Making sure that all aspects of a building’s passive fire protection systems are properly working and up to date with the code can be a daunting task. However, it is very important, especially for long term care facilities who may have residents that cannot be easily evacuated. As a facility manager in a nursing home and assisted living facility, ensuring the safety of your residents is one of the most important parts of your job. You are caring for those who are elderly and may not be able to take care of themselves. Therefore, in the event of a fire, you want to be able to guarantee their safety as they are being evacuated from the building. That’s why dampers, fire doors, firestopping, and photoluminescence egress path marking systems and exit signs need to be properly working together in order to allow facility personnel and first responders to safely evacuate those that can’t get out by themselves.
First, fire and smoke dampers are used in the ventilation system of a facility to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke within the ductwork through fire-resistance rated walls and floors. This helps to prevent fire and smoke from traveling from one resident’s room to the next through the ducts. Similar to dampers, fire doors are used to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke between fire barriers. They compartmentalizing a building into section, while allowing a safe evacuation route for its residents. Firestopping is the use of fire-resistant materials used to seal and maintain a facility’s fire barriers. By properly firestopping a building’s fire walls, floors and ceiling will help contain fire, smoke and other toxic fumes to one location. Lastly, photoluminescent egress path marking systems and exit signs will glow a bright green in dark or smoky conditions to help you navigate your way through the building to safety. Egress signs should be placed in key locations, such as hallways and stairwells throughout the facility to indicate the safe areas in which residents can exit to.
Over all fire / smoke dampers, fire doors, and firestopping help prevent the spread of fire and smoke, and reduce property damage, while egress path markers and exit signs help guide residents to safety by providing a continuous light source. And although it seems overwhelming, it is critical to the safety of your residents in the event of a fire emergency.
