No matter what kind of work you do, there’s something of an ‘insider’s language.’ You know - it’s terms and phrases that people in the field completely understand, but it’s something of a foreign language to an outsider. When you’re hiring someone to do work for you, it’s easy to feel a little out of your element when they start speaking in a language you don’t understand.
At Bronx Flameproofing, we never want you to feel that way. Today, we’re going to give you a ‘cheat sheet’ to some of the insider language in flameproofing. This will help when you’re speaking to a flameproofing company (hopefully, us!) about some upcoming work you’re having done.
Here are some common terms we use around here:
Affidavit of Flame Resistance – A document that needs to be on file with the FDNY before installing artistic or decorative items on site.
Affidavit of Fire Retardant Treatment – A document that needs to be on file with the Bureau of Fire Prevention after artistic or decorative items are installed. Business owners must file within 10 days.
Affidavit of Inherently Flame Resistant Material – (Also called a Certificate of Flame Resistance) A document that needs to be filed with the Bureau of Fire Prevention in regards to materials or items that are inherently flame resistant, where flameproofing isn’t needed. Business owners also must file within 10 days.
Decorations – Objects or materials used for the acoustic, aesthetic, or artistic decoration of an interior space - things such as banners, curtains, drapes, fabrics, greens, etc.
Flame Retardant Coating – A coating applied to the outside of an item or material that makes it flame resistant, causing it to burn slowly.
Flame Retardant Treatment – A procedure authorized by the FDNY where an object or material is sprayed or soaked in flame repellents, causing it to be non-combustible.
Flame Resistant Material – Also known as fire-resistive material. A textile or fabric that’s created to withstand fire and heat, and prevents heat penetration. Flame resistant materials burn at a slower rate because they’re inherently flame resistant or they’ve been treated with fire retardants. These fabrics have 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 textile that burns at a slower rate when in contact with a flammable product or fire.
Scenery – Items or fabrics used on stage for performances such as artistic and musical shows or live theater: backdrops, rigid flats, set pieces, side tabs, teasers, scrim or borders, etc. Costumes are excluded.
Special Effects – Special audio or visual effects used for display or entertainment, manufactured from flammable, combustible or explosive devices. Pyrotechnics and fireworks 1.4 G are a part of this special category while Fireworks 1.3 G are not.
Tent – A fabric construction that offers protection from the weather, made of cloth, set up with poles and guys, and is not a part of the stability of the structure. It doesn’t have to be enclosed to be considered a tent.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of flameproofing lingo, it’s a good start to get you acquainted with some of the language. By being familiar with some of the terminology, you are better equipped to make sure you are getting the services you need and are paying for.
At Bronx Flameproofing, we can talk you through any questions you have or whatever is not clear. We want you to feel entirely comfortable with the whole flameproofing process, beginning to end. If you have questions, we’d love to answer them. Please give us a call to discuss your concerns, and we can also provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate: 800-594-0117.