Focus: Fire-Life Safety / Column

Regulations, Codes & Standards Q&A: Hole in the wall

Brad Keyes discusses regulations for a hole in the wall

By Brad Keyes / Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


Q: I have a surgery suite that had a hole punched into the wall by the door knob. Is there anything in LSC that states " if a hole is made in a surgery wall the drywall needs to be replaced from stud to stud", not just repair the hole?

A: No… The LSC does not concern itself with the way the walls are constructed. When it comes to walls, the LSC only concerns itself with identifying which walls must be smoke resistant, fire-rated, or smoke rated. The UL listings for the walls will determine how the wall is constructed.

Now, if the wall with the door knob hole is only required to be smoke resistant, then you can seal the hole with any type of patch that makes the wall resistant to the passage of smoke. But if the wall is fire-rated, or is required to be a 1-hour rated smoke barrier, then you must excise the hole from stud to stud, insert a new piece of gypsum board, and screw, tape and apply joint compound in accordance with the UL listing for that wall.

I’m sure your Infection Control practitioner would have a lot to say about a hole in a wall in surgery.

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.

 

 



July 25, 2018


Topic Area: Regulations, Codes & Standards


Recent Posts

Oracle Health Hit by Data Breach, Patient Data Possibly Compromised

The incident is the latest in a growing list of third-party vendors suffering from cyberattacks.


Ground Broken on New MD Anderson Sugar Land Facility

Anticipated to open in 2029, the five-story location will be MD Anderson’s largest Houston-area location to date.


Florida State University Reveals Plans for Panama City Beach Hospital

The targeted opening date is in 2028.


The Effect of Over-Cleaning on Human Health

Environmental services managers should be concerned and informed about the oral and dermal toxicity of all chemicals used in their facilities.


Rumored Terror Threat to Hospitals Prompts FBI Warning

Despite no threat, healthcare facilities are urged to review emergency preparedness protocols.


 
 


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.