documents make it mandatory that every person entering into a concrete sawing and drilling area must exercise the best personal safety and apply it with all basic safety standards. The CSDA-BP-011 document highlights electrical safety, fire prevention and personal protective equipment. These all should be considered when in a concrete sawing and drilling work area.

 

As for Mechanical anchors, concrete sawing and drilling contractors on jobsites mount and secure all cutting equipment with drop-in anchors and wedge type anchors. Operators should understand how to use anchors safely to avoid dangerous and deadly accidents (the reason behind why CSDA released CSDA-BP-012).

 

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact G&M Services LLC, by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

 

The safety of others is very important to us. We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all concrete sawing and drilling, firestop, and concrete scanning services are installed properly. Improper Installation of concrete sawing and drilling, firestop, and concrete scanning materials could result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives. Proper installation of services save lives!

 

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

 

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

 

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

 

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

 

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 

Source: OSHA/CSDA Alliance Puts Safety First

4 Easy To Learn Steps For Efficient Core Drilling

February 9th, 2012

Core drilling is a task you want to be confident in doing at all times as an operator. You can become confident by following four easy-to-learn steps to make you more efficient at core drilling. Read this article to learn what four steps you should take.

As an operator, to successfully accomplish core drilling you need a core drill, core bit, water hose, anchor, electric cords, wrenches and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The job cannot be successfully done with only the necessary equipment. You need training and you need to be knowledgeable about how to safely use the equipment.

The following four easy-to-learn steps will help you be an effective operator in core drilling:

 Water

 If you are drilling a wet core bit, you need to use less water and not more water. You need to use less water because the diamonds have to grind away the concrete and too much water will make concrete dust particles wash away and prevent diamonds from being exposed. A moderate amount of water is necessary to help form concrete slurry. Mixing concrete, dust and debris together can only make concrete slurry. The slurry helps the grinding process because it keeps the core bit cool and makes the diamond remain exposed and stay in contact with particles in the slurry. For the best results, you should apply water until the slurry resembles a heavily creamed coffee.

 Anchor

 When rig anchoring, make sure your drill rig is using physical anchors rated for core drilling and produce optimum results. You should use a base vacuum when the surface is smooth and the vacuum gasket is in good working order. Never use a vacuum base when drilling into a wall or ceiling. It is dangerous. Also, make sure your vacuum filter bottle has no water or debris inside it because they are materials that can harm your vacuum. Use a vacuum gage to make sure your vacuum is adequate to do the job.

 Speed

Set your motor to the appropriate revolutions per minute (rpm) to grind properly and glazing the diamond segments. When the diamonds have a predetermined surface speed, then they can perform optimal cutting. All core bits should be set at the correct rpm. For example, the smaller the bit diameter, the faster it should be run.

 Power

 To sustain the correct drilling speed, you need power. Most core drills are electric-powered. You should use an amp meter when drilling with this type of core drill. Push your drill motor to its maximum rated amperage. Never exceed this rated amperage because the motor will bog down and decrease productivity.

With these essential steps, core drilling can increase your productivity to core holes. You will also save time, save money and improve your safety.

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact FireStop, a division of G&M Services LLC by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

The safety of others is very important to us. We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all FireStop services are installed properly. Improper Installation of FireStop materials can result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives in the event of a fire. Proper installation of FireStop saves lives!

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 Source: Four Steps to Efficient Core Drilling

Concrete Chainsaw Safety Tips

February 1st, 2012

Are you familiar with concrete chainsaw safety? If you are not familiar with chainsaw safety, we are here to tell you all about how to improve your safety when handling a concrete chainsaw. Read below to get started.

Operator safety should always be top priority when handling a concrete chainsaw. There have been reviews of working units in the field that show operators are demonstrating a lack of attention with simple issues that jeopardize operator safety. Here are a few ways to improve operator safety attention:

 Ensure Chain Side Cover Integrity

 When cutting contractors and individual operators need to check regularly the integrity of the chain side covers to make sure there are no cracks, holes, missing sections in the main saw body frame.

If you have a hydraulic saw, the slurry baffle and drain sections should never be removed. It should never have missing fasteners and missing or damaged fins. You could seriously injure yourself, if a hole is formed because it weakens guard and heighten malfunction. For example, debris could eject because of chain speed or the whole tool could eject to harm you drastically or cause death because safety measures have not been met.

 Ensure the Bottom Guard Flap Attachment

 The bottom, rubber guard flap, also known as mud flap, can improve your safety. The mud flap is a very necessary safety measure, especially for flooring cutting because your shins and lower torso are highly exposed. Debris or a broken chain could strike you. You should not remove the guard flap for this very reason.

 Hydraulic Inputs

 Hydraulic inputs can output in excess 20 to 30 gallons per minute (gpm). When using a high flow tool, you have to be sure the source flow rate matches the recommended tool input. If you do not, hydraulic flow will cause motor shaft over-speeding. Also, over-pressurization can stress connections, hoses, seals, and o-rings for the hydraulic circuit. This could result in spills, leaks, and costly rebuilds. You should conduct field inspections for proper flow and pressure output settings. You should also regularly test your hydraulic power supply equipment.

Put safety first.

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact FireStop, a division of G&M Services LLC by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

The safety of others is very important to us. We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all FireStop services are installed properly. Improper Installation of FireStop materials can result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives in the event of a fire. Proper installation of FireStop saves lives!

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: Concrete Chainsaw Safety: Don’t Forget the Obvious

 

The Importance of FM Approval

January 25th, 2012

Do you know what is the importance of FM approval? If you do not know the importance of FM approval, we are here to inform you. Read below to get started.

In the years 1999 and 2000 Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) Accreditation Committee worked with FM Approvals to develop FM 4991. FM 4991 is the Standard for Approval of Firestop Contractors. The Standard for Approval of Firestop Contractors focus is quality installation protocol for firestop systems installation. The focus is also on the quality standard that specialty firestop contractors can qualify for zero tolerance firestop systems installation.

The FM 4991 compliments ASTME 2174 & ASTME 2393 for Standards for the Inspection of Firestop Systems. If you are a contractor who has invested in FM 4991 and a consultant to the ASTM, you will be inspected and considered a quality contractor. You will have a project inspection to validate that the quality process is working.

 The Importance of FM Approval

 FM 4991 is important because it was the first program of its kind to be accepted by architects and engineers nationwide through programs such as MasterSpec and SpecLink.

For FM approval, a contractor firm must appoint a Designated Responsible Individual (DRI). To become a DRI, one must pass a challenging industry exam so that he or she may become the main person to monitor the fire-stopping at a firm. After a DRI is in place, the contractor firm must authorize and pay FM Approvals to audit the contracting firm’s procedures. The procedures must be the one’s followed from the Quality Manual to meet quality manual statements for firestop systems installation.

Follow up audits are performed by FM Approvals yearly through a FM Personnel. A DRI must retest and provide verification of CEU eligible Education every three years.

This is why FM Approvals are important.

Install firestop systems today.

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact FireStop, a division of G&M Services LLC by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

The safety of others is very important to us. We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all FireStop services are installed properly. Improper Installation of FireStop materials can result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives in the event of a fire. Proper installation of FireStop saves lives!

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 

Source: What is the importance of FM approval?

Why Firestop Inspections Are Necessary For Construction And Renovation Projects

January 19th, 2012

 

Do you know why construction and renovation projects call for firestop inspections? If you do not know why, we are here to tell you why. Read below to learn.

 

When construction or installation has taken place in a facility, firestop inspections are necessary. When firestop inspections do not happen after construction or installation, a manager needs to inspect fire and smoke walls right away. Repairs to fire-containment systems and keeping documents on the work done helps your organization comply with building codes.

What To Do in the Middle of A Project

 If a facility is in the middle of a construction, renovation or installation, managers need to inform contractors that firestops need to be installed and verified that they have been properly installed.

 

Firestop systems are necessary because they help prevent fires and help to suppress fires. In addition to firestop systems, the following should be done:

 

ØSprinkler systems should be tested.

ØFire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire detectors should be verified that they are properly operating.

Ø Be sure all occupants, including staff know how to use fire extinguishers in case of emergencies.

ØMake sure staff and occupants follow rules and regulations that help prevent fires.

ØHave a current and developing evacuation plan. Practice this plan every couple of weeks. Make sure the plan is documented near exits.

 

Install firestop systems today.

 

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact FireStop, a division of G&M Services LLC by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

 

The safety of others is very important to us. We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all FireStop services are installed properly. Improper Installation of FireStop materials can result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives in the event of a fire. Proper installation of FireStop saves lives!

 

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

 

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

 

Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

 

West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

 

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 

Source: Construction And Renovation Projects Call For Firestop Inspections

 

 

Why Doors And Ceilings Are Crucial To Firestop Systems

January 11th, 2012

Did you know doors and ceilings are very important to firestop systems? If you did not know, we are here to tell you why doors and ceilings are crucial to firestop systems. Read below to learn.

Doors and ceilings are crucial to firestop systems because they help confine fire and smoke when properly installed with passive firestops. This allows evacuation time to increase and increase the odds of saving lives.

The First Place To Look During A Firestop Inspection

 A technician should look around doors and walls near the ends of hallways when conducting a firestop inspection. All hallways should have fire doors that will section off fires. When fire doors section off fires, they help prevent fires from spreading to other parts of a building, including up stairways.

An inspector should also review metal hinge plates on every door because you need to see whether the plates have a good fire rating on the door and the frame systems are on. Make sure the technician checks every door’s fire rating information to see if the ratings comply with the local fire code.

Fire-Rated Door Design Purpose

A fire-rated door is designed to seal off an area and keep it sealed off when a fire occurs. Fire-rated doors are not able to do their job when other firestops are not installed to assist them. Make sure the technician looks at the ceilings above the doors to see if the wall and ceiling joints are in place.

Inspectors should look above the ceiling tiles where wires, pipes and conduits are located. When reviewing above the tiles, the inspector will be able to see where components penetrate walls and ceilings to confirm that firestops are properly installed. If firestops are not in these locations, it will defeat the purpose of fire doors being in hallways and endanger lives.

Install firestop systems today.

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact FireStop, a division of G&M Services LLC by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

The safety of others is very important to us.We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all FireStop services are installed properly. Improper Installation of FireStop materials can result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives in the event of a fire. Proper installation of FireStop saves lives!

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

 Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

 West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

 

Source: Doors And Ceilings Crucial To Firestop Systems

What is a Firestop?

January 3rd, 2012

Do you know what is a firestop? If you do not, we are here to help you learn about firestops. Read below to get informed.

 What is a Firestop?

 A firestop is a type of physical barrier created to prevent flames, deadly gases and toxic smoke from spreading when buildings upgrade and install new features. New features can include the following:

Ø      Electrical Appliances

Ø      Plumbing

Ø      Ventilation systems

Ø      Grease Ducts

The barriers are able to fill breaches in fire-resistant walls and flooring.

Firestops are approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to perform effectively in case of a fire or smoke emergency.

 The Types Of Firestops

Firestops can come in all shapes and sizes. For example a Firestop can come in the form of a pipe going through a fire-rated wall. Malleable materials are used to fill gaps between pipes, wires, conduits and walls. Coverings can be designed to remain on the materials of repair systems that consist these through penetrations.

Firestops can come in the form of fire-resistant joint systems. Fire resistant joint systems are often used during constructions to seal joints.

 How To Create A Firestop System

 You can create a firestop system by combining separate firestops to form full building safety. Be sure that each component of the system meets design requirements of UL or the American Society of Testing and Materials.

This is why it is so important to follow building codes to properly install and repair firestops. Remember that codes change and often construction crews are not familiar with changes to building codes.

The best way to ensure safety is to hire a professional that understands firestop systems and their function. A professional will find and repair any breaches in firestop systems.

If you have any questions or need professional services, please contact FireStop, a division of G&M Services LLC by calling 410-787-8828 or click here to visit GMServices.ws!

The safety of others is very important to us.We have standards and proper procedures in place to make sure that all FireStop services are installed properly. Improper Installation of FireStop materials can result in potential injuries and/or risk to lives in the event of a fire. Proper installation of FireStop saves lives!

G & M Services, LLC is your resource for Concrete Sawing, Drilling, Ground Penetrating Radar (Concrete Scanning), and FireStop services for the Maryland, Baltimore, DC and Virginia Areas. Counties include:

Maryland: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s

 Virginia: Arlington, Dorchester, Fairfax, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Loudoun, and Prince William

 West Virginia: Berkley, Jefferson, Morgan, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester District of Columbia

You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Source: What is a Firestop?