I have an article in the Summer issue of Life Safety Digest that discusses two types of doors commonly found in health care facilities – corridor doors and smoke barrier doors.  This article answers the many questions that arise about whether the doors are required to be fire-rated, self-closing, self-latching, gasketed, etc.  Check it out!

Health Care Corridor Doors and Smoke Barrier Doors – What’s the difference?

Past fires in hospitals and nursing homes have illustrated the value of code-compliant door openings in health care occupancies.  While the code requirements for these facilities go far beyond the doors, frames, and hardware, there are some important considerations for door opening assemblies to help ensure that they will provide the necessary protection from fire and smoke.

There are two types of door openings within health care occupancies that often create confusion: “corridor doors” and “smoke barrier doors.”  The requirements for these doors are addressed within the model codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), and codes from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), such as NFPA 101, Life Safety Code.  These assemblies are not typically required to be fire-protection-rated, and are not required to comply with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.

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Cover Image: Life Safety Digest

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