Page 588 - 2018_IFC

APPENDIX K

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES

The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in
the adopting ordinance or legislation of the jurisdiction.

User note:
About this appendix: Appendix K was created with the intent to provide jurisdictions with an option for assessing minimum fire and life safety
requirements for buildings containing ambulatory care facilities. While this appendix is written with the intent to apply retroactive minimum

standards, it is recognized that the ambulatory care requirements are relatively recent additions to the International Building Code . For that
reason, these requirements are presented as an appendix so that the adopting authority can exercise judgment in the adoption and applica-
tion of this section. This appendix would also be useful for those local and state jurisdictions that are specifically focused on ensuring the
safety of existing ambulatory care facilities by providing minimum criteria that could be used to bring older facilities into compliance with the
current standards at the discretion of the adopting jurisdiction. The technical requirements are based on the current International Building
Code language, which is consistent with the overall concept of the current federal requirements.

SECTION K101 accordance with Section 709 of the International Building
GENERAL Code with the exception that smoke barriers shall be continu-
ous from an outside wall to an outside wall, a floor to a floor,
K101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to
existing buildings containing ambulatory care facilities in or from a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination
addition to the requirements of Chapter 11. Where the provi- thereof.
sions of this chapter conflict with either the construction K102.2.1 Refuge area. Not less than 30 net square feet
2
requirements in Chapter 11 or the construction requirements (2.8 m ) for each nonambulatory care recipient shall be
that applied at the time of construction, the most restrictive provided within the aggregate area of corridors, care
provision shall apply. recipient rooms, treatment rooms, lounge or dining areas
and other low-hazard areas within each smoke compart-
K101.2 Intent. The intent of this appendix is to provide a
minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying ment. Each occupant of an ambulatory care facility shall
and existing buildings containing ambulatory care facilities be provided with access to a refuge area without passing
where such buildings do not comply with the minimum through or utilizing adjacent tenant spaces.
requirements of the International Building Code. K102.2.2 Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be con-
structed in accordance with Sections 422 and 709 of the
International Building Code.
SECTION K102
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR Exceptions:
EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES 1. Smoke barriers shall be permitted to terminate at
an atrium enclosure in accordance with Section
K102.1 Separation. Ambulatory care facilities where the
404.6 of the International Building Code.
potential exists for four or more care recipients to be incapa-
ble of self-preservation at any time, whether rendered incapa- 2. Smoke barriers shall be continuous from an out-
ble by staff or staff has accepted responsibility for a care side wall to an outside wall, a floor to a floor, a
recipient already incapable, shall be separated from adjacent smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combina-
spaces, corridors or tenants with a fire partition installed in tion thereof.
accordance with Section 708 of the International Building K102.2.3 Opening protectives. Openings in smoke barri-
Code.
ers shall be protected in accordance with Section 716 of
K102.2 Smoke compartments. Where the aggregate area of the International Building Code. Opening protectives shall
1
one or more ambulatory care facilities is greater than 10,000 have a minimum fire protection rating of / hour.
3
2
square feet (929 m ) on one story, the story shall be provided Exception: Existing wired glass vision panels in doors
with a smoke barrier to subdivide the story into not fewer shall be permitted to remain.
than two smoke compartments. The area of any one such
smoke compartment shall be not greater than 22,500 square K102.2.4 Penetrations. Penetrations of smoke barriers
2
feet (2092 m ). The travel distance from any point in a smoke shall comply with the International Building Code.
compartment to a smoke barrier door shall be not greater than Exception: Approved existing materials and methods
200 feet (60 960 mm). The smoke barrier shall be installed in of construction.
2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ® 555
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