Owners, as well as design and construction teams, are tasked with maintaining fire and life safety during renovations at health care facilities. Rising to this challenge entails more than taking the steps necessary to mitigate risk, however; it means knowing and understanding the codes and standards that provide a framework for meaningful compliance. Standards such as NFPA 241, for example—and if you’re not familiar with this one, read on, because the safety and protection of your occupants depend on it.
Fire and life safety in health care occupancies is always important because the patients inside hospitals are incapable of self-preservation, meaning they are unable to evacuate and protect themselves in the event of fire and smoke. During times of construction and renovation in areas adjacent to occupied areas, the focus on fire and life safety must be heightened.