Conner Wolff-Torres

The Joint Commission, Fire Protection & YOU: Everything You Need to Know about Fire Protection in your Healthcare Facility

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Keeping your healthcare facility in constant preparedness for Fire and Life Safety surveys can be a challenge. It’s important that you be ready, but it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

The Joint Commission accreditation is the gold standard in healthcare certification, and as a facility professional, the responsibility for Fire and Life Safety Code compliance falls to you. That means that you’re on the spot when The Joint Commission surveyors, including a Life Safety Code surveyor, arrive unannounced.

It’s important for hospitals to demonstrate their dedication to safe, effective, and comprehensive patient care. While they can display this in their day-to-day operations, most choose to take things a step further by earning accreditation from The Joint Commission (JCAHO) or another accrediting organization. 

Accrediting organizations have applied for and received “deeming authority” from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). This means they can determine which healthcare facilities meet Medicare and Medicaid certification requirements. However, each of them goes about determining that in their own way, with a different set of standards. 

In the United States, nearly 23,000 health care organizations are evaluated and accredited through the Joint Commission, one of the few accreditation organizations accepted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

At A P Fire we will help you understand and tackle JCAHO and the standards it uses to determine fire safety in hospitals – large and small.

What Is the Joint Commission?

The Joint Commission is an accreditation body that focuses on quality care for the American public through a voluntary and independent evaluation process. It is governed by a 21-member Board of Commissioners that includes physicians, administrators, nurses, employers, quality experts, a consumer advocate and educators. They also employ approximately 1,000 people in its surveyor force.

All of these people work together to influence national healthcare policy, funding priorities, performance measurement, and future legislation. In addition, they establish standards for safe, effective, and comprehensive patient care. 

What Are jcaho Standards?

The Joint Commission performs on-site surveys once every three years, but hospitals must also perform annual self-assessments.  These standards are all focused on setting hospital performance expectations that are reasonable, achievable, and surveyable. Together they are aimed at holding healthcare facilities responsible for high-quality care.

Over the years, JCAHO has established hundreds of standards, with categories, or chapters, ranging from Document and Process Control (DC), to Infection Prevention and Control (IC), to Medication Management (MM), and many more. When it comes to fire safety in hospitals, these standards are found in The Joint Commission’s Life Safety (LS) Chapter. 

GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS – LS.02.01.10 (HOSPITALS) AND LS.03.01.10 (AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES) The elements of performance: Unprotected openings in fire rated walls and floors Fire doors hardware and gaps Openings in 2-hour fire rated walls for 1½ hours MEANS OF EGRESS REQUIREMENTS – LS.02.01.20 (HOSPITALS) The elements of performance: Corridor clutter Doors unlocked in the direction of egress PROTECTION – LS.02.01.30 (HOSPITALS) The elements of performance: Hazardous storage area issues Corridor doors Smoke barriers do not have unsealed penetrations FIRE PROTECTION – EC.02.03.05 (HOSPITALS) The elements of performance: Lack of documentation related to the maintaining, inspecting, and testing Annual testing of smoke detectors, duct detectors, etc. Automatic air handling unit shutdown Annual testing of visual and audible fire alarms Water flow device testing Quarterly testing of fire alarm notification to off-site fire responders

How The Joint Commission Evaluates Facilities for Fire Safety

JCAHO standards provide the basis for an evaluation process to measure, assess, and improve hospital performance. They conduct surveys for a given facility every three years to determine if they are in compliance with CMS requirements.

Between surveys, health care facilities are required to conduct ongoing self-assessments and make improvements based on their results. This requirement encourages continuous improvement, which – where fire and life safety are concerned – directly contributes to improved occupant safety.

There are two groups of The Joint Commission Standards that pertain specifically to fire and life safety:

The Joint Commission Environment of Care (EC) Standards

These standards address a number of safety and security risks within the facility’s building or space, including fire safety.

The Joint Commission Life Safety (LS) Standards

These standards address all of The Joint Commission requirements in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code for construction and operational conditions to minimize fire hazards and provide safe fire protection systems.

