All too often when conducting SOC surveys in Health Care Occupancies, we come across improper stair identification. NFPA 101 Life Safety Code®, 2000 ed., Chapter 19 “Existing Healthcare” requirements refers back to Chapter 7 “Means of Egress” for proper stair identification.
NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® 2000 edition
7.2.2.5.4* Stair Identification Signs
Stairs serving five or more stories shall be provided with signage within the enclosure at each floor landing. The signage shall indicate the story, the terminus of the top and bottom of the stair enclosure, and the identification of the stair enclosure. The signage also shall state the story of, and the direction to, exit discharge. The signage shall be inside the enclosure located approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position.
7.2.2.5.5 Egress Direction Signs
Wherever an enclosed stair requires travel in an upward direction to reach the level of exit discharge, signs with directional indicators indicating the direction to the level of exit discharge shall be provided at each floor level landing from which upward direction of travel is required. Such signage shall be readily visible when the door is in the open or closed position.
Exception No. 1: This requirement shall not apply where signs required by 7.2.2.5.4 are provided.
Exception No. 2: Stairs extending not more than one story below the level of exit discharge where the exit discharge is clearly obvious shall not be subject to this requirement.
Stairwell signage is extremely important not only for the evacuation of occupants but for the responding fire and rescue personnel. Please check those in your hospital to ensure that the needed and appropriate signs are in place.
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