From fire code inspections conducted by the Washington State Fire Marshal's Office.
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Automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems are inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintaining of Water-based Fire Protection Systems. Records of system design, maintenance, inspection and testing are maintained in a secure location and readily available.
Emergency lighting of at least 1½-hour duration is provided automatically in accordance with 7.9. 18.2.9.1, 19.2.9.1.
A fire alarm system is tested and maintained in accordance with an approved program complying with the requirements of NFPA 70, National Electric Code, and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. Records of system acceptance, maintenance and testing are readily available.
The generator or other alternate power source and associated equipment are capable of supplying service within 10 seconds. If the 10-second criterion is not met during the monthly test, a process shall be provided to annually confirm this capability for the life safety and critical branches.
Maintenance and testing of the generator and transfer switches are performed in accordance with NFPA 110. Generator sets are inspected weekly, exercised under load 30 minutes 12 times a year in 20-40 day intervals, and exercised once every 36 months for four continuous hours.
Scheduled test under load conditions include a complete simulated cold start and automatic or manual transfer of all EES loads, and are conducted by competent personnel. Maintenance and testing of stored energy power sources (Type 3 EES) are in accordance with NFPA 111.
Main and feeder circuit breakers are inspected annually, and a program for periodically exercising the components is established according to manufacturer requirements. Written records of maintenance and testing are maintained and readily available. EES electrical panels and circuits are marked and readily identifiable.
Minimizing the possibility of damage of the emergency power source is a design consideration for new installations.
Hospital-grade receptacles at patient bed locations and where deep sedation or general anesthesia is administered are tested after initial installation, replacement or servicing. Additional testing is performed at intervals defined by documented performance data. Receptacles not listed as hospital-grade at these locations are tested at intervals not exceeding 12 months. Line isolation monitors (LIM), if installed, are tested at intervals of not more than one month by actuating the LIM test switch per 6.3.2.6.3.6, which activates both visual and audible alarm. For LIM circuits with automated self- testing, this manual test is performed at intervals of not more than 12 months. LIM circuits are tested per 6.3.3.3.2 after any repair or renovation to the electric distribution system. Records are maintained of required tests and associated repairs or modifications, containing date, room or area tested, and results. 6.3.4 (NFPA 99).
Equipment using gas or related gas piping complies with NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, electrical wiring and equipment complies with NFPA 70, National Electric Code. Existing installations can continue in service provided no hazard to life.
At least 3,000 cubic feet storage locations are designed, constructed, and ventilated in accordance with 5.1.3.3.2 and 5.1.3.3.3.
At least 300 but less than 3,000 cubic feet storage locations are outdoors in an enclosure or within an enclosed interior space of non- or limited-combustible construction, with door (or gates outdoors) that can be secured. Oxidizing gases are not stored with flammables, and are separated from combustibles by 20 feet (five feet if sprinklered) or enclosed in a cabinet of noncombustible construction having a minimum half-hour fire protection rating.
300 cubic feet or less in a single smoke compartment, individual cylinders available for immediate use in patient care areas with an aggregate volume of 300 cubic feet or less are not required to be stored in an enclosure. Cylinders must be handled with precautions as specified in 11.6.2.
A precautionary sign readable from five feet is on each door or gate of a cylinder storage room, where the sign includes the wording as a minimum "CAUTION: OXIDIZING GAS(ES) STORED WITHIN NO SMOKING."
Storage is planned so cylinders are used in order they are received from the supplier. Empty cylinders are segregated from full cylinders. When facility employs cylinders with integral pressure gauge, a threshold pressure considered empty is established. Empty cylinders are marked to avoid confusion. Cylinders stored in the open are protected from weather.
Aisles, passageways, corridors, exit discharges, exit locations, and accesses are in accordance with Chapter 7, and the means of egress is continuously maintained free of all obstructions to full use in case of emergency, unless modified by 18/19.2.2 through 18/19.2.11. 18.2.1, 19.2.1, 7.1.10.1.
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