How Joint Commission Standards relate to the National Fire Protection Association Standards

The Joint Commission standards related to fire safety are based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes. Most of the codes specific to hospitals and ambulatory care facilities come from NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Furthermore, there are a number of different NFPA codes that are applicable to all health care occupancies. The table below provides a comparison between The Joint Commission Standards and their corresponding NFPA Codes.

If you work in a hospital or healthcare setting that’s accredited by The Joint Commission, it’s important to know what these standard updates mean for your facility. In order to pass your annual self-assessment or triennial survey from The Joint Commission, you need to ensure full compliance with protocol. 

The Joint Commission helps hospitals become reliable organizations for delivering safe and effective care. A large component of that is adhering to their standards on effective fire protection.

Maintaining accreditation is critically important for any facility that provides services to Medicare and/or Medicaid patients. And, any facility found to have critical violations can find itself on a 90-day termination track toward losing CMS reimbursement.

Fire safety continues to be a significant challenge for health care facilities in their Joint Commission surveys. According to the results of The Joint Commission surveys in 2018, almost half of the top compliance issues for hospitals and ambulatory facilities were related to fire safety.

Top Fire Safety-Related Compliance Challenges

Here are the top fire safety-related deficiencies that The Joint Commission identified in 2018 with the applicable standard noted in parentheses:

  • Only 35 percent of hospitals were adequately maintaining their fire safety equipment and the fire safety features of their buildings (EC.02.03.05).
  • The building and fire protection features of more than 55 percent of the ambulatory care facilities (LS.03.01.10) and 68 percent of hospitals (LS.02.01.10) evaluated did not adequately protect occupants from the effects of fire, smoke, and heat.
  • In fewer than 28 percent of the hospitals (LS.02.01.30) evaluated, the buildings either did not provide the necessary features to protect occupants from the hazards of fire and smoke, or they had the necessary features but were not being properly maintained.
  • Almost 89 percent of rural hospitals designated as critical access hospitals were lacking the required equipment for extinguishing fires. And, in the other hospitals evaluated, that number jumped to 90 percent. More than 55 percent of outpatient facilities did not meet these standards (LS.03.01.35).
  • Another common area of non-compliance was in the Means of Egress provided by hospitals (LS.02.01.20) with half of those evaluated failing to meet The Joint Commission standards.

APFP Can Help You Meet The JCAHO and NFPA Standards

A P Fire Protection is one of the few fire protection companies in Arizona that can provide total protection from one source. If your facility is accredited by The Joint Commission, our team of NICET-certified and factory-trained engineers and technicians can provide the knowledge and expertise you need to ensure that your employees and patients are safe – and your facility is compliant with both The JCAHO and NFPA standards.

Fire protection Services for Healthcare Accreditation

Keeping your healthcare facility in constant preparedness for Fire and Life Safety surveys can be a challenge. It’s important that you be ready, but it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

The Joint Commission accreditation is the gold standard in healthcare certification, and as a facility professional, the responsibility for Fire and Life Safety Code compliance falls to you. That means that you’re on the spot when The Joint Commission surveyors, including a Life Safety Code surveyor, arrive unannounced.

With the overwhelming number of operating challenges you face on any given day, it’s unlikely you have time to continually think about Fire and Life Safety documentation. APFP services for The Joint Commission accreditation are designed to give you the peace of mind knowing that a sudden visit is never a cause for alarm.

Leave the documentation management to us

The Joint Commission’s accreditation program requires that you maintain an extensive set of Fire and Life Safety documentation, properly completed, appropriately organized and easily accessible. Missing paperwork or incomplete entries are more than embarrassing; they can trigger non-compliance requiring corrective action.

 A P Fire Protection Fire Services for The JCAHO Accreditation ensure proper documentation of all inspection and test reports related to Fire and Life Safety systems in your buildings and are designed to simplify and streamline the survey process. The program provides you with an annual delivery schedule to ensure no test is overlooked. Regular review meetings will be included to familiarize your staff members with all related documentation and paperwork as well as prepare them to speak knowledgeably with surveyors during a survey.

Our goal is to help you avoid unpleasant surprises, and free you up to devote more of your resources to daily operations.

