Focus: Fire-Life Safety / Column

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Smoke barrier between two different occupancies

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for smoke barrier between two different occupancies

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: In a single-story facility that has both Ambulatory Healthcare and Business occupancies, is there a requirement for a smoke barrier in this same separation? I am aware of the 1-hour fire resistive rated barrier separation requirement per the Life Safety Code, but I cannot find a requirement for a smoke barrier in the separation between the two occupancies. The Ambulatory Healthcare occupancy is an emergency department, which is only 3,500SF. The Business Occupancy is an outpatient clinic.

A: Well…. It depends. Is the 3,500 square foot ambulatory healthcare occupancy (AHCO) fully protected with smoke detectors or sprinklers? If so, then there is no need for two different smoke compartments and therefore no smoke barrier is required (see section 21.3.7 of the 2012 LSC). However, if the AHCO is not fully protected with smoke detectors or sprinklers, then you are required to provide a smoke barrier that does separate two different smoke compartments.  

If you are required to have a smoke barrier (that separates two different smoke compartments), then that barrier could be the same as the 1-hour fire-rated barrier that separates the AHCO from the business occupancies. However, if you choose that route, the doors between the AHCO and the business occupancies must remain unlocked and available for immediate evacuation from either area, into the other adjoining area [see 21.3.7.2(3)]. Not a probable situation. 

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.



March 4, 2020


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

Fire at Assisted Living Facility Kills 9, Injures 30

Half of the building’s residents were evacuated through small windows.


North Carolina Children's Health Selects Apex for Campus Location

The groundbreaking is anticipated to happen in 2027.


Designing for Access: Addressing Pharmacy Deserts with Flexible Solutions

Design is an increasingly important consideration for closing the gap in pharmaceutical access.


Baylor Scott & White Health Set to Open New Texas Medical Center 

The new 40-acre campus will offer communal green spaces, more than two miles of trails, health and wellness events and activities for everyone to enjoy.


The Future of Backup Power Systems in Healthcare Facilities

Manufacturers discuss what trends are shaping the future of backup power systems in healthcare.


 
 


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.