FM (previously FM Global) and its code-approved testing and certification business unit, FM Approvals, have undergone rebranding and implemented several updates to their services and guidelines. Because the two entities are sometimes referenced in roofing projects’ construction documents, these changes could affect you.
Rebranding
On July 17, FM announced an update to its brand, including a new name; logo; tagline, “Protect Your Purpose”; and website, fm.com.
FM is the parent brand for its flagship mutual commercial property insurance company and FM Affiliated, FM Approvals, FM Boiler Re, FM Cargo and FM Renewable Energy.
FM Approvals’ brand and logo also have been updated, but its FM name and certification mark are not changing. FM Approvals indicates the brand evolution has no effect on its certification mark, existing tested or certified products, or products that successfully complete testing and certification in the future. No action is required on users’ part.
Updated RoofNav
On May 6, FM Approvals launched an updated version of its online RoofNav application. This is the first major overhaul since RoofNav was released in 2001.
Most notably, RoofNav has a different appearance from the previous version. Icons are provided on the top right-hand side of the home screen for RoofNav number access, assembly search, ratings calculator, product search, help and reference documents and save functions. Also, RoofNav’s assembly search capability is substantially improved and includes progressive filtering functionality.
RoofNav is accessible at roofnav.com.
Interior debris protection
In July 2022, FM Approvals published a new standard specific to interior debris barrier systems, FM 4652, “Examination Standard for Debris Barriers.” The standard provides criteria for interior fire-exposure testing and evaluating melt-out or drop-out properties of debris barriers around fire sprinklers. Criteria also are provided for manufacturing, installation, maintenance and repair instructions of debris barrier systems; demonstrating quality control programs; and surveillance audits.
To date, two companies and three products have been approved by FM Approvals based on FM 4652. Reportedly, several other manufacturers or suppliers are in the process of obtaining approvals.
The approvals of debris barrier systems are listed in FM Approvals’ online approval guide, accessible at approval guide.com. Approved debris barrier systems are best found by typing “FM 4652-Debris Barriers” in the website’s search function. Debris barrier systems are not included in RoofNav.
FM 4652 is not referenced in any model fire or building codes. Reference to FM 4652 has been added to the latest edition of FM’s Loss Prevention Data Sheet 1-0, “Safeguards During Construction, Alteration, and Demolition.”
FM recommends debris barrier systems be included during construction of FM-insured, highly protected risk, limited combustible loading, HC-1 and HC-2 occupancies. Additional information about FM’s building, loading and occupancy categories is included in FM Loss Prevention Data Sheet 3-26, “Fire Protection for Nonstorage Occupancies.”
FM Loss Prevention Data Sheets are available at fmglobaldatasheets.com.
MARK S. GRAHAM is NRCA’s vice president of technical services.
@MarkGrahamNRCA
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