By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today

Q: Are firefighter emergency call phones still required in new construction? We have an existing hospital and management is wanting to add a whole new patient tower and the construction company is trying to say they are no longer required. I know the old system was the red phones and the new system is the plug in phones. Can you shed any light on this? 

A: Generally speaking, two-way communications are only required in high rises according to section 11.8.4.2.1 of the 2012 Life Safety Code. However, section 11.8.4.2.2 allows for a fire department radio system installation in lieu of the fire-phones.  Most AHJs utilize these radios so the method of two way communications in a high rise hospital must be coordinated with the fire department.  Most will require the installation of a compatible radio system and will not require the fire-phones. 

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs

Brad's next webcast is scheduled for Dec. 14. He'll be discussing  "New Requirements, New Challenges: The 2012 Life Safety Code."