Universities - Questions & Answers


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  1. What fire codes does our university have to meet?
  2. What areas within our university need to meet code compliance?
  3. Could you explain how our university will benefit from International Fire-Shield's flame retardant programs?
  4. Could our university staff apply your products?
  5. Can International Fire-Shield send their own applicators?
  6. Can we use your products on retro-fits (historic) or new design build fire safe facilities?
  7. How expensive are your programs?
  8. Is there funding available?
  9. Could one of your representatives come speak with the university and who should attend the meeting from our university?


1. What fire codes does our university have to meet?
All 50 states have adopted IBC-2000, Chapter 8 IBC 2000 which deals with decorative finishes and decorative materials (states: "Accessible exposed framing and plywood located in your attics and basements treated with Inspecta-Shield qualifies as a Class a finish in accordance with IBC Section 803.1.1, IFC Section 806.3 and Chapter 5 of NFPA 703 as listed in ICC Evaluation Report NO. ESR-2019."

NFPA 703 and Life Safety Code 101 for Interior Finishes clearly state that "Interior finishes in areas of Public Assembly shall meet the required fire codes for that occupancy and that the fire retardant properties on treated items be maintained or renewed as per manufacturer's instructions under the service conditions of actual use, using only approved flame retardant coatings."

(F) SECTION 805 DECORATIONS AND TRIM

805.1 General. In occupancies of Groups A, E, I, R-1 and dormitories in Group R-2, curtains, draperies, hangings, and other decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall be flame resistant in accordance with Section 805.2 and NFPA 701 or noncombustible.

In Groups I-1 and I-2, combustible decorations shall be flame retardant unless the decorations, such as photographs and paintings, are of such limited quantities that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present. In Group I-3, combustible decorations are prohibited.

805.1.2 Flame-resistant materials. The permissible amount of flame-resistant decorative materials shall not exceed 10 percent of the aggregate area of walls and ceilings.

805.2 Acceptance criteria and reports. Where required to be flame resistant, decorative materials shall be tested by approved agency and pass Test 1 or Test 2, as appropriate, described in NFPA 701 or such materials shall be noncombustible. Reports of test results shall be prepared in accordance with NFPA 701 and furnished to the code officials upon request.
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2. What areas within our university need to meet code compliance?
International Fire Shield has designed programs for: student housing on and off campus, areas of public assembly, theatres, auditoriums, athletic facilities, classrooms, exit way, hallways (access of egress) and decorations for special events.
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3. Could you explain how our university will benefit from International Shield's flame retardant programs?
In recent years there have been multiple campus fires, sometimes tragic. The University of Massachusetts, Seton Hall and Murray State, to name only a few. Specifically, by adopting our programs, all areas of high risk in the university system will be compliant with Federal, State and Municipal fire codes on interior finishes and decorative materials. Properly treated and monitored flame retardant finishes in conjunction with sprinkler systems, suppression and alarm systems will drastically reduce the amount of available fuel that a fire needs. Our patented monitoring system will assure continuous maintenance of all treated items in your university and will reduce potential liabilities. The result enables the university to project a better fire-safe image to the constituents, students and parents and reduce potential liability.
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4. Could our university staff apply your products?
Yes. International Fire Shield has a one and a half day school - Flame Retardant University. Designated employees from your university can be trained to evaluate, apply and monitor flame retardant applications.
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5. Can International Fire Shield send their own applicators?
Yes, International Fire Shield can evaluate, apply witht heir certified applicators and monitor for life all applications.
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6. Can we use your products on retro-fits (historic) or new design build fire safe facilities?
International Fire Shield can supply specifications (Design Build) for interior finishes, structural and even thermal barrier applications for your architects and engineers.
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7. How expensive are your programs?
Our flame retardant finishes are priced per gallon or quart and are comparable with non flame retardant paints and varnishes. Our flame retardant finishes are certified and monitored for life or until repaint. Our flame retardants for decorative materials are priced by the gallon (comparable to paint prices) or by the square foot and certified for five years or until cleaned and laundered. Our monitoring system keeps track of every application.
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8. Is there funding available?
Our programs can be financed by DASNY.
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9. Could one of your representatives come speak with the university and who should attend the meeting from our university?
We would be happy to schedule a seminar. We would recommend the following participants:
  • University or college legal counsel.
  • University insurance provider.
  • Director of Risk Management
  • Director of Fire Safety
  • Director of Dormitory Residence
  • Director of Facilities and Operations
  • Director of Apartment Housing (on and off campus)
  • Greek Housing liaison
  • Architectural and Engineering staff
  • Director or Coordinator of special events
  • Theater Director

We would address the following areas of need:
  • Housing on and off campus: bedrooms, common areas, laundry rooms, basements, attics, egress.
  • Areas of Assembly: theatres, event centers, meeting rooms, libraries, sports complexes, new and historic halls, dining facilities, new construction, medical facilities, media centers, storage facilities.
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