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Qualified firestop contractor programs

UL has two qualified firestop contractor programs for contractors that install firestop systems:

• UL qualified firestop contractor program
• ULC qualified firestop contractor program

The two programs vary only in knowledge requirements related to the difference between U.S. and Canadian codes and standards.

The firestop industry is a subset of the building industry that serves residential, institutional, commercial and industrial structures. The industry addresses the common need to limit the hazardous spread and damaging effects of fire. Firestopping involves providing a measure of fire containment to the walls and floors that includes joints, gaps or penetrations made during construction. Firestop contractors must choose and install firestop systems carefully and effectively to establish a protective system for a joint, gap or penetration within a structure to comply with architectural, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and customer requirements.

The UL qualified firestop contractor programs include two critical elements required of all participating contractor firms:

• Employs at least one designated responsible individual (DRI) with knowledge focused on selection and installation of firestop systems as demonstrated by successfully completing an exam and meeting additional program requirements. The DRI may have passed either the U.S. or Canadian exam version related to applicable U.S. and Canadian code requirements, respectively, as indicated in the UL or ULC qualified firestop contractor lists.
• Establishes and effectively implements and maintains a management system focused on selection and installation of firestop systems as demonstrated by audit at contractor's facility and job site.

If you are a contractor and would like to apply for the UL qualified firestop contractor program or the ULC qualified firestop contractor program, follow these steps:

• Review the qualified firestop contractor program requirements, which includes both U.S. and Canadian requirements.
• Review the contractor management system checklist form to understand the requirements and perform your own self-assessment of your management system.
• We recommend that the person selected to be the DRI take the exam, U.S. or Canadian version, prior to scheduling the management system audit. To view dates and locations or apply to take an exam, visit our UL University Web site.
• Before the exam, you may want to contact the Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) to apply for an educational seminar or obtain a copy of the FCIA Manual of Practice. A copy of the Best Practice Guide for Canada can be obtained from the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) at www.nrc.ca.
• We recommend a brief discussion with a UL representative to answer any questions you may have at this stage.
• To apply for the qualified firestop contractor programs, please complete and return the application. We will send you a quote and contracts. Upon our receipt of the executed contracts and deposit, our auditors will contact you to begin the process.
• To obtain copies of the program requirements or checklist contact the UL program office at +1.847.691.2557.