Decommissioning Dampers

We are considering decommissioning multiple dampers that are not required. Is there a requirement that the organization notify in writing to The Joint Commission that a number of specified dampers are being decommissioned?

Per the 2000 NFPA 101®Life Safety Code®, section 4.6.12.2 shown below would apply as long as the “decommissioned” dampers are not “obvious to the public”, then they may be abandoned and would not have to be maintained or removed. Also, there would be no requirement to notify The Joint Commission unless the hospital wants to, just for the record. The hospital should have drawings that would clearly reflect which dampers have been decommissioned. It would probably be a good idea to physically tag such dampers as well, stating that they have been decommissioned.

4.6.12.2*

Existing life safety features obvious to the public, if not required by the Code, shall be either maintained or removed.

A.4.6.12.2

Examples of such features include automatic sprinklers, fire alarm systems, standpipes, and portable fire extinguishers. The presence of a life safety feature, such as sprinklers or fire alarm devices, creates a reasonable expectation by the public that these safety features are functional.

When systems are inoperable or taken out of service but the devices remain, they present a false sense of safety. Also, before taking any life safety features out of service, extreme care needs to be exercised to ensure that the feature is not required, was not originally provided as an alternative or equivalency, or is no longer required due to other new requirements in the current Code. It is not intended that the entire system or protection feature be removed. Instead, components such as sprinklers, initiating devices, notification appliances, standpipe hose, and exit systems should be removed to reduce the likelihood of relying on inoperable systems or features.