FINAL DRAFT 9/6/95
UPDATED NOV. 1996
Narrative
Technical Considerations
Life Safety:
Purpose:
Fire Egress:
A life safety program should be developed
The minimum width of corridors and
to provide a reliable system to protect the
passageways is 1120 mm (44"- 3'-8").
building occupants, fire-fighting personnel,
However, supply cart movement requires
building contents, building structure, and
1800 mm ( 72"- 6'-0") or 2400 mm (96" -8'-0")
continuity of building function.
Its intent
corridors and passageways, which may also
should be to provide a reasonable level of fire
be more practical. The corridor walls should
safety by reducing the probability of injury,
be protected by wall and bumper guards.
loss of life or building function changes due to
a fire. This can be accomplished by limiting
the development and spread of a fire
References:
emergency to the area of origin and reducing
Refer to the latest editions of the NFPA
the need to total occupant evacuation.
101 "Life Safety Code," the Uniform Building
Stressing areas (whether located in
Code, and the additional standards published
nuclear medicine or cardiology), need to have
by the National Fire Protection Association
ready access to a "crash" emergency cart in
(NFPA)
the event of a need to provide oxygen,
and/or
cardioversion.
Energy Conservation:
Refer to VA HVAC Design Manual for
Hospital Projects for information.
Components:
The design aspects of the facility that
relate to the fire and life safety include:
Structural fire resistance;
Building compartmentalization;
Fire detection, alarm and suppression;
Smoke control and exhaust systems;
Firefighter access and facilities; and
Emergency power.
Fire Suppression:
New hospital construction and renovated
areas of existing facilities are required to be
fully protected by an automatic fire
suppression
system.
VA DESIGN GUIDE
NUCLEAR MEDICINE SERVICE
PAGE 2-12
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