Column

Q&A: Corridor door louvers

Brad Keyes discusses corridor door louvers

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: Is there a code that says anything about adding a vent through a door that is in the corridor of our hospital?

A: Well… you might be able to do that legally on a very few specific corridor doors (i.e. bathroom doors, toilet rooms doors, shower room doors), but no, you cannot install a louver in a typical corridor door in a hospital because section 19.3.6.3.1 of the 2012 LSC says corridor doors have to resist the passage of smoke. Therefore, a louver in a door would not resist the passage of smoke.

Now, a very few specific corridor doors do not have to resist the passage of smoke as described in section 19.3.6.3.2 (1), and you would be permitted to install a louver in those doors. 

Brad Keyes, CHSP, is the owner of KEYES Life Safety Compliance, and his expertise is in the management of the Life Safety Program, including the Environment of Care and Emergency Management programs.

 

 



August 24, 2016


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency

An integrated approach to envelope design can create more comfortable and energy-efficient hospitals.


Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings

Demographic tailwinds, policy uncertainty and shifting care models are pushing health systems to rethink how and where they invest in outpatient facilities.


Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health

Until the transition is complete and receives all regulatory approvals, Mercy Medical Center and Baystate Health will continue to operate independently.


Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires

Wildfires are becoming more prevalent across the country. Facilities must be prepared to handle their effects on air quality. 


Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather

Expert Jennifer Mahan discusses the vulnerabilities healthcare facilities face during disasters and the infrastructure strategies that keep operations running.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.