Commercial basement sprayed with fire insulation(?) - Safe to be in?

[thericky]

We're thinking about leasing a space and are trying to understand all possible uses of the basement. In today's visit, we realized there is sprayed fluffy / fuzzy grey stuff all over the structural columns and beams. We're thinking it's fire insulation but not 100% sure.

Here are some photos:

https://imgur.com/a/dAvsNea

Is this something that people can / should be around? What does building / fire code say about this?

If it needs to be covered up, what is the most inexpensive way to do so? We don't want to do a full build-out down there.

It's a new construction building.

 

[classicT]

Spray applied fireproofing.

Don't damage it. Leave it alone and everyone is safe. Given new construction, it will be asbestos free. Use furred walls to enclose and protect it.

 

[thericky]

Thanks. But the question is – if we used this space for anything where we allow the public in (like an artist-led workshop, for example), would this be a problem with inspectors? Other than framing something out around this, is there an easier way to just cover it so that no one picks at it? Like some kind of sheeting?

 

[bill1952]

Google "spray on fireproofing" to see what might become it. Seems innocuous.

I've seen it covered with simple plywood columns. Might need a paint with a class C flame spread. Could be quicker and better than drywall.

 

[thericky]

I've seen it covered with simple plywood columns. Might need a paint with a class C flame spread. Could be quicker and better than drywall.

Good thought. That seems simple enough.

 

[bill1952]

Mine were in a church - that had been VEd to death and were Birch veneer with mitered vertical corners. Looked good in the style of the church. Columns supported 2 balconies.

 

[classicT]

Good thought. That seems simple enough.

Depending on the type of construction, plywood may not be permitted. IBC Section 603.

 

[e hilton]

If the area has public access and you leave it exposed, it’s going to get damaged, either by casual impact or people picking pieces off to see what it is. And you are liable to get complaints from people who think it's asbestos and you are putting them at risk. Or worse … posting bad reviews on facebook screaming that “thericky store” is intentionally and negligently exposing customers to cancer causing materials and the store needs to be boycotted.

And you should consider having the existing damages repaired before enclosing the columns.