Hand Hygiene - Corridor Dispensers of Alcohol-based Hand Products
What are the "conditions" that have to be met to be able to install alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) dispensers in egress corridors?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) gel dispensers can be installed in egress corridors as follows:
Reference NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.3.2.6
Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) gel dispensers can be installed in egress corridors as follows:
- The corridor width is 6 feet or greater
- Dispensers are installed no less than 4 feet apart (horizontal spacing)
- Dispensers are not installed directly above an electrical outlet or switch
- Dispensers are not installed less than 1 inch adjacent to an electrical outlet or switch
- Dispensers installed directly over carpeted surfaces are permitted only in sprinklered smoke compartments
- ABHR does not contain more than 95 percent alcohol content by volume
- Operation of the dispenser complies with NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.3.2.6(11)
- Each smoke compartment may contain a maximum aggregate of 10 gallons (37.8 liters) of ABHR gel, in dispensers and a maximum of 5 gallons (18.9 liters) in storage
- Maximum individual dispenser fluid capacity is 0.32 gallons (1.2 liters) for dispensers in rooms, corridors, and areas open to corridors
- Maximum dispenser size for individual dispensers in areas designated as suites of rooms is 0.53 gallons (2.0 liters)
- And also with other requirements contained in NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.3.2.6
Where aerosol containers are used:
- Maximum capacity of the aerosol dispenser is 18 ounces (0.51 kg) and limited to Level 1 aerosols defined by NFPA 30B
- A maximum of 1135 ounces (32.2 kg) of Level 1 aerosols, or a combination of gel and Level 1 aerosols not to exceed, in total, the equivalent of 10 gallons (37.8 L) in use in a single smoke compartment
Hand wipe containers are not included in the 10-gallon limit per smoke compartment. These products may not contain alcohol, and some may not list the alcohol content. Caution should be used when adding hand wipes to areas as they are still a potential addition to the combustible fire load. Depending on the disinfecting ingredient, the hand wipes could be reviewed as a hazardous chemical; the SDS should be reviewed and appropriate actions taken. A risk assessment while not required, is recommended as a best practice.
Reference NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.3.2.6
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
Life Safety LS
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on November 18, 2021
with update notes of: Editorial changes only
Types of changes and an explanation of change type:
Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. |
Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. |
Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
Get Extra Help with Books and E-books
Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.
Stay Informed with Online Education
Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.
Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts
Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.
Joint Commission Virtual Assistant