The Life Safety Code is a set of standards for safety from fire, governed and published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The Life Safety Code is also known as NFPA 101. Revised every four years.
The Life Safety Code (“Code”) addresses construction, protection, and occupancy features necessary to minimize danger to life from fire, including smoke, fumes, or panic. The code establishes minimum criteria for the design of egress facilities so as to allow prompt escape of occupants from buildings or, where desirable, into safe areas within buildings. The code addresses other considerations that are essential to life safety in recognition of the fact that life safety is more than a matter of egress. The code also addresses protective features and systems, building services, operating features, maintenance activities, and other provisions in recognition of the fact that achieving an acceptable degree of life safety depends on additional safeguards to provide adequate egress time or protection for people exposed to fire. The code also addresses other considerations that, while important in fire conditions, provide an ongoing benefit in other conditions of use, including non-fire emergencies. (Source: National Fire Protection Association