Life Safety (LS) (Ambulatory Health Care / Ambulatory Health Care)
Exit Stairwell -Items In Stairwells
Publish | January 01, 0001
What are the restrictions on items being mounted or installed in exit enclosures such as stairwells?
The Joint Commission uses the 2000 edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. For consistency, no equipment is allowed in an exit enclosure (exit stairwell) that could interfere with its function as an area of refuge in accordance with section 7.1.3.2.3. This would include systems such a security cameras and access control devices, and evacuation chairs/sleds. But TJC allows for organizations to submit their particular circumstance for approval by using the Traditional Equivalency process (see instructions in the electronic Statement of Conditions > PFI tab > left side list of options). Using this process, TJC can validate on a case-by-case basis that the exit enclosure will not be compromised. In accordance with 7.1.3.2.1, systems in an exit enclosure are limited to systems that support the functionality of the exit enclosure in new health care and ambulatory health care occupancies. Properly protected system penetrations into existing (prior to March 2003) exit enclosures are acceptable as long as they were part of the original construction and no alterations have since been made. [LS.02.01.20, LS.03.01.20]
Was this response helpful?
Thank you for your feedback!