What is Seen/Specified for Firestop ID Labels?

5/4/2022

What are you all seeing or specifying for firestop identification labels?

Masterspec calls for metal or plastic labels.

I found an FCIA (Firestop Contractors International Association) article that speaks to stamped metal tags or ceramic fiber tags (Google is failing on what that actually would look like).

It seems the firestop manufacturers all have stickers.

I have always specified the metal or plastic labels using the Masterspec language. If I get anything at all installed, it is the manufacturer stickers. I have concerns about the longevity of the stickers.

I’m curious what others are calling for, what your AHJs or clients ask for, and what is actually getting installed. Thanks in advance.

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9 Comments

Alex

5/4/2022 07:35:49 am

Hi,

The only code section that I am aware of is 780CMR 703.7 Marking and Identification (2015 IBC). The code section outlines location requirements and required font size/color. It does not specify material of the sign.

It appears from a basic google search that nearly all major companies make adhesive signs, like you had mentioned in your post. For this reason, I would install any sign under the manufacture recommendations (away from extremes heat..?).

Thanks,
Alex

Todd E Wyatt

5/4/2022 08:33:39 am

Per 2021 IBC, it requires that fire-resistive rated (FRR) assemblies to be identified as follows :

703.5 Marking and Identification

Where there is an accessible concealed floor, floor-ceiling or attic space, fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions or any other wall required to have protected openings or penetrations shall be effectively and permanently identified with signs or stenciling in the concealed space. Such identification shall:

1. Be located within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the end of each wall and at intervals not exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) measured horizontally along the wall or partition.

2. Include lettering not less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height with a minimum 3/8-inch (9.5 mm) stroke in a contrasting color incorporating the suggested wording, "FIRE AND/OR SMOKE BARRIER—PROTECT ALL OPENINGS," or other wording.

The IBC does not address identification of firestopping but it does require identification or labeling of fire doors, fire-rated/protection rated/FRR glazing, and fire and/or smoke dampers

Dan Wilder

5/4/2022 08:00:31 am

We install the firestop label based on the MFG used for the firestop (3M/Hilti/Metacaulk/STI) near the penetration, typically below for visibility or sometimes on the pipe itself. It identifies the MFG used, system or EJ application/assembly, date, and company. It also makes things easy with our field having the card certs to perform the work by the MFG's.

We have not had an issue with the sticker peeling away (when applied to a clean surface), but the painters after the fact.

Jesse

5/4/2022 09:42:50 am

We do something very similar to Dan. We also have not had any issues with it peeling off provided its a clean surface.

Rob Bambino

5/4/2022 08:08:46 am

This truly is one of the things that makes you just say, why? IMHO it is a waste of time and resources to be worried about what system someone used around a 2" pipe? Fact of the matter is this is something that is hashed out when the work is done in the construction documents. If the work needs to be redone down the road, then worry about it. Just my 2 cents.

SCHULMAN

5/4/2022 08:51:16 am

LABEL THE WALL AS POER THE WALL RATING ... MOVE ON ...

Nick Gates

5/4/2022 10:49:52 am

Agreed, for the fire rating of the wall system (which is required by code)...but that's not the original posters question.

He is referencing firestopping system labels, which are not code required, but are nice to have to ensure that the system installed is appropriate for the penetrating device and fire rated assembly.

We have seen stickers fall off in the past depending on the humidity level during construction before the AHU's are operational. One of the contractors has been using spray applied glue to hold these in place and we have not seen anything fall off to date.

Eric R.

5/4/2022 10:56:50 am

Just to add a bit extra complexity, don't forget that as of 2018 the IFC requires the building owner to maintain an inventory of all FRR construction, and to perform and document a visual inspection of all accessible components on an annual basis.

Not sure how many AEC owner's completion packages are separating that information out onto a nice audit sheet, but the construction drawings that cross my desk tend to only have a basic schematic layout of FRRC on the code page, and section tags to details on the A drawings without there ever being a single comprehensive list/table that could be used to create this inventory document.

Food for thought.

franck

5/4/2022 11:31:33 am

I work in the nuclear industry, visiting facilities all over the world and where fire separation is a key element for nuclear safety.
All penetration seals are labeled and most of them with stickers.
As long as the information is visible, readable and remains in place, this is not a problem
If the sticker is damaged or fall off, then it is an opportunity to change it and check the penetration (they are all checked on a regular basis).
In some plants they are using metal plates or even plastic plates, but this is not the rule as this is more complex to fix them (you can’t just screw them on the wall as this action may deteriorate the quality of the surface, in particular in radiologically exposed areas).

The better answer to your question is : use the system you think more appropriate (and it will be stickers most of the time)

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What is Seen/Specified for Firestop ID Labels?

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