This regulation establishes minimum aisle, corridor, and ramp width requirements for exit access in healthcare facilities, requiring at least 4 feet (existing) or 8 feet (new construction) in hospitals and nursing homes, and at least 6 feet in limited care facilities and psychiatric hospitals. It also sets minimum clear width standards for exit access and exit doors at 32 inches. Facility operators must ensure corridors remain clear and unobstructed to allow safe evacuation of nonambulatory patients. These are life-safety/physical plant standards applicable to the facility types named.
View official sourceK233 Aisle, Corridor or Ramp Width 2012 EXISTING The width of aisles or corridors (clear or unobstructed) serving as exit access shall be at least 4 feet and maintained to provide the convenient removal of nonambulatory patients on stretchers, except as modified by 19.2.3.4, exceptions 1-5. 19.2.3.4, 19.2.3.5 2012 NEW The width of aisles or corridors (clear and unobstructed) serving as exit access in hospitals and nursing homes shall be at least 8 feet. In limited care facility and psychiatric hospitals, width of aisles or corridors shall be at least 6 feet, except as modified by the 18.2.3.4 or 18.2.3.5 exceptions. 18.2.3.4, 18.2.3.5 Clear Width of Exit and Exit Access Doors 2012 EXISTING Exit access doors and exit doors are of the swinging type and are at least 32 inches in clear width. Exceptions are provided for existing 34-inch doors and for existing 28-inch doors where the fire plan does not require evacuation by bed, gurney, or wheelchair. 19.2.3.6, 19.2.3.7 MET NOT MET N/A REMARKS