NFPA
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes codes, standards, guidelines, and recommended practices for the prevention and control of fire. While the NFPA does not enforce the codes, they are extensively referenced by federal, state and local government agencies and including Joint Commission (JCAHO) and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code (LSC) covers a host of topics related to reducing the spread of fire in buildings and providing means of egress from buildings when necessary. The code includes requirements for different types of buildings such as hotels, homes, and hospitals. For an overview of the LSC got to www.ashe.org/ashe/codes/nfpa/codes.html
In March 2003, both JCAHO and CMS adopted the 2000 edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Previously, JCAHO had referenced the 1997 edition of NFPA 101. To identify the significant changes from 1997 to 2000 go to Changes in the 2000 Edition of NFPA's Life Safety Code. The draft 2005 edition of the LSC will be voted on at the Fall 2004 NFPA Conference in November 2004. Proposed changes include increasing suite size to 7,500 sq. ft., retroactively sprinklering nursing homes, allowing alcohol hand rub in open corridors, allowing fire treated lumber for studs, allowing kick plates to be unlimited in height, and providing exemptions for elevator hoistway separations and fire-rating of draperies and curtains. Proposals that were rejected include retroactive vision panels in smoke barrier doors, and retroactive sprinklering in hospitals. More....
On April 28, 2004, the NPFA announced the amendment of the 2000 and 2003 editions of the LSC to specifically recognize and permit the use of alcohol-based hand rub solutions in patient rooms, corridors, and suites of healthcare facilities. This amendment is the result of a year-long advocacy effort led by ASHE in collaboration with the AHA, CDC, APIC, SHEA, and other members of the infection control and fire safety community. To access the amendments and learn about ASHE's efforts go to www.ashe.org/ashe/codes/handrub/index.html
NFPA 99 -- Healthcare Facilities
NFPA 99 covers criteria to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion, and electricity in healthcare facilities. It is the document that defines electrical leakage testing, isolated power systems, standards for medical gas, and many other areas that have a large impact on the compliance requirements of healthcare facilities.
NFPA 110 -- Emergency and Standby Power Systems
NFPA 110 covers performance requirements for power systems providing an alternate source of electrical power to loads in buildings and facilities in the event that the normal power source fails. The draft 2005 edition of NFPA 110 will be voted on at the Fall 2004 NFPA Conference in November 2004
NFPA 111 -- Standard on Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems
NFPA111 covers criteria for installation and performance of stored (battery/UPS) power systems. The draft 2005 edition of NFPA 110 will be voted on at the Fall 2004 NFPA Conference in November 2004.
HITF -- Streamlining Interpretations for Healthcare Fire Protection Issues
Often, we in healthcare have had opposing or conflicting interpretations of various code issues by different Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Because of the number and variety of groups that evaluate all aspects of the service and performance of healthcare facilities, slight differences in interpretations of applicable codes and standards can arise. The Healthcare Interpretations Task Force (HITF) exists to help reconcile organizational differences of opinion. More...