Use a pre-construction firestop checklist before sleeves are sealed: confirm drawings and specs, listings or EJs, inspection hold points, and whether IBC 1705.17 special inspection applies. Installer QC is not the same as independent third-party Firestop Special Inspection. Catch paper gaps while changes are still cheap.
The cheapest firestop deficiency to fix is still on paper. Use this pre-construction firestop review checklist before sleeves get sealed and ceilings close—so listings, penetrations, joints, and inspection hold points are clear while changes are still inexpensive.
Fire Examiners Life Safety Solutions is an independent third-party firestop special inspection firm (ASTM E2174 / E2393; IBC 1705.17). We inspect and document. This checklist is a planning aid for GCs, owners, design teams, and AHJ-facing project leads—not a substitute for the approved listings, the engineer of record, or field special inspection.
Pair this page with our mineral wool compression calculator. For a deeper walkthrough, see the pre-construction firestop submittal & shop drawing review checklist.
To engage the service itself: pre-construction firestop submittal & shop drawing reviews. Print or copy this checklist into your project file. Check items as they are confirmed for this job—not generically.
1. Project documents
- Current life-safety / fire-resistance drawings identified (wall, floor, shaft, smoke barrier ratings)
- Spec section for firestopping / penetration firestop systems located and version-dated
- Submittal register includes firestop systems, shop drawings, and related MEP coordination packages
- Risk Category / occupancy / building height notes reviewed for potential IBC 1705.17 special inspection triggers (see IBC 1705.17 Insight)
- Owner / AHJ / insurer documentation expectations for firestop special inspection recorded in the project plan
- Independent special inspection agency identified early
- Distinction clear: installer QC ≠ independent third-party special inspection
2. Listings & engineering judgments (EJs)
- Each rated assembly type on the drawings has a path to a listed firestop system
- Submitted systems match substrate, rating, opening type, and penetrant—not a generic cut sheet
- Listed-system IDs recorded for the configurations actually planned
- Annular space, pack/fill, wrap, collar, and sealant assumptions match the listing
- Substitutions after buyout have a written path back to an approved listed system
- Conditions outside listed configurations flagged early for details & engineering judgments
- Perimeter / edge-of-slab and other specialty systems called out separately
3. Penetrations
- Through-penetrations and membrane penetrations inventoried by assembly and trade
- Multiple penetrants / stacked sleeves checked against what the listing allows
- Cable tray, busway, and high-density pathways coordinated with listed systems
- Temporary openings and future sleeves tracked
- Access for inspection before concealment planned
- Field inspection method planned under ASTM E2174 (see ASTM E2174 / E2393 explained)
4. Joints & movement
- Fire-resistant joint systems identified
- Nominal joint width and movement capability match the listing / UL 2079 path
- Mineral wool density and compression align with the listing—use the mineral wool compression calculator as a planning aid
- Joint terminations and continuity at corners / intersections detailed
- Field inspection method planned under ASTM E2393
- Sequence notes prevent adjacent finishes from concealing the joint before inspection
5. Inspection scheduling
- Special inspection scope written into schedule / ITP with hold points before concealment
- Notification lead time agreed
- Phased areas mapped so inspection tracks turnover
- Access windows confirmed for shafts and above-ceiling areas
- Re-inspection path defined when deficiencies are found (deficiency remediation oversight)
- Data center milestones tied to documented firestop verification where required
- Occupied renovations: temporary impairments and barrier continuity tracked—see barrier management
6. Closeout
- Inspection reports filed in a form AHJ / owner / insurer can review
- Open deficiency list owned with re-inspection status
- Final / periodic special inspection documentation packaged for CO / turnover
- As-built listing references updated when field substitutions were approved
- Remaining temporary openings closed with listed systems or documented impairments
- Lessons from paper to field captured for the next phase
How to use this checklist with Fire Examiners
1. Run the checklist during submittals and early coordination. 2. Bring gaps to a pre-construction firestop submittal & shop drawing review. 3. Align field work with third-party firestop special inspection under ASTM E2174 / E2393 and IBC 1705.17. 4. Browse tools in the Knowledge Center and Solutions.
This checklist does not replace the listing, the code, or AHJ requirements.
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Phone: 727-537-0047 Email: info@fire-examiners.com
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