Page 17 - CANNABIS NEWS FL MARCH 2022

HEALTHCARE REAL ESTATE, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN & FACILITY PLANNING

AHCA, CMS and Fire Departments

Require an Annual Fire Door Inspection

Why is it required? Because it only takes one defective or non-compliant Facilities’ floor plans are also beneficial; however, some entities use the
fire door to turn a small fire into a deadly inferno Fire "Life Safety Plans" for buildings. Without a complete door schedule
The purpose of official agencies such as AHCA, CMS, insurance carriers a full Inspection cannot be completed.
and local fire departments is to increase public safety by making sure When an AHCA or other AHJ (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) shows
Medicare-funded health care facilities are complying with all Fire and Life up to do a life safety survey, one of the records facilities must keep avail-
Safety and fire codes and concerns. able is a Fire Door ITM (Inspection, Testing & Maintenance) workbook
Next to full sprinkler systems, code compliant fire, smoke and egress or report. This report is a permanent record of the ITM for each door and
doors are the facility's next most crucial fire prevention device. The reason must be available upon demand.
is that most fires usually start small and can be limited to the original area, An annual inspection of ALL fire, smoke and egress doors is required
providing that any fire door leading from the room is closed and is fully and a report for each door must be made available to any AHJ upon
fire-code compliant. In addition, it is a fact that very few people are hurt or request. In addition, your facility can be cited for failing to comply with
die from flames; it's smoke and fumes that injure and cause death. Annual Fire Door Inspection (AFDI) Mandate requirements. Never for-
Therefore, fire doors blocking the spread of fire, smoke, etc., are essential. BY DAN ARCE get, it's facilities management that is held responsible for required safety
In addition, a properly engineered and closed fire door will cut off addi- inspections.
tional oxygen from entering the fire zone and fueling the blaze proving YOU may ask who is authorized to do the AFDI. The NFPA code states
it is fully compliant with the fire code. that anyone who processes the proven knowledge of Fire Safety Door Assemblies and
"Fire Safety" doors are the second line of defense against the spread of a fire and Fire Code compliance experience is eligible as an inspector, providing they are accept-
lethal smoke, with a complete sprinkler system being number one. Unfortunately, able to the AHJ. Most facilities utilize the services of professional companies such as
"Fire Safety" doors sadly have the most potential for failure due to the high frequency National FireDoor, LLC, one of the fastest-growing companies in the Fire Door compli-
of use and sometimes, the simple lack of regular maintenance. For this reason, a need ance inspection field.
for strict regulatory compliance has been established by (a) The National Fire National FireDoor offers several programs which run from Full Service (includes
Protection Association (NFPA), (b) The International Code Council (ICC), and (c) everything necessary for compliance with the directives required for Annual Fire Door
The Joint Commission, AHCA, and CMS [Healthcare], which requires the inspection Inspections) to programs which supervise a DIY program.
of ALL Fire Doors at least annually.
A complete fire door inspection requires several things. First – you need a complet- If you would like to discuss your compliance concerns, call National FireDoor for a
ed Door Schedule - listing every fire, smoke and egress door. Each door must be listed no-obligation consultation. NFD can ensure your buildings conform to the inspection
individually, and its exact location and other information noted. Our company requirements for your facility now and in the future. National FireDoor can be reached
National FireDoor attaches a permanent QR-coded ID label to each door's hinge edge. at (305) 233-1477 or email info@Nationalfiredoor.com.

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32 March 2022 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News