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Author Message Christopher E. Grimm, CSI, CCS, LEED®-AP, MAI, RLA Senior Member Username: tsugaguy Post Number: 168 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 03:27 pm:    Does anyone else add to interior painting specs a requirement to stencil something about the fire &/or smoke rating and wall type on the wall above lay-in ceiling panels? The idea is to help future building maintenance staff to be aware to protect any penetrations or openings and maintain the wall's rating. How do you specify so that the wording of the stenciling is not more demanding than that of each type of wall configuration's code requirements that may vary per project? Jerry Tims Senior Member Username: jtims Post Number: 50 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 03:32 pm:    We have the following blurbeage in our master: 3.03 LABELING FIRE AND SMOKE PARTITIONS A. Label fire and smoke partitions in plenum spaces and above ceilings in 2 inch high red letters maximum 20 feet on center. B. Fire rated partitions: "FIRE PARTITION - DO NOT PENETRATE." C. Smoke barrier partitions: "SMOKE PARTITION - DO NOT PENETRATE." Ruppert Rangel, AIA CCS Senior Member Username: rangel Post Number: 20 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 03:37 pm:    We have been requiring this for many years. The language came out of the old Southern Building Code "Fire and Smoke Barrier - Protect All Openings" stenciled in red 4" letters at max. 12' o.c. Doug Frank FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: doug_frank_ccs Post Number: 230 Registered: 06-2002 Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 03:45 pm:    We use "Fire and Smoke Barrier, Do Not Penetrate" and require it on Both Sides of the wall in 2 inch letters every ten feet. Also, it's a requirement specified in the gyp bd spec section,, not in painting (we figure the drywall guys knows which walls are rated but the painter probably doesn't). Doug Frank FCSI, CCS, SCIP Affiliate FKP Architects, Inc. Houston, TX Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 289 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Thursday, February 05, 2009 - 04:30 pm:    Doug: Your logic makes sense to have the GWB-sub ID the fire/smoke barriers but have you ever had any "static" from them re: being "painters?" And, do you have verbage in the painting section prohibiting the painters from painting over the stenciling? I realize plenum walls are seldom painted, but I'm a strong believer in Murphys' Law. Doug Frank FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: doug_frank_ccs Post Number: 231 Registered: 06-2002 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 08:03 am:    No negative feedback has hit my desk but that doesn't mean there hasn't ever been any. I don't have any language in the Painting spec but it wouldn't be a bad idea; thanks Ron Doug Frank FCSI, CCS, SCIP Affiliate FKP Architects, Inc. Houston, TX (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 10:01 am:    We specify this in the Interior Signage section, as decals or stencils. Christopher E. Grimm, CSI, CCS, LEED®-AP, MAI, RLA Senior Member Username: tsugaguy Post Number: 169 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 10:40 am:    Thanks all for the feedback so far! For those of you who are using "...Fire AND Smoke Barrier" or "Fire Partition" and "Smoke Partition", I'll share with you our experience. A fire marshall looked up and saw "Fire AND Smoke" (emphasis on AND is mine), and said "Where are the smoke dampers?" Even though the code does not actually require smoke barrier in this particular location, everybody is very unhappy because they say we must add the dampers or repaint the stenciling - no problem, just a little repainting, right? Well, the project is a complex of 28 buildings. I won't get into how much time it has taken in phone calls, emails, and site visits so far either! So, we are looking for ideas on how to correctly, and simply, state what is actually required and nothing more, in revised wording of the stenciling, for this and other projects from now on. At the moment, I'm toying with an anti-PRM move of using AND/OR. "X HOUR FIRE AND/OR SMOKE BARRIER AND/OR PARTITION- PROTECT ALL OPENINGS" I don't know of any duty we have to be sure each type of wall is labeled individually - the purpose as I understand it is simply to alert the future maintenance staff to not poke holes without properly firestopping, or add doors without using rated products. Are there too many possibilities to try to address all of them? Anonymous   Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 10:42 am:    Isn't it true that the specs do not specifically assign work to a specific sub-contractor, installer or trade? If so, then merely placing a sign requirement where walls, partitions are required [and noted] to carry a fire-rating, will get the work done [it's required] by an entity of the GC's choosing. Is that OK? Christopher E. Grimm, CSI, CCS, LEED®-AP, MAI, RLA Senior Member Username: tsugaguy Post Number: 170 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 11:04 am:    Anon- For most projects that is correct. Both the A201 in AIA-contract projects, and the UFC in federal projects, support the principle of specs not establishing trade jurisdictions. We do still want to avoid putting a requirement somewhere that would be unlikely to be seen by the trade the GC may be likely to choose, but ultimately it is totally their choice, in the realm of methods and means. I'm beginning to like the gyp board location for the reasons mentioned above. I think it could say they are welcome to paint per Div 09, use a sign per Div 10, or other permanent means of clearly presenting the information. Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 290 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 11:23 am:    As specifiers we really don't care who does it, it is our task to communicate what is to be done. So if we specify it in one place and cross-reference elsewhere, we should have accomplished our goal. Dave Metzger Senior Member Username: davemetzger Post Number: 301 Registered: 07-2001 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 12:47 pm:    If the requirement is put in the gypsum board section--what happens for rated masonry partitions? Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 941 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 01:31 pm:    How about something like this in Painting Section, or in each tech Section where fire-rated walls are addressed? Fire-Rated Walls As directed, stencil both sides of all fire-rated walls above finished and decorative ceilings with applicable lettering. Stencils shall be located, spaced, and of a size, wording, and color suitable to authority having jurisdiction. Jerry Tims Senior Member Username: jtims Post Number: 51 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 02:08 pm:    Or perhaps, keep it in the painting section and in the other sections say: Refer to Section 09 9000 for stenciling of fire- and smoke-rated partitions. (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 01:59 pm:    IBC has specific terminology for each type of requirement (fire wall, fire partition, fire barrier, smoke barrier, smoke partition, shaft enclosure, etc.) that makes it difficult to make the wording generic enough. Even "fire-rated" is problematic because smoke partitions are not necessarily rated but still need to have openings and penetrations sealed (though not firestopped). "Do not penetrate" also seems inaccurate because it's the lack of protection, not the penetration itself, that is a problem. We don't currently require this, but if we did, I'd likely specify the legend "Life Safety Assembly - Protect All Openings" in the painting section (so it applies to both gyp board and masonry and doesn't get painted over) with an option for preprinted decals. Steve Gantner, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: sgantner Post Number: 14 Registered: 08-2007 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 02:43 pm:    I suggest looking at the Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) Manual of Practice, appendix D. We have this in the firestopping section of the specification and require this work be done by the firestop contractor, and that there is only one firestop contractor for the entire job. This does a number of good things. First, the old addage of "if you make the hole, fill the hole" goes away. There is one company responsible for making sure this is done correctly and that it isn't the mechanical, plumbing or electrical apprentice at the last minute. Also, when they are paying by the penetration, they are a little more careful in making sure the routes are laid out correctly. Second, we require that the firestop contractor be a member of the FCIA. We would require FM 4991, but we only have one in the area. This kind of guarantees that we get the stopping and stenciling installed correctly. Third, we reference the FCIA Manual of Practice which gives guidelines and samples of stickers and stenciling for rated partitions. Lastly, at the end of the job, this single source contractor provides a three ring binder listing all openings and fire rated partitions to the Owner. This is particularly useful for our Hospital and School clients. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 942 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 03:05 pm:    So, OK, how about, in the Painting Section-- "As required by the buiding code, provide all life safety assemblies [is that defined?] with stencil/painted indications or pre-printed decals, with text of 'Life Safety Assembly- Protect All Openings'. Such indications shall be applied to the finished surface of the aseemblies". [i.e., after they are painted, etc.] Everything then means the code-- Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 316 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 04:27 pm:    Is this a Code requirement, or just something to help future building maintenance staff? In all of my years detailing partitions, doors & hardware, and writing specifications, I've never heard of this. Dave Metzger Senior Member Username: davemetzger Post Number: 303 Registered: 07-2001 Posted on Friday, February 06, 2009 - 04:29 pm:    Virginia requires it in their supplement to the IBC. Stephan Reppert CSI, CCS, CCCA, assoc. AIA Senior Member Username: steprepp Post Number: 26 Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Monday, February 09, 2009 - 07:30 am:    Florida Building Code: Chapter 7‚ Section 712‚ (5) 712.5 Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions or any other wall required to have protected openings shall be effectively and permanently identified with signs or stenciling in a manner acceptable to the Authority having Jurisdiction. Such identification shall be above any decorative ceiling and in concealed spaces. Suggested wording for fire and smoke barriers: "FIRE AND SMOKE BARRIER – PROTECT ALL OPENINGS." John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1006 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - 08:56 am:    It does not seem like it would be all that hard to put the actual rating for each particular wall or partition on the stencil. These are indicated on the drawings, and the entity putting in the firestopping will know what they are. e.g. "2 HR FIRE PARTITION - PROTECT OPENINGS" Using adhesive labels be easier and faster than stencils. You could even do these on a personal printer. If they're placed every ten feet, it seems to me inch-high letters would be sufficient. (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 11:03 am:    We specify it in the painting section, because that makes the most sense, since we have both drywall and masonry partitions that may have ratings. We allow some flexibility in the height above the ceiling--from 6" to 18", and require it 5 feet on center, both sides of the partition, in bright orange paint, 4" high letters. We call for the stencilling as: "Smoke Rated Wall," "One Hour Rated Wall," "Two Hour Rated Wall." On a walkthrough with a Fire Chief on one project he said "wow, I have never seen that before and I really like it." Wayne Yancey Senior Member Username: wayne_yancey Post Number: 165 Registered: 01-2008 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 10:59 am:    New to the 2009 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE "703.6 Marking and Indentification. 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 indentified with signs or stenciling. Such identification shall: 1. Be located in accessible concealed floor, floor-ceiling or attic spaces; and 2. Be repeated at intervals not exceeding 30 feet (914 mm) [see comment below] measureed horizontally along the wall or partition; and 3. Include lettering not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) in height, incorpprating the suggested wording: "FIRE AND/OR SMOKE BARRIER-PROTECT ALL OPENINGS," or other wording. "Exception: Walls in Group R-2 occupancies that do not have a removable decorative ceiling allowing access to the concealed space." There is an error in this sentence: "...not exceeding 30 feet (914 mm)..." If 30 feet is correct the metric equivalent is 9144 mm. I am not certain which is correct; 3 feet or 30 feet. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 950 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 11:24 am:    IMHO, 30 feet to too far apart, and certainly 3 feet is far too close, but then I am only [now] an architect and spec writer. As old code guy, suggest this might be fodder for a code text change to more real and reasonable dimension, since I assume the intent is to inform and advise both future contractors/workers and fire fighters[?]of the wall status [much can happen within 30 feet of space, especially in murky conditions] Jerry Tims Senior Member Username: jtims Post Number: 56 Registered: 04-2005 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 11:27 am:    I agree with you Ralph........30 feet is too far apart....ESPECIALLY if the lettering is only 1/2" high! Dave Metzger Senior Member Username: davemetzger Post Number: 304 Registered: 07-2001 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 11:34 am:    Virginia, in their Statewide Supplement to the IBC, calls for lettering not less than 1 inch high, with signs/stencils spaced not more than 8 feet apart Steven Bruneel, AIA, CSI-CDT, LEED-AP Senior Member Username: redseca2 Post Number: 160 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 01:33 pm:    It seems to me that when working with stencils, with spray bleed around the edges, larger font sizes would actually be easier to apply and the results more legible. John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1015 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 02:38 pm:    I have to think pre-printed self-adhesive labels would be far, far cheaper than painting a stencil. Steven Bruneel, AIA, CSI-CDT, LEED-AP Senior Member Username: redseca2 Post Number: 162 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 03:09 pm:    Pre-printed seems to be the right idea. There must be some free or dirt-cheap software used to make bumper stickers that would work great. That would create a new spec Section though; some sub-set of 10 14 00 Signage or perhaps 10 40 00 - Safety Specialties. Ron Beard CCS Senior Member Username: rm_beard_ccs Post Number: 292 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 03:10 pm:    Do we really need to go into such detail? Can't we [as specifiers] just say [somewhere...with cross-referencing] that fire assemblies need to be marked/identified per AHJ requirements ....or per local code .....or as specified with a brief description. Like "not less than x" high spaced at y' of durable material?" Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 951 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 03:12 pm:    That was part of my direction on the 6th. Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 733 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Friday, February 20, 2009 - 08:26 pm:    The requirement should read "...30 feet (9.14 m)..." This is the way it appeared in the final action agenda for the 06/07 code development cycle. However, it was incorrectly printed (as quoted above) in the 2007 IBC Supplement. Hopefully they caught the error before going to the printer with the 2009 edition. Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP RLGA Technical Services www.specsandcodes.com Christopher E. Grimm, CSI, CCS, LEED®-AP, MAI, RLA Senior Member Username: tsugaguy Post Number: 181 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 - 01:33 pm:    The myriad of possible variations in AHJ requirements and IBC + state or local amendments leads me to believe less is more on this one. But isn't there some kind of specifier's directive that says we can't just refer them to the code? Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 952 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 - 01:44 pm:    Part of a professional's obligations is to establish what code applies, if there are any local amendments, and then to set the pattern of code compliance-- i.e., know, at a minimum what the code requires. Then provide for complying as required. So, here, we may have to write some text reflecting what the "whatever" code requires. Mark Gilligan SE, CSI Senior Member Username: mark_gilligan Post Number: 125 Registered: 10-2007 Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 - 03:18 pm:    I believe that there was a provision in the old BOCA code that specifically stated that it was not appropriate to just state that something shouldcomply with the code. As Ralph stated we need to make it clear what provisions apply. We need to make the judgments that only design professional can make. Once this is done it may be appropriate to reference specific code sections when we are sure that there is no abiguity how they would be interpreted. Richard L Matteo, AIA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: rlmat Post Number: 320 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 - 03:45 pm:    As I stated on Feb 6 - In all my years in this business,working on projects all over the US, this is the first time I've ever heard of this. I've never seen it in a spec, including the stuff that goes through DSA here in CA. John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1254 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Friday, October 08, 2010 - 05:07 pm:    Okay: I'm resurecting this old thread now that Massachusetts has adopted the 2009 IBC. (YAY! we've finally caught up!) Has anyone gotten any feedback, pushback or brilliant new ideas besides what was indicated earlier in this thread? I'm sort of thinking the best approach is to make a separate section out of it. I have no idea how the contractor may wish to sub this out, and I don't want it to be missed. Also, based on the above discussions, we may decrease the spacing and slightly up the text size. Interestingly, the code requires the identification to be in concealed areas such as above the ceiling. What happens if there are no concealed areas? Does that mean there does not need to be any identification? (That makes no sense.) I'm sure that some owners would not want to see this stencil in areas occupied by the public. John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1255 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Friday, October 08, 2010 - 05:13 pm:    Maybe Section 10 16 53 – "Identification for Fire- and Smoke- Partitions" to parallel the MEP Division's identification sections? Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP Senior Member Username: specman Post Number: 880 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Friday, October 08, 2010 - 05:31 pm:    John: Great idea; however, I would title it "Identification for Fire and Smoke Assemblies." Fire and smoke partitions, by code definition, are very specific types of fire and smoke assemblies. Using my suggested title would not exclude the other assemblies such as fire walls, fire barriers, smoke barriers, and horizontal assemblies. Ron Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP www.specsandcodes.com Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 1028 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, October 08, 2010 - 06:39 pm:    John: Owners have all sorts of weird things they have to see in their spaces relating to exiting, so some fire and/or smoke designations shouldn't be too alarming. (especially if they won't get their Occupancy Permit without it). Perhaps for those spaces, you want to be a little more careful about how the signage/decal/stencil looks and make sure it is applied centered and parallel to the floor plane. if its up high enough, no one will notice it anyway. Lisa Goodwin Robbins, RA, CCS, LEED ap Senior Member Username: lgoodrob Post Number: 99 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 - 09:03 am:    John, What about for MA public work? Does this have to be part of the painter's filed sub bid/trade bid work? Or is that why you want to put it in another Section? David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI Senior Member Username: david_axt Post Number: 1133 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 - 03:10 pm:    Does the stencil also have to be in Spanish? (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 - 03:16 pm:    Only in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, Washington, Oregon, Colorodo, Oklahoma.....Yes, in Spanish too! John Regener, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: john_regener Post Number: 472 Registered: 04-2002 Posted on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 07:06 pm:    I live in the city of Irvine, CA, the largest planned city in America, in supposedly "whitebread" Orange County. In fact, Irvine is very diverse. In the general population, everyone belongs to a minority race; there is no majority: Asian & Pacific Islander: 38% White: 36% Persian: 11% Hispanic: 10% Black: 2% In the public schools, the student ethnic profile is: White: 38.0% Chinese: 12.1% Korean: 11.6% Hispanic/Latino: 8.2% Asian Indian: 5.5% Vietnamese: 4.8% Japanese: 4.2% Other Asian: 3.1% Filipino: 2.8% Black: 2.3% All Others (Under 1% each) 7.2% So, what language(s) should building code-mandated signage use? English? Farsi? Chinese (Cantonese or Mandarin)? Spanish (should ethnicity of construction and maintenance workers be considered)? LT Uhura, may I borrow the Universal Translator? Steven Bruneel, AIA, CSI-CDT, LEED-AP Senior Member Username: redseca2 Post Number: 254 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - 08:08 pm:    In San Francisco: PA announcements on SFMUNI, the bus, tram and metro system are in chinese, spanish and english. A major healthcare client in SF provides signage in russian, chinese, spanish and english. Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1122 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 09:32 am:    The FCIA, FM, ASTM, and/or UL should develop universal symbols, understood by every language, for this use. Have you looked at a clothing care label recently? With the symbols there, you don't need a language (you may need a translator, but that's a different matter - I'm always looking up 40C to translate to degrees F, but I'm getting better). If the clothing industry can do it, the building industry should be able to. Richard A. Rosen, CSI, CCS, AIA Senior Member Username: rarosen Post Number: 84 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 - 04:27 pm:    Would 101400 - Signage be an appropriate place to spec this? After all it is a sign. We have had some discussion about this in my office and the Architects are leaning towards putting a key note on the code sheet and noting the locations on the plans for the different types of walls that require penetration or opening protection. Harry Peck, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: harryspec Post Number: 6 Registered: 05-2010 Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2010 - 03:26 pm:    In MasterSpec sections for Penetration Firestopping and Fire-Resistive Joint Systems both contain requirements for a "pre printed metal or plastic label". In the UFGS specs I have not found anything, but have added to the Painting section, requirements for "sign stencil" identifying Rated Walls. Dave Metzger Senior Member Username: davemetzger Post Number: 377 Registered: 07-2001 Posted on Thursday, October 21, 2010 - 03:43 pm:    The labeling referred to in those two Masterspec sections is specific to the firestopping of the penetration or joint. That is separate from fire wall stenciling which identifies the wall as being fire-rated (or a smoke barrier or partition), whether or not there are penetrations through the wall. Harry Peck, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: harryspec Post Number: 8 Registered: 05-2010 Posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2010 - 04:13 pm:    I did my homework and now know that the 2009 IBC 703.6 requires marking and identification of fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions and so on. I found a company called Fire Wall Barrier Signs at www.firewallsigns.com. OK, so where to specify this sign - good question. Division 10 Section Signage? Division 09 Painting? Or those who assemble these walls/partitions/barriers - the masons and gypsum board trades? Good question. Colin Gilboy Senior Member Username: colin Post Number: 254 Registered: 09-2005 Posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2010 - 04:20 pm:    I'll add them to 4specs this month. I would list them in 4specs in the head of wall and firestop sections. Perhaps the firestop contractor (if one is in your area) would be the one to install or the sheetrock contractor. I see it as depending on your local trades as to who is likely to be on the site when nearing completion and knowledgeable on the subject. This violates CSI's principle on not considering trades, and this work would be easy to overlook otherwise. Colin Gilboy Publisher, 4specs.com 435.654.5775 - Utah 800.369.8008 John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1261 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Wednesday, November 03, 2010 - 04:25 pm:    We discussed this in house and decided that a separate section would be best without mingling it in with drywall or CMU. This way the contractor can assign to whatever entity is best. Being a separate section means it can easily be used in a project that may not have a signage section otherwise. We titled it 10 14 45 Fire-Resistant Assembly Signage. (Thanks to Dave Metzger for inspiration.) Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1222 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, November 04, 2010 - 06:54 am:    Good article about signage, mounting it on walls, and whose function this is [from providing signs to installation]. Self-adhering placards may be the best solution [little instance for damage or mutilation]; see Fall 2009, LIFE SAFETY DIGEST from FCIA. Dale Hurttgam, NCARB, AIA,LEED AP, CSI Senior Member Username: dwhurttgam Post Number: 71 Registered: 10-2005 Posted on Thursday, November 04, 2010 - 08:29 am:    At our firm we have the stensiling for fire rated and smoke walls in the Painting Section. This has resulted primarily from hospital clients wanting to have these walls identified for ongoing reference. Our State has not moved to a code based on the 2009 IBC, expecting early in 2011, but I appreciate the "tip" that it is in the 2009 IBC. We will be looking to see what the requirements are so that we make sure to coordinate with them. Firewall Signs Inc. (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, November 04, 2010 - 03:45 pm:    good afternoon after reading your post we have created signage for specifically labeling rated and smoke walls in order to meet current requirements and are actively involved in creating signage that covers the bulk of these walls over the past 12 years . As a drywall contractor by trade the responsibility of identifying these walls falls on two possible candidates the drywall contractor or the mason that constructed the wall or the general contractor who's has the ultimate responsibility of getting this wall approved by local code inspectors. In a typical application the signage would be listed under the 09250 section or the mason section Harry Peck, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: harryspec Post Number: 9 Registered: 05-2010 Posted on Friday, November 12, 2010 - 08:42 am:    Now I have what may be a different view of what we may have occuring here. Set Up: 1. Architectural Trades build a partition (masonry or gypsum board) that is rated for fire or as a smoke barrier. 2. Mechanical and/or Electrical Trades perfrom their work and must penetrate the rated partition. Question: Who and/or how will the positioning (and installation) of "marking and identification" for the partition (Code required) be coordinated so it does not conflict with a required penetration AND when the penetration labels are placed, they are near the penetration and not conflicting with the partition labels. This has me leaning towards John's recommendation of a Division 10 section.