CHFM - Certified Healthcare Facility Manager Fire and Life Safety Flashcards

Under NFPA 101, what is the required minimum width of a corridor in a healthcare occupancy used for patient movement?

Answer: 8 feet (96 inches)

NFPA 101 requires corridors in healthcare occupancies used for patient movement to be a minimum of 8 feet wide to allow two-way traffic including bed movement and emergency evacuation.

What is the primary purpose of a fire damper in a healthcare facility HVAC system?

Answer: To automatically close and prevent the spread of fire through ductwork that penetrates a fire-rated barrier

Fire dampers automatically close when a fusible link melts at a set temperature (typically 165 degrees F), preventing fire from spreading through HVAC ducts that penetrate fire-rated walls, floors, or partitions.

In healthcare fire safety, what does the acronym RACE stand for?

Answer: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish or Evacuate

RACE is the standard healthcare fire response protocol: Rescue (move patients in immediate danger), Alarm (activate the fire alarm), Confine (close doors to contain fire and smoke), and Extinguish (use a fire extinguisher if safe) or Evacuate if needed.

What is the sprinkler coverage requirement for healthcare occupancies under NFPA 101 and CMS?

Answer: Complete sprinkler coverage throughout the entire facility

CMS requires all hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid to be fully sprinklered throughout, with no exceptions for building age. NFPA 101 also requires complete sprinkler protection in healthcare occupancies.

Which type of fire door is required at a smoke barrier opening in a healthcare occupancy under NFPA 101?

Answer: A pair of opposite-swinging 20-minute smoke and draft control assemblies

NFPA 101 requires smoke barrier doors to be a pair of opposite-swinging doors with 20-minute fire ratings and positive latching to provide smoke resistance when closed.

Under NFPA 25, how often must wet pipe sprinkler systems in healthcare facilities have their main drain tested?

Answer: Annually

NFPA 25 requires the main drain of a wet pipe sprinkler system to be tested annually to verify that the water supply is adequate and that the main drain valve operates correctly.