Healthcare facilities are required to comply with strict fire safety regulations to protect the health and safety of their patients and staff. Failure to comply can lead to costly fines, legal liabilities, and jeopardize the safety of all occupants. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common fire safety inspection failures in healthcare facilities and provide strategies for avoiding them.
Sprinkler System Requirements
Healthcare facilities are required to have automatic fire sprinkler systems installed in accordance with specific codes and standards. These systems must be regularly inspected and tested to ensure their proper working order. A common failure during inspections is the obstruction of sprinkler heads, which can impede the proper flow of water in the event of a fire. Ensure that all sprinkler heads have the required minimum clearance of 18 inches in all directions and that they are not obstructed by storage or other items. Additionally, be aware of the new updated code requiring facilities to initiate a fire watch if the fire suppression system is down for more than 10 hours at a time.
Fire Alarm System Requirements
Fire alarm systems must be regularly inspected and tested to ensure their proper working order. A common failure during inspections is the lack of proper fire alarm system documentation. All components, including fire alarm control panel, notification appliances, smoke detectors, and manual pull stations, must be properly documented, and evidence of testing and inspection must be provided upon request. Be sure to keep a comprehensive record of all testing and inspection results to avoid a violation.
Fire Extinguishers Requirements
Fire extinguishers must be located in easily accessible locations throughout the facility and must be regularly inspected and tested. A common failure during inspections is the lack of proper fire extinguisher maintenance. Fire extinguishers must be in the proper location, have the proper size, and be readily accessible. Employees should be trained on how to use fire extinguishers, and all extinguishers should have a current inspection tag that indicates the date of inspection.
Flammable Storage Requirements
Flammable substances must be stored appropriately to prevent them from contributing to fire risks within the facility. A common failure during inspections is the improper storage of flammable materials. Flammable storage cabinets must be used and identified with labels to indicate their contents, and the cabinets must be properly grounded. Additionally, flammable storage areas should have proper ventilation systems installed, and material safety data sheets for all flammable substances should be readily available in accordance with OSHA regulations.
Fire Door Assembly Inspections
Fire doors play a vital role in preventing the spread of fire within a building. Fire door assemblies must be regularly inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order and meet required codes and standards. A common failure during inspections is the lack of proper documentation of fire door assembly inspections. Each fire-rated door assembly must be inspected annually, and evidence of inspection must be documented and available upon request. It's essential to ensure that all fire doors are installed, maintained, and repaired correctly to avoid fire safety violations.
Last but not least, fire safety compliance in healthcare facilities is critical to the safety and well-being of all occupants. Regular inspections and testing of fire safety systems and equipment are required to ensure that they meet specific codes and standards. Be aware of common inspection failures, such as obstructions of sprinkler heads and lack of proper fire alarm documentation. By proactively addressing these common failures, healthcare facilities can avoid potential violations, costly fines, and protect their patients, staff, and property from fire risks.
For any further inquiries regarding this topic, as well as for code consulting and fire engineering design support related to your project, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at contact@engineeringfireprotection.com.
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