Any time you're a professional in any kind of field, it’s likely that you needed to obtain training and a degree, experience and fieldwork. There are all kinds of terminology and nuances that you’ve become familiar with, which has made you qualified to work in that particular area. This is true of any occupation, really, and in our day-to-day work, we often criss-cross paths with experts in other fields. When they start explaining certain things to us in their jargon or lingo, it’s easy to feel a little out of our element because we just don’t have the same knowledge base that they do. This is often the case when business owners are seeking out a flameproofing company to perform services at their location. Without knowing the lingo, it’s hard to feel confident that you know what’s going on.
Today’s post will give you an inside scoop into some of the flameproofing lingo, an insider’s cheat sheet, to help you know what to expect when you hire a flameproofing company.
Below are some commonly used terminology, and being familiar with ‘flameproofing-speak’ can help you be prepared for conversations and work that will be done at your place of business.
Affidavit of Flame Resistance – A document that’s filed with the FDNY prior to the installation of decorative or artistic items on site.
Affidavit of Fire Retardant Treatment – A document that’s filed with the Bureau of Fire Prevention after the installation of decorative or artistic items. Business owners have 10 days to file.
Affidavit of Inherently Flame Resistant Material – (Also called a Certificate of Flame Resistance) A document that’s filed with the Bureau of Fire Prevention pertaining to items or materials that are inherently flame resistant, where flameproofing isn’t a requirement. Business owners also have 10 days to file this as well.
Decorations – Items or materials whose purpose is artistic, aesthetic or acoustic betterment of an interior space - things such as banners, drapes, greens, fabric, curtains, etc.
Flame Retardant Coating – A coating applied to the exterior of an object or material which causes it to be burn slowly, making it flame resistant.
Flame Retardant Treatment – An FDNY-approved procedure where an item is sprayed or soaked in fire retardants, which causes it to be flame resistant.
Flame Resistant Material – Also known as fire-resistive material. A material or fabric that’s designed withstand heat and fire, and prohibits heat penetration. Flame resistant materials burn more slowly because they’re inherently flame resistant or they’ve been treated with flame repellents. These materials passed the corresponding field flame test, such as NFPA 705 Test 1 or Test 2.
Flame Retardant Material – Also known as fire retardant material. A fabric or material that burns more slowly when it comes in contact with fire or a flammable product.
Scenery – Objects or materials that are used on stage for shows such as live theater, musical or artistic shows: set pieces, backdrops, side tabs, rigid flats, teasers, scrim or borders, etc. Costumes are excluded.
Special Effects – Visual or audio effects used for entertainment or display, designed from flammable, combustible or explosive devices. Pyrotechnics and fireworks 1.4 G are included in this category while Fireworks 1.3 G are not.
Tent – A fabric construction that provides protection from the weather, is made of cloth, is set up with poles and guys, and doesn’t contribute to the stability of the structure. It doesn’t have to be enclosed to be considerd a tent.
This list doesn’t include every single term pertaining to flameproofing, but it’s a good guide to get you started and expose you to some of the lingo in the field. By being familiar with some of the items on this list, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect from the flameproofing process. At Brooklyn Flameproofing, we can help break down all the confusing aspects of flameproofing as well as walk you through the process, beginning to end. We love answering questions, so feel free to give us a call to discuss any concerns on your mind. We can also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate. Let’s talk today! 1-800-401-5415.