This regulation requires that sufficient floor space be available on each side of smoke barriers to accommodate all occupants from adjoining compartments during an evacuation or defend-in-place scenario. It references NFPA Life Safety Code sections 18.3.7.5.1, 18.3.7.5.2, 19.3.7.5.1, and 19.3.7.5.2, which apply to new and existing health care occupancies. Facility operators must ensure smoke compartment sizing and layout can absorb the full patient/resident load from adjacent compartments.
View official sourceK373 Subdivision of Building Spaces – Accumulation Space Space shall be provided on each side of smoke barriers to adequately accommodate the total number of occupants in adjoining compartments. 18.3.7.5.1, 18.3.7.5.2, 19.3.7.5.1, 19.3.7.5.2