Tom Dake II joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the value of proper firestop installation, which can save lives and protect property.
Dake serves as a Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Trustee and is the Vice-President of Fire and Life Safety Services Division at Superior Industrial Insulation Company. Superior Insulation is a Signatory Contractor with multiple Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local Unions.
Dake appeared during Fire Prevention Week, which takes place from Oct. 9 to Oct. 15.
All too often, firestop technology is nonexistent or improperly installed in buildings, which can lead to devastating consequences, Dake said. Firestopping seals openings around wires, plumbing and other infrastructure to prevent smoke and fire from spreading throughout a compartmentalized building, he explained. He recalled numerous unsafe conditions he has witnessed over the years, such as fast food wrappers and toilet paper rolls stuffed between gaps.
Dake explained how he trains Union Insulators proper firestopping techniques of and why it is such a critical safety issue, that the work is done correctly.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the importance of firestop safety.