Our highly trained professionals speak “The Joint Commission” language.

You can depend on A P Fire Protection testing, inspection and documentation to mirror the very latest requirements including The Joint Commission Environment of Care and Life Safety requirements. The APFP team maintains in-depth knowledge of The Joint Commission standards, as well as National Fire Protection Association codes as it relates to healthcare.

Make A P Fire Protection your single source for Fire and Life Safety

When A P Fire Protection partners with your facility, you can end the hassle of managing multiple life-safety vendors. With one service agreement, you can consolidate testing and maintenance processes, scheduling and documentation for all your Fire and Life Safety systems.

Testing and maintenance services can include fire alarm systems, sprinklers, kitchen hoods, portable extinguishers, fire pumps, fire suppression systems and more. Learn more about A P Fire Protection Fire Services.

A P Fire Protection services for The Joint Commission Accreditation Program can be tailored to your exact needs:

• Testing of Fire and Life Safety systems to The Joint Commission and other regulatory standards

• Easy-to-read, customized test reports, created per each applicable Element of Performance standard established by The Joint Commission

• Comprehensive inspection management in the form of a detailed inspection schedule, structured around The Joint Commission Elements of Performance standards

• Deficiencies tracking and repairs in full accordance with applicable standards and deadlines of The Joint Commission

• Account management services including frequent review meetings to discuss present and future needs

• Assistance with interpretation of The Joint Commission standards and requirements

If you’d like to know more about The Joint Commission’s Standards, check out these publications: Joint Commission resources2023 Environment of Care® Essentials for Health Care,  Life Safety Made Easy: Your Key to Understanding Fire Safety in Health Care Facilities and The Joint Commission Big Book of EC, EM, and LS Checklists

At A P Fire Protection, we’re experts on The Joint Commission’s standards. We can help you ensure you’re always in compliance. Contact us to learn more.

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ASBA 2022: Another Great Year

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ASBA 2022

Last week we attended the Annual ASBA Conference and Expo in Phoenix, AZ. It was another great year at ASBA 2022! We were feeling the holiday spirit and our booth was decorated with props we used this year at the Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade for our Charlie Brown Christmas float! We weren’t the only ones embracing the event’s spirit, there were so many awesome booths this year.

Happily, we saw a few familiar faces in the crowd. We love that you keep coming back and letting us educate you on the importance of fire protection and fire safety in your facilities.

Safety in schools is a top priority, and we are excited to keep growing and helping to build a fire safe community in Arizona.

Giveaways

As always, we had some pretty amazing giveaways to entice a stop or two to our booth. This year we brought notepads, stickers, back scratchers, koozies, cowbells and rulers!

In addition, our Grand Prize this year was a $100 gift card to Amazon!

What is AASBO

The Arizona School Boards Association is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that cultivates excellence in locally governed school districts to bring about the best schools in every Arizona community. Thanks to ASBA, our children have a voice. They maintain a year-round presence when education policy and legislation are being considered in Arizona. ASBA events throughout the year provide training, education and more to school officials.

Why Are We Members

Many of ASBA’s programs and presentations are made by individuals with expertise in areas of school business and support service operations. The association’s programs feature keynote speakers from various fields and high elective offices, as well as technical sessions in the areas of business operations.

Furthermore, as a vendor interested in doing business with Arizona public schools and a registered member of ASBA, we are in a great position to best serve you and your school. If you are looking for a reliable, customer focused fire protection company to service your facilities in the new year, we are here for you!

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Food Trucks: Fire and Life Safety

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Food trucks have been gaining popularity and until recently, there were no NFPA codes, standards, or guidelines to provide the minimum fire safety requirements.  Many food trucks have a “DIY” feel, but what isn’t so DIY about food trucks is the safety and requirements to properly run the kitchen and serve customers. With a tank full of gas and a truck full of cooking oils and heating implements, it’s no secret that food trucks are fire hazards on wheels.

