This regulation specifies fire-resistance rating requirements for vertical openings (stairways, elevator shafts, ventilation shafts, chutes, etc.) between floors in healthcare facilities, requiring at least 1-hour ratings for existing buildings and at least 2-hour ratings for new construction connecting four or more stories. It is a CMS Life Safety Code survey tag (K311) applied during facility inspections to ensure structural fire containment. Operators must ensure all vertical openings are enclosed with construction meeting the applicable fire resistance rating based on building age and height.
View official sourceK311 Vertical Openings – Enclosure 2012 EXISTING Stairways, elevator shafts, light and ventilation shafts, chutes, and other vertical openings between floors are enclosed with construction having a fire resistance rating of at least 1-hour. An atrium may be used in accordance with 8.6. 19.3.1.1 through 19.3.1.6 If all vertical openings are properly enclosed with construction providing at least a 2 hour fire resistance rating, also check this box. ☐ 2012 NEW Stairways, elevator shafts, light and ventilation shafts, chutes, and other vertical openings between floors are enclosed with construction having a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours connecting four or more stories. (1- hour for single story building and buildings up to three stories in height.) An atrium may be used in accordance with 8.6.7. 18.3.1 through 18.3.1.5 Form CMS-2786R (07/2018) Page 14 Name of Facility 2012 LIFE SAFETY CODE ID NOT MET N/A REMARKS PREFIX MET