Abu Dhabi is setting a high standard for fire safety with the release of the new Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority requirements for firestop contractors. In a June 2025 release, the ADCDA announced new requirements for Class G Contractors and Suppliers issuing Engineering Judgements.  The circular mandates certification requirements for Specialty Firestop Contractors through either the FM 4991 Approved or UL Qualified Firestop Contractor Programs and requirements for suppliers through the UL Technical Evaluation Developer Program - demonstrating the region’s strong commitment to fire safety standards and alignment with international best practices. As more jurisdictions worldwide recognize the critical role of professional firestopping in effective compartmentation, it’s only a matter of time before similar requirements become the global norm.

Read the ADCDA Release

FCIA has learned of situations where contractors have had to discover in the field, after inspection agencies or others questioned an installation, that there is an issue with compatibility between certain firestop products and the surfaces with which they come in contact in construction.  The firestop product (sealant or other products) is incompatible with either the surface, the treatment of the surface, or the penetrating item, coverings, or assembly.

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Specialty Firestop Installation Contractors looking to provide additional value to Building Owners should look at the UL Master Certificate of Compliance (MACC).  The project-specific MACC is provided by the UL Qualified Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor to the Building Owner.  Issued after a successful onsite UL Audit of the firestop installation contractor’s management system, the Master Certificate of Compliance provides assurance to the Building Owner that processes were followed at that specific jobsite.  Because it is annually renewable after the Specialty Firestop Installation Contractor visually inspects the building, the MACC Certificate provides the building owner with a tool to show Fire Marshals as evidence of compliance with the annual visual inspection of firestopping required in the International Fire Code.

Interested? Email Ruben.SandovalJr@ul.com or Mark.St.Onge@UL.com for details.

In April 2020, the Gypsum Association released a tutorial for the proper repair of fire-resistance-rated gypsum panel product systems. The video clearly and concisely addresses the much talked about topic through animated representations of the proper steps one should take when repairing these fire-resistance-rated barriers.

The most recent issue of Life Safety Digest also addresses the question in the "From the FCIA Question Box" article. FCIA recommends following the GA-225-2019 Repair of Fire-Rated Gypsum Panel Product Systems letter OR a tested and listed repair method.

Watch the Gypsum Association video here.

FCIA recently posted tips from the law office of Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Siegel on how to manage volatile materials pricing challenges. “Recent price volatility of construction materials, including, but not limited to, steel, copper, lumber, and PVC, has left contractors faced with another challenge in completing their work at the price they quoted.”