Focus: Fire-Life Safety / Column

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Alcohol disinfectant wipes

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for alcohol disinfectant wipes

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: What is your opinion on alcohol based disinfectant wipes and their inclusion in the aggregate amount of flammable liquids in a smoke compartment?  We are considering a product that contains 55% isopropyl alcohol and would be 857ml.  There is one opinion posted online that includes these products in the NFPA 30 standard compliance.

A: I would agree with the concept that any alcohol product would contribute to the aggregate total of ABHR liquids or aerosols to not exceed 10 gallons in dispensers per smoke compartment. Therefore, if you had one 857 ml dispenser of alcohol-based disinfectant wipes, then you would be limited to 36 one-liter ABHR dispensers per smoke compartment so you would not exceed 10 gallons of product in dispensers per smoke compartment. This would be consistent with section 19.3.2.6 (5) of the 2012 LSC.

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.

 



July 11, 2018


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

Mature Dry Surface Biofilm Presents a Problem for Candida Auris

Multiple methods are described in the literature, but no consensus has been reached for disinfection efficacy tests against biofilms.


Sutter Health's Arden Care Center Officially Opens

With an adaptive reuse of an underutilized office building, the 70,000 square-foot facility was renovated to meet current healthcare standards.


Insight Hospital and Medical Center Falls to Data Breach

The investigation determined that an unauthorized individual accessed the network between August 22, 2025, and September 11, 2025.


The High Cost of Healthcare Violence

As workplace violence increases, healthcare facilities face mounting financial and operational disruptions- prompting legislative action.


EVS Teams Can Improve Patient Experience in Emergency Departments

A report confirmed that cleanliness of the ED was the third most impactful element on patient experience surveys.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.