Mobile food trucks are bringing delicious fare to more cities and communities nationwide, with thousands of vehicles now in operation. What are the most reliable ways to protect vendors and patrons from a host of unique fire and life safety hazards? To keep up with the rapidly growing industry, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has created new food truck fire safety requirements. Fire protection equipment on a food truck is now required to be properly inspected and maintained by experienced fire protection service providers. This includes the fire suppression and ventilation system, and all fire extinguishers on the truck. Food truck operators need to be aware of these new regulations so they can proactively partner with an experienced fire protection company to procure the necessary equipment, stay in compliance, and ensure the safety of their customers, employees, and business investment.

Fire is a serious threat to food trucks because of all of the possible fuel sources they carry.

POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF FOOD TRUCKS

Food trucks are full of potential fire hazards that can cause a fire to quickly spiral out of control: open flames, hot equipment, propane tanks, gas generators, electrical connections, cooking oils, splattered grease, cleaning chemicals, paper products, gasoline or diesel fuel, and engine oil. In fact, the potential fire hazards look very similar to those found in commercial kitchens. Business owners that understand the fire risks they’re up against will be better positioned to proactively address these risks to avoid costly damage or human life.

Food trucks pose unique hazards due to their limited space and custom nature, providing even more of a reason for food truck operators to be extra cautious. To ensure these hazards remain minimum, or better yet, nonexistent, food trucks should implement fire safety and suppression systems. Fires can spark from the stove, oven, and bubbling fryer, but it is fuel sources like propane tanks, cooking oils and fuels needed to run the food truck that carry the greatest potential for inflicting destruction and casualties.

Propane Tanks

Propane poses the most significant risk of fire in a food truck. NFPA asserts that 68 percent of food truck fires are related to leaks or structural failures in propane tanks. Propane explosions were behind almost every food truck fire involving injuries and deaths in recent years.

While cooking with propane is generally considered safe, just a small, 20-pound propane cylinder attached to a backyard grill contains the explosive power of 170 sticks of dynamite – generating more than 425,000 BTUs of energy.

Food trucks can carry 100-pound propane cylinders capable of exploding with more than 2.5 million BTUs. The very nature of food truck use amplifies the risk, as trucks are commonly parked at events or lined up along streets where large numbers of people congregate, cramming an enormous explosive potential into a small, heavily populated space. In fact, the FDNY (New York City’s fire department) considers food trucks a potential terrorist threat due to the explosive power of their propane tanks.

In addition, food trucks are constantly on the move and the connections and fittings are getting jarred with every bump and pothole. This can lead to connections becoming loose or causing other structural damage. Also, the tanks are getting swapped out frequently, which can lead to the potential for leaks to occur from fittings that may not have been tightened sufficiently.

Since propane is heavier than air, an undetected leak on a tank inside a truck will pool near the floor, and a single spark from the oven or stove can ignite the gas. Carrying propane tanks on the outside of trucks decreases the risk posed by leaks—but increases the risk of tanks exploding on impact in even minor collisions.

Fire Suppression Systems

NFPA estimates that cooking equipment causes 61 percent of fires in eating and drinking establishments, and fire codes have long required hood suppression systems over ovens, burners, grills, and fryers in commercial kitchens. The 2018 edition of NFPA 1 (50.7.3.3) states that food trucks are not exempt from being “protected by an approved hood fire suppression system or other approved means of extinguishment in the event of fire”, however, automatic fire suppression systems are often absent in older food trucks or vehicles converted into mobile kitchens. While most food truck operators carry portable fire extinguishers, many don’t realize that they need both a Class K extinguisher for suppressing grease, fat, or cooking oil fires and an ABC extinguisher for putting out fires involving paper products or other types of fires.

Portable Generators

Portable generators used to run electricity to a food truck can also create fire risks. Generally, the danger is greatest in older and converted food trucks rather than newer food trucks specifically built for cooking operations.

Without proper ventilation, trucks can fill with dangerous carbon monoxide gas created by the generator. Plus many cramped food truck spaces do not include a place to properly store the fuel required to run the generator safely away from ignition sources.

NFPA requirements are making it easier for AHJs to implement comprehensive fire safety regulations for food trucks. 

