Compliance News: Alcohol-Based Hand-Rub Dispenser Placement

By Robert Trotter, CBO, CFM




Health care organizations should already be familiar with the current code-based requirements of NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® and The Joint Commission (TJC) regarding the placement of Alcohol-Based Hand-Rub (ABHR) Dispensers. TJC is now allowing ABHR dispensers to be placed according to the requirements of the 2009 and 2012 editions of NFPA 101®,Life Safety Code®. The primary change from previous TJC requirements is the reduction of the minimum measurements from the ignition source to the dispenser. LSC Sections 18/19.3.2.6 (7) state: Dispensers shall not be installed in the following locations: 

• Above an ignition source within 1 inch (25 mm) horizontal distance from each side of the ignition source.
• To the side of an ignition source within a 1 inch (25 mm) horizontal distance from the ignition source.
• Beneath an ignition source within a 1 inch (25 mm) vertical distance from the ignition source.

For ignition sources such as duplex receptacles and light switches the measurements are taken from the side edges of the ignition source coverplate as depicted in the diagram.