This regulation establishes fire sprinkler system installation requirements for nursing homes and hospitals, mandating full building protection via NFPA 13-compliant automatic sprinkler systems. It addresses both existing and new construction, permits alternative protection measures in Type I and II construction where sprinklers are prohibited by state or local law, and specifies limited exemptions for small patient room clothes closets in hospitals. Facility operators must ensure sprinkler systems meet the referenced NFPA 13 standards and applicable Life Safety Code sections.
View official sourceK351 Sprinkler System – Installation 2012 EXISTING Nursing homes, and hospitals where required by construction type, are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. In Type I and II construction, alternative protection measures are permitted to be substituted for sprinkler protection in specific areas where state or local regulations prohibit sprinklers. In hospitals, sprinklers are not required in clothes closets of patient sleeping rooms where the area of the closet does not exceed 6 ft² and sprinkler coverage covers the closet footprint as required by NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems. 19.3.5.1, 19.3.5.2, 19.3.5.3, 19.3.5.4, 19.3.5.5, 19.4.2, 19.3.5.10, 9.7, 9.7.1.1(1) 2012 NEW Buildings are to be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. In Type I and II construction, alternative protection measures are permitted to be substituted for sprinkler protection in specific areas where State and local regulations prohibit sprinklers. Listed quick-response or listed residential sprinklers are used throughout smoke compartments with patient sleeping rooms. In hospitals, sprinklers are not required in clothes closets of patient sleeping rooms where the area of the closet does not exceed 6 ft² and sprinkler coverage covers the closet footprint as required by NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems. 18.3.5.1, 18.3.5.4, 18.3.5.5, 18.3.5.6, 9.7, 9.7.1.1(1), 18.3.5.10