REGULATIONS FOR FOOD TRUCKS

Local Governments

Previously, with no national code or standard to address the issues, every city had simply created whatever food truck regulations it thought best. The number of different regulations for each Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)  led to confusion over the best fire safety practices. Truck operators needed to grasp a hodge-podge of rules about how to prepare and serve food, where to park, what permits were needed, and how often inspections were required, and the instant they crossed city lines, everything could change.

In many cities, food trucks fell into a gray area of fire safety regulations that made the situation even worse. Requirements for brick-and-mortar restaurants didn’t fit the size and structure of a mobile kitchen, and food trucks’ mobility also prevented them from fitting the definition of temporary structures covered by fire codes. As food truck popularity continued to grow, so did concerns from local governments in the areas where trucks were operating. 

NFPA

Meeting city regulations and inspections can add another “to-do” for food truck operators, but new codes from the National Fire Protection Agency are helping ease the process. Through Section 50.7 of  NFPA 1, Fire Code, and Adoptable Annex B of the 2017 edition of NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, food trucks are given the first fire safety code designed specifically for them. From installation to inspection, maintenance and testing, installation of containers and storage, and use and transport of gasses, this new code impacts many safety aspects of a food truck. Not only does this provide a sense of ease for local governments, but also the necessary safety and security to food truck operators and customers. 

FOOD TRUCKS AND COMPLIANCE

Understanding food truck fire hazards is the first step to ensuring a successful operation. All fire and life safety equipment must be properly installed, regularly inspected, and consistently maintained by a professional fire protection service provider in order to stay compliant with NFPA code requirements. Here are the main fire and life safety systems food truck owners need to properly test and maintain to ensure regulatory compliance – and most importantly – the safety of their customers, employees, and business assets.

Fire Suppression System

The majority of local and state municipalities require food trucks to have a professionally installed fire suppression system. Some governments will take this requirement a step further and specifically require an automatic fire suppression system. An automatic fire suppression system rapidly detects fires and quickly shuts down the fuel or electric supply to nearby cooking equipment to prevent the fire from spreading further.

Since many food trucks work with cooking oils, propane and natural gas, it is imperative that food truck owners partner with a fire protection company that has the ability to design and install a kitchen fire suppression system tailored to alleviate the fire hazards unique to their operation. Industry best practice highly recommends food truck fire suppression systems be professionally inspected semi-annually to ensure proper functionality.

Fire Extinguishers

When it comes to fire extinguishers, there are two main types food truck owners need readily accessible: Class K and ABC fire extinguishers.

Class K Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers that are designed to put out fires caused by substances with high burn temperatures such as grease, fat, and cooking oil. Keep in mind that Class K fire extinguishers should only be deployed after the activation of an integrated kitchen hood suppression system.

ABC Fire Extinguishers

Often overlooked, food truck owners also need a versatile ABC fire extinguisher to handle all other types of fires including paper, wood, plastic, electrical, and more commonplace hazards.

Ventilation Systems

The need for efficient ventilation systems is accentuated more for food trucks than any other food establishment due to limited space. Space limitations cause smoke and vapor to build more rapidly, which quickly can make it hard to breathe. A proper food truck ventilation system will help mitigate smoke build-up and dispel hazardous oil and grease particles that could lead to a fire.

Like other fire and life safety equipment in food trucks, ventilation systems need to adhere to local and state regulations. The NFPA requires all frequently used food trucks to receive ventilation system inspections on a quarterly basis at a minimum. Food trucks should partner with a kitchen exhaust specialist to perform more frequent inspections and routine cleaning to ensure functionality, compliance, and safety.

Continual Employee Training

While not considered a fire and life safety system in the traditional sense, a food truck’s employees can be the most effective fire hazard deterrent when appropriate proactive training is conducted. Food truck fire and life safety training is required to  be conducted each year to keep employees up to date on the fire prevention and suppression best practices. A robust employee training program should cover:

  • · The emergency procedure for notifying the local fire department
  • · The different types of fire extinguishers and the types of fires they suppress
  • · How to properly and effectively use the specific fire extinguishers in the food truck
  • · How to manually turn off fuel sources and safely refuel as needed

Put Food Truck Fire Hazards in Your Rearview Mirror

Food truck owners and operators must stay vigilant and resist falling victim to the “set it and forget it” mentality. It is not enough to simply procure fire and life safety equipment and call it a day. Similar to the fire and life safety systems you may have in your brick and mortar location, food truck equipment must be professionally inspected and maintained by experienced fire protection service providers in order to consistently ensure functionality and regulatory compliance.

