Verify before making a permanent change: not checking rated wall/shaft before cutting.
High-risk starter answer - stop before cutting, drilling, coring, sleeving, enlarging, patching, or relocating any opening. A rated wall/floor/shaft is not just a hole; it needs the approved opening, sleeve, and firestop path.
Ask when the cut affects structure, roof, rated wall, damper/access, grease/industrial duct, equipment, or another trade.
Watch out
Do not cut because the duct does not fit. Do not enlarge or patch rated penetrations without an approved repair detail.
Check
Confirm the exact location from approved drawings and field marks.
Check what is above, below, behind, or inside the cut.
Verify whether the wall/deck/roof/shaft/beam is structural, rated, waterproofed, post-tensioned, or shared with other trades.
Verify the rated assembly detail and firestop responsibility before opening or patching.
Steps
Confirm what you are cutting/drilling/fabricating.
Check latest drawing/shop detail.
Look for hidden utilities, structure, rated assemblies, roof membrane, or equipment parts.
Focus on the actual issue: not checking rated wall/shaft before cutting.
Photograph or mark the condition if someone else needs to approve it.
Say this to your foreman
In Cutting, Holes, Penetrations & Field Fabrication, I'm looking at: Rated wall/shaft before cutting not checked. What should I verify before I cut, drill, seal, cover, move, or install?