Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Self-closing doors on hazardous rooms

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for self-closing doors on hazardous rooms

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: Do soiled utility rooms in business occupancies (non-sprinklered) require self-closing doors and 1-hour fire rated construction?

A: Yes, but not because it is a soiled utility room (like a hospital), but because it is a storage room. Business occupancy chapters of the LSC says storage rooms are hazardous areas, and references section 8.7.1.1 of the 2012 LSC which requires all hazardous areas to be either fully protected with sprinklers, or protected with 1-hour fire-rated construction. Since your business occupancy is non-sprinklered, then that means the storage room (i.e. soiled utility room) needs to be one-hour fire rated construction which requires a ¾-hour fire-rated self-closing door.  

NFPA 105 continues to explain that smoke dampers are tested once every 4-years for non-hospitals and must be tested with normal HVAC airflow. 

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.



February 12, 2020


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

Sustainability as a Baseline in Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals can balance costs, build resilience and learn from global models for sustainable design to further their green goals.


Penobscot Valley Hospital Reports Data Security Incident

It immediately implemented its incident response procedures, took steps to secure systems and hired third-party forensic specialists to assist with an investigation.


Ballad Health Acquires Land for Future Unicoi County Hospital

The new hospital is expected to feature an emergency department, 10 inpatient beds and outpatient services.


Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities rely on much more than doctors and nurses to keep patients safe.


Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community

The 244-unit independent living and assisted living community is located directly adjacent to The Galleria shopping and entertainment complex.


 
 


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.