Keep in mind that as you travel, you are responsible for adhering to the varying codes and regulations of each location you operate in. For any NFPA code compliance questions, our fire and life safety specialists are available 24/7 365 days a year, or visit our Quick Tips blog and the National Food Truck Association (NFTA) fire safety page.

Hit the road safely

Delighting the public with high-quality, delicious fare is the priority of food truck operators. But keeping themselves, their workers, and their patrons safe remains an ongoing concern due to the fire hazards that can exist on their trucks. Fortunately, new NFPA regulations have reached the intersection of food and wheels, creating awareness of the risks food operators face and providing a single source they can turn to for guidance on hitting the road safely.

In the market for fire protection equipment for food trucks? We carry a  selection of ABC fire extinguishers, and Class K extinguishers that handle grease fires are available on special order.

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Food Trucks: 10 Quick Tips for Enhancing Fire Safety

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Adding fire safety requirements in Section 50.7 of  NFPA 1, Fire Code, and Adoptable Annex B of the 2017 edition of NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations for food trucks makes adoption of enforceable code easier for local governments and fosters public safety. But if regulations aren’t in place within a jurisdiction, there are many steps food truck operators can take to prevent and mitigate fires.

· Schedule regular inspections and maintenance of equipment and keep an eye out for hazards like frayed wires or combustible items near power sources.

· Train employees to never throw water on a grease fire. It can cause the grease to splatter and spread, making the fire worse. Class K fire extinguishers are best for fighting grease fires. Food trucks need two types of fire extinguishers: Class K extinguishers for fighting grease fires and Class ABC extinguishers for putting out standard fires, such as those involving paper products.

· Follow NFPA regulations for hydrostatically testing fire extinguishers and propane tanks. Make sure the equipment is stamped with the testing date to ensure it remains in proper working order.

· Regularly inspect kitchen exhaust systems within the truck for grease build-up. The frequency of inspections is defined in NFPA 96 (Annex B), based on the volume and type of cooking.

· Clean up grease at least once a day, concentrating on walls, work surfaces, ranges, fryers, broilers, grills, convection ovens, vents, and filters. Pay extra attention to exhaust hoods, where grease buildup can restrict air flow. NFPA 96 (Annex B) provides extensive instructions for cleaning food truck exhaust systems.

· Keep the food truck as tidy as possible to reduce fire hazards. Keep paper products, linens, boxes, and food away from heat and cooking sources. Properly dispose of soiled rags, trash, cardboard boxes, and wooden pallets at least once a day.

· Remove ashes from wood- and charcoal-burning ovens at least once a day. NFPA 96 (Annex B) provides extensive guidance for ash removal.

· At least one employee on every shift should know how to shut off propane and electrical power in case of an emergency. Also designate one worker per shift to act as an evacuation manager with duties that include calling 911, determining when an evacuation is necessary, ensuring that everyone exits the truck safely, and leading customers a safe distance away. Along those lines, ensure that everyone on your staff knows the location of all exits on the truck.

· Store flammable liquids in their original containers or other puncture-resistant, tightly sealed vessels. Food truck kitchens are small, but operators must do their best to store these liquids in well-ventilated areas away from combustible supplies, food, food preparation areas, or sources of flames.

· Use chemical solutions in well-ventilated areas and immediately clean up any spills. Never mix chemicals unless instructed by the manufacturer’s directions.

To make its new requirements easily digestible by the food truck industry, NFPA created a free downloadable fact sheet that maps out specific areas of a truck with corresponding tips and information on proper usage and care.

