Per the code section markings and identification for rated or smoke walls are to be placed in accessible concealed spaces. Are we required to place marking/ labels on walls not with a concealed space? On rated walls that are have no ceiling or a singular dropped cloud ceiling where the top of the wall is visible to the deck?
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Section 703.7 (IBC 2018) and Section 703.5 (IBC 2021) is a requirement to include special identification of certain barriers which include fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, smoke partitions, or any other wall required to have protected openings or penetrations. The building code requires these markings to be marked where there is an accessible concealed space in a floor, floor-ceiling, or attic space.
This requirement of identification appears to be intended only where there is an accessible concealed space associated with the wall construction. This is explicitly stated in the code sections mentioned above. Based on the code requirements mentioned above, it does not appear that markings are required for walls with no ceiling or a singular dropped cloud ceiling.
For more information on locations of marking the walls, required wording, and formatting/font size when markings are required, please see the above-mentioned code sections. I would also suggest meeting with the building official or authority having jurisdiction to determine the requirement in your specific jurisdiction.
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Joe Newbanks,
Fire Protection Engineering Team