Understanding the SAFETY Act: Using perimeter fire containment systems to reduce liability

Blog in Brief

Owens Corning’s work with safety-enhancing product development has received federal recognition through DHS’ SAFETY Act. The determination provides limited liability to builders and architects using selected products if a terrorist attack occurs. It also specifies that several of our perimeter fire containment products and systems could help save lives during such an event.

Understanding the SAFETY Act: Using Perimeter Fire Containment Systems to Reduce Liability

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Support Antiterrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act (SAFETY Act) started in 2002. The liability management act seeks to limit liability for companies generating anti-terrorism technology. Products receive either a designation or certification through the Act. Once recognized, these technologies provide facility owners some liability protection following attacks involving buildings. The Act helps ensure that companies continue researching new products that could save lives during a catastrophic event.

Owens Corning is committed to developing life safety system technologies. This prompted us to seek SAFETY Act designation from DHS. We submitted several of our perimeter fire containment products for DHS review and earned SAFETY Act recognition in 2017. Retroactive protection applies to products starting in 2006.

Owens Corning is the first insulation manufacturer to be listed publicly with DHS as having qualified products bearing the SAFETY Act designation. The recognition and its liability protection provide a strong and unique benefit to our customers who design and build high-rise buildings. It also provides them added peace of mind.

To earn the federal recognition, Owens Corning navigated a lengthy application and review procedure conducted by DHS. The process examined elements like how the material functions, employee training, quality testing practices and documentation. The review also considered the qualification of members of the Thermafiber® Insolutions® team along with technical staff competency and the quality of engineering judgments made. For the products examined, the review considered if systems and services:

• Could be helpful in saving lives following a terrorist attack on a building
• Regularly perform as expected
• Adhere to specifications
• Are safe for use
• Have been used by the U.S. government or demonstrated utility and effectiveness
• Have risk reduction potential evaluated by scientific studies

In addition to its fire resistance, Owens Corning® Thermafiber® mineral wool insulation now carries the designation level under the DHS SAFETY Act. We’re particularly proud of this recognition by DHS, because it directly aligns with our continual commitment to improve life safety for occupants in high-rise buildings.

Multiple Thermafiber® fire barrier products received recognition through the SAFETY Act. These products include:

Thermafiber® Perimeter Fire Containment Systems and Components

• Owens Corning® Thermafiber® FireSpan® 90 and 40
• Owens Corning® Thermafiber® Safing
• Owens Corning® Thermafiber® Impasse® Insulation Hanger System
• Thermafiber® Insolutions® Design and Installation Consultation Services

Thermafiber® Interior Wall/Floor Ceiling Systems

• Owens Corning® Thermafiber® SAFB™ (Sound Attenuation Fire Blanket)

Thermafiber® Construction Joint Firestopping Systems

• Owens Corning® Thermafiber® TopStop®
• Owens Corning® Thermafiber® Safing

Thermafiber® Penetration Firestopping Systems

• Owens Corning® Thermafiber® Safing