NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® Essentials for Health Care Occupancies

Topics Covered:

• Overview and history of NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®

• Understanding the purpose, scope, and organization of the Code

• Definitions and key terminology in life safety and fire protection

• The concept of performance-based vs. prescriptive-based design

• Code structure: Core chapters, occupancy chapters, and annexes

• Importance of risk-based life safety management

• Introduction to Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and code enforcement

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will understand the core philosophy behind life safety codes, their evolution, and the relationship between NFPA 101® and other standards such as NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code) and NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code®).

Topics Covered:

• Classification of health care occupancies:

  • New health care occupancies

  • Existing health care occupancies

• Residential board and care occupancies

• Ambulatory health care occupancies

• Determining occupancy type and mixed-use conditions

• Building construction types and protection levels

• Occupant load determination and special considerations

• Occupant vulnerability and evacuation strategies for healthcare facilities

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be able to differentiate occupancy types and understand unique challenges in healthcare environments such as defend-in-place strategies and patient evacuation limitations.

Topics Covered:

• Definition and importance of means of egress

• Components: Exit access, exit, and exit discharge

• Requirements for corridors, stairways, and doors

• Egress capacity calculations and travel distance limits

• Accessibility and emergency lighting requirements

• Horizontal exits and refuge areas

• Maintaining egress under emergency conditions

• Case studies on egress deficiencies and corrective actions

Learning Outcomes:

Attendees will learn how to evaluate and design compliant means of egress systems, ensuring patient and staff safety during emergencies in healthcare settings.

Topics Covered:

• Fire resistance and compartmentation principles

• Smoke barriers, smoke compartments, and smoke control systems

• Fire door assemblies and rated enclosures

• Fire alarm and detection systems (NFPA 72® interface)

• Automatic sprinkler system requirements (NFPA 13)

• Portable fire extinguishers and suppression systems

• Fire safety during construction, renovation, and maintenance activities

• Protection of hazardous areas and medical gas systems

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will gain the skills to interpret and apply fire protection requirements for healthcare occupancies, including integration with building fire protection systems.

Topics Covered:

• Life Safety Evaluation (LSE) process and documentation

• NFPA 101A – Guide on Life Safety Evaluation templates

• Routine inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) procedures

• Fire drills and staff training requirements

• Emergency and disaster preparedness planning

• Evacuation and relocation procedures for patients

• Coordination with fire departments and emergency services

• Managing fire risk during hospital operations

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will understand how to plan and implement life safety evaluations, develop fire emergency programs, and enhance operational readiness for healthcare facilities.

Topics Covered:

• Compliance requirements from CMS, Joint Commission, and other agencies

• Integrating NFPA 101® into facility management programs

• Documentation and record-keeping for inspections and audits

• Common deficiencies identified during audits

• Conducting mock surveys and compliance assessments

• Case studies: Lessons from real hospital fire incidents

• Practical workshops on compliance and safety audits

• Final course review, discussions, and assessment

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, participants will be able to apply NFPA 101® requirements in real-world scenarios, ensuring their facilities meet international life safety standards and accreditation benchmarks.