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Fire Won’t Wait, Plan Your Escape

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NFPA Fire Prevention Week

No matter what kind of building you manage, you must maintain multiple safe and efficient means of egress for your occupants. Egress is essential to protecting your occupants from harm when they need to exit your building in a hurry. That is why it is the focus of the National Fire Prevention Association’s Fire Prevention Week this year – “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape.” As a building manager you will need to know what means of egress are, how they become obstructed, and how to maintain safe and efficient egress out of your building.

What Are Means of Egress?

Egress is the action of going out of or leaving a place.  It is used in International Building Code (IBC Chapter 10)  to refer to the means by which somebody can exit a building. “Means of egress” are continuous and unobstructed paths of travel from any point in a building to an exit out of that building. For example, a fire escape is defined as a “means of egress” because that’s how somebody can get out of a building in the event of an emergency. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for occupancies and buildings where required by the International Fire Code (IFC Sections 401.2 and 404). Occupancy load determines means of egress by specifying measurement requirements based on the type of occupancy. While occupancy load is based on the floor area, the function of the space also plays a part. Most businesses are designed with this in mind. Occupants should never walk through a kitchen, storeroom, restroom or any tight, secluded spaces to reach an exit.

Egress often becomes obstructed when the exits are poorly maintained, or the path to the exits is not well lit. Additionally, if exit access and exits themselves are not designed and arranged to be recognizable, egress can be severely impeded. 

Maintaining Safe & Efficient Egress

Develop an Evacuation Plan

Anytime is a great time to create and practice your escape plan. Having a plan in place will decrease confusion and panic when a real emergency occurs. If occupants know where the nearest exits are, what their means of egress will be, and the protocol during an emergency, they will be able to exit with greater speed and safety.

First, you need to provide at least two ways out in case one escape route is blocked. Next, you will need to post emergency egress signage near exits and in assembly areas showing all doors and windows of your building. In addition, each egress map should designate two assembly areas that are at least 500 feet away from the building where staff should assemble upon evacuation as a “Main Assembly Area” and an “Alternate Assembly Area”, in the event the Main Area cannot be used. Once your plan is complete, you will also need to educate occupants about the plan and conduct drills on a regular basis to learn and maintain awareness of exit routes and best efficiency practices. 

Keep A Clear Path to All Exits

Do regular checks to ensure egress pathways do not have litter, clutter, and debris that could stand in the way. In some cases, obstructions can’t be easily moved, like pillars and standpipes. Mark these obstructions with luminous egress path markings so occupants can avoid injury during emergencies. Luminous markings are ideal because they keep the obstruction visible in dark or low-light environments. They work by absorbing light from external sources, which keep them lit when all other lights lose power.

Emergency Lighting

During emergencies, buildings sometimes lose power. This can increase panic while the lack of light might cause difficulty for emergency responders. To ensure everyone gets out safely, your exit pathways must be lined with adequate emergency lighting. This includes signs marking directional changes in your egress path.

If you manage a high-rise building, international building, fire and life safety codes require luminous egress path markings. These markings must be installed along the egress pathway and on step edges, handrails, and exit doors. As discussed above, luminous markings must also be placed on any exit path obstructions.

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Clearly Mark Your Exits

The final key to maintaining safe and efficient egress is to ensure all exit doors are marked and easy to see. Remember to remove any obstructions or decorations that block your exit markings. And you must place “not an exit” on any doors that your occupants could easily mistake for a way out.

Your exit markings should be large with strongly-contrasted letters stating “Exit.” Exit signs leading to the exit doors will have arrows indicating the egress path. Additionally, your final exit doors – the last doors an occupant passes through before exiting – should have the emergency exit symbol.

Need your exit lights tested to ensure they are visible and up to code? Contact us to get on our schedule.

Need your exit lights tested to ensure they are visible and up to code? Contact us to get on our schedule.

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Now you know how to maintain safe and efficient egress out of your building. With this knowledge, you can create an even safer and more prepared environment for your employees.

The next step is to implement these strategies. It can be difficult to know which markings to purchase, where to place them, and how to properly install them. You’ll also need to ensure you’re following all national and local emergency exit requirements every step of the way. Let APFP help you install and maintain emergency egress lighting and markings tailored to your building’s exact specifications and unique needs.