A 'flameproofing affidavit' is not typically on a business owner's 'prior knowledge' list. There are so many things a business owner needs to juggle, and more than likely, a flameproofing affidavit is not on the radar. However, this piece of paper can be the difference between life and death in the case of a fire, and also whether a business is able to be legally operational. Businesses are required to have a flameproofing affidavit on-site reflecting that the decorative items on location are either inherently non-combustible or have been treated with fire retardants. So, how do you know if you're being issued an affidavit that meets FDNY regulations? Today, we will discuss that in detail.
You may be wondering what items need to be treated with fire retardants in order to receive this coveted document sanctioned by the FDNY. Items that need to be treated are materials and fabrics that aren't inherently non-combustible and also if one of the following is true:
1. The materials previously did not pass the field flame test
2. The materials have had a prior first treatment
3. The warranty time period for the fireproofing chemicals has ended (or, if it's been more than 3 years)
4. The items have been washed, dry-cleaned, etc, and need to be treated again.
In order for the FDNY to accept this affidavit, it must be issued by a valid C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder, such as Certified Flameproofing. Additionally, the business owner has 10 days from the time of treatment to file this document with the Bureau of Fire Prevention. A copy must also be available on location at the business. A record must also be kept of when the fabrics and decorative items are dry-cleaned, washed, or receive any kind of treatment or process that could make the fire retardants less effective.
You may be wondering if there's a way to know if your affidavit is valid. The following items should be present on the document in order for it to be recognized by the FDNY:
1. The date the fireproofing treatment has occurred
2. The name of the person who performed the treatment, his C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder number and its expiration date
3. A detailed description of the items that received flame repellent treatment along with a statement that indicates that the approved treatments were used
4. The field name of the chemicals, its manufacturer, and its Certificate of Approval number
5. A statement that the person who applied the treatment followed FDNY regulations and personally performed the field test for non-combustibility (and that the items passed)
6. The warranty period for the chemicals
It's been said that knowledge is power, and in the case of a flameproofing affidavit, this is true also. When you're a business owner equipped with knowledge of what you need and what to expect, you can be fully prepared when flameproofing treatments occur. You can also be sure that they were performed in accordance with FDNY regulations. It will save you time and money in the long run, ensuring that the process was completed properly and that you have the right documentation to prove it.
At Certified Flameproofing, we guarantee that we will get it right and that you will have all you need to satisfy the FDNY and keep your establishment as safe as humanly possible from the threat of fires. Our affidavits meet these stringent requirements. Please call us today so we can discuss how we can serve your business. We offer free, no-obligation estimates, and can talk through the best treatment plan for your facility. Call today: 800-590-5530/