Flameproofing Terminology You Should Know

As a business owner, you are used to being an expert in your field.  When your colleagues throw around certain kinds of lingo, you’re comfortable in knowing what they’re talking about. The terminology is familiar; they’re speaking your language.  However, when business requires you to overlap into other fields, you can feel a little out of your element. The same holds true when you’re required to have your business location flameproofed, and you start hearing all kinds of unfamiliar terms and language.

Today, we want to give you a cheat sheet of sorts, to give you a step up in understanding the terminology surrounding flameproofing and the ensuing requirements.

 

Affidavit of Flame Resistance – A document that you file with the FDNY before you can install any decorative or artistic objects on site.

Affidavit of Fire Retardant Treatment – A document you file with the Bureau of Fire Prevention after decorative objects have been installed or reinstalled after flameproofing treatments. This needs to be filed within 10 days.

Affidavit of Inherently Flame Resistant Material – (Also called a Certificate of Flame Resistance) A document you file with the Bureau of Fire Prevention for objects that are inherently flame resistant and therefore do not require treatments with fire retardants.  This also needs to be filed within 10 days of installation.

Decorations – Items whose purpose are for the artistic, aesthetic or acoustic improvement of an inside area.  In this category would be curtains, art, banners, drapes, greens, fabrics, etc.  An interior finish item that is acoustic in nature is excluded from this list.

Flame Retardant Coating – A coating that is administered to the surface area of objects, which causes them to burn more slowly and to be flame resistant. This coating is needed for items to be protected from fire.

Flame Retardant Treatment –A treatment where items are soaked or coated in a particular chemical, in an FDNY-approved procedure, which causes them to be flame resistant.

Flame Resistant Material – Also known as fire-resistive material.  Materials and fabrics that withstand fire, can hold up under heat and hold back heat penetration. These materials burn at a slow speed because they have been coated with or soaked in flame repellents or they are inherently flame resistant. These materials have undergone and passed field flame tests, such as NFPA 705 Test 1 or Test 2.

Flame Retardant Material – Also known as fire retardant material.  Fabrics and materials that burn slowly when they touch the exterior of a flammable product.

Scenery – Objects or materials that are on stage for live theater as well as musical or artistic shows. Included are scrim or borders, set pieces, rigid flats, side tabs, backdrops, teasers, etc. Costumes are excluded from this list.

Special Effects – A visual or audio effect intended for entertainment or display, manufactured from explosive, combustible or flammable devices, including pyrotechnics or fireworks 1.4 G (Fireworks 1.3G are excluded).

Tent – A membrane structure that is not pressurized, is a cloth weather barrier, is supported by poles and guys, and doesn’t contribute to the stability of the structure.  The sides are not required to be closed in.

While not an entirely exhaustive list of all the terminology related to fireproofing, these terms can give you some insight into industry discussions. At NYC Flameproofing, we want you to feel in-the-know when it comes to any and all conversations pertaining to flameproofing your business site. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding these life-saving procedures.  Please call today to discuss a treatment plan and to receive a free, no-obligation estimate: (800) 291-0904.

 

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