In commercial construction, fire safety isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to protecting lives and property. When using temporary construction walls, understanding the importance of ASTM E84 and ASTM E119 classifications is vital for ensuring compliance and safety. Decoding ASTM E84: Flame Spread and Smoke Development Ratings ASTM E84, the Standard Test Method for… Read more »
Fire-Rated Temporary Construction Walls: Understanding ASTM E119 & E84
When conducting an occupied renovation in a hospital, a one-hour fire-rated temporary construction wall is often required by national or regional jurisdictions, especially in the absence of a working sprinkler system. Requirements and testing specifications can vary by state, city, hospital, and even by project, making the process complex. One thing is clear: questions about… Read more »
Topping Off Our One-Hour Fire-Rated Containment System: FireblockCap
Following last year’s successful launch of FireblockWall™, the first-of-its-kind, one-hour fire-rated reusable temporary containment system, STARC Systems has introduced a clever new accessory that eliminates the need for facility managers and contractors to build through the spaghetti above the ceiling – or construct a soffit to the deck – in order to meet code requirements… Read more »
STARC Systems Adds a Rated Ceiling to FireblockWall
The first modular reusable one-hour fire rated temporary containment system now features a FireblockCap™ to create an entire fire-rated enclosure—from floor to ceiling. Facility managers and contractors no longer have to build through the spaghetti above the ceiling or a soffit to the deck to meet the requirement. BRUNSWICK, Maine, Aug. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — STARC Systems, a… Read more »
Healthcare Renovations: Making Sense of Fire Safety
Two of the main culprits contributing to fire safety issues during healthcare construction projects are confusion surrounding fire codes and, in many cases, a general lack of awareness.
What You Need to Know About Flame Spread Ratings
Updated September 22, 2025 Flame spread ratings show how quickly fire moves across a material’s surface and how much smoke it produces, as measured by ASTM E84. Materials are rated Class A (best, FSI 0–25), B, or C. For fire endurance over time, ASTM E119 measures how long an assembly can resist fire exposure. When… Read more »
What are the AHJs for fire barriers?
Updated September 15, 2025 Fire barriers play a critical role in protecting patients and staff—and meeting code requirements is essential. But even the most robust wall system won’t fly unless the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) sign off on it. For Facilities Managers and Project Managers, understanding who the AHJs are—and how they operate—can mean the… Read more »
Prevent Fire Damage During Renovations: NFPA 241
Updated January 2024. During healthcare construction and renovation projects, fire safety issues typically arise from a lack of knowledge or understanding of NFPA 241, the standard that provides measures for preventing or minimizing fire damage to structures during construction, alteration or demolition.
Who tests and certifies fire-rated barriers?
As a protective measure, almost every product or structure you come into contact with on a daily basis is regulated and certified for safety and code compliance.
Safety Organizations in California and Kansas Are First to Approve STARC Systems’ FireblockWall™
The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) and the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal accepts the first reusable one-hour fire-rated containment solution for occupied renovations