Labels are a common fixture in the modern construction industry for a good reason: they communicate critical information to end-users and maintenance teams. In older facilities, such as aging hospitals, identifying chilled water pipes or domestic water lines above a ceiling can be nearly impossible. In new construction, however, these systems are clearly marked, facilitating easier repairs, maintenance and future renovations.
Photo Credit: Jay McGuire
Code Requirements for Life-Safety Components
When it comes to life safety, labels are not just a convenience—they are often a legal mandate. Building codes require specific identification for various components, such as fire and smoke-rated walls, which stipulate the size of lettering and specific spacing requirements of 15 feet from corners and 30 feet on center. Codes also require labels to identify smoke, fire and combination fire/smoke dampers.
For fire doors, a label is so critical that if it is painted over, removed or damaged, the door is no longer legally considered a fire door. Similarly, fire-rated glazing must be labeled to verify its fire-resistance rating. These labels provide the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) and facility owners with a transparent, reliable way to verify that active life-safety measures are in place, ensuring maximum protection for building occupants.
The Gap in Firestopping Identification
Despite strict requirements for fire rated walls, glass, dampers and doors, building codes have historically lacked a labeling requirement for a final, critical aspect of life safety: firestopping. Fire-resistance-rated assemblies are only as strong as their weakest link. If penetration and construction joints are not properly firestopped, smoke and fire will breach the barrier long before the surrounding wall or door reaches its rated duration.
Photo Credit: Jay McGuire
Without a label, there is no way to determine if the firestop materials were installed according to a tested and listed system or an engineered design. Many installers simply apply sealant without following a specific method, which fails to meet code and compromises the assembly’s fire rating.
Benefits of Using Identification Labels/Tags
Using firestop identification tags transforms the inspection and maintenance process by increasing installer accountability and transparently showing their knowledge and competency. It allows AHJs and third-party inspectors following ASTM E 2174 to conduct faster inspections and quickly verify that the appropriate tested firestop system was used.
These tags also provide ease of maintenance, meaning if an installation is damaged, the label clearly shows the original method so it can be reinstalled accurately. To ensure maximum quality assurance, it is highly recommended that the specific person who performed the work also installs the tag to maintain strict quality control.
Introducing the ASTM E3456-25 Standard
To address the lack of standardization, the FCIA (Firestop Contractors International Association) Standards Committee developed a new industry labeling standard. ASTM E3456-25, Standard Practice for On-Site Identification of Firestop Systems and Judgments, was published in June 2025.
The standard provides clear guidelines on where and how labels should be applied across different structures. For floor assemblies, labels should be on the top side for vertical penetrations if installed from the top or on the underside if installed from below.
For wall assemblies, labels must be placed on both sides for through-penetrations and on one side for membrane penetrations. Even blank openings with no penetrants that have been firestopped must receive a label.
Label Content and Installation
Under ASTM E3456-25, labels must be legible and made of materials that can withstand the expected environment. Required information includes a clear warning stating, “Penetration Firestopping—Do Not Disturb or Remove.” The label must also display the contractor contact information, the individual installer’s identifier, the listing system number or technical evaluation report number, the firestop materials manufacturer’s name and the date of installation.
Labels should be placed within 6 inches of the firestop installation and can be adhered to either the assembly surface or the penetrant itself, provided they remain permanent and readable for the life of the installation.
Photo Credit: Jay McGuire
Transparency vs. the Value of Safety
While there is a small cost associated with the materials and time required to fill out a tag, it pales in comparison to the safety benefits. High-quality, experienced firestop contractors welcome this transparency.
By adopting these standards, the firestopping industry can finally emerge from a “veil of mystery” and meet the same rigorous identification standards as the fire doors, dampers, glass and walls they protect.
Portions of this article are adapted with permission from content originally published in Life Safety Digest.
Jay McGuire is the owner/project manager of Fire Stop Technologies, Inc.
