Focus: Fire-Life Safety / Column

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Auto flush bolts

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for auto flush bolts

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: Do I have to use auto flush bolts and coordinators on a pair of double doors that are fire rated (one active leaf and one inactive leaf) to a mechanical room or electric room that is usually unoccupied? This is in a hospital.

A: I believe so. All fire-rated doors must self-close and latch. If you have a pair of double doors that are fire-rated, then both leaves must self-close (have a closer) and positively latch. Auto- flush bolts would qualify as positive latching. Manual latch bolts would not.

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.

 



October 23, 2019


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

From Downtime to Data: Rethinking Restroom Reliability in Healthcare

Manufacturers discuss the operational issues plaguing healthcare restrooms and how to shift maintenance from reactive to resilient.


LeChase Building Four-Story Addition to UHS Delaware Valley Hospital

It will consolidate services into a state-of-the-art Medical Neighborhood.


AdventHealth Sebring Breaks Ground on Expansion Project

Construction is scheduled to begin in March and is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2027.


Regulations Take the Lead in Healthcare Restroom Design

Infection-control guidance and water management standards drive earlier planning, smarter fixtures and more resilient restroom environments.


AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital Opens Expanded Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Construction began in July 2025 and included 12 new inpatient rehabilitation beds, bringing the unit’s total to 29.


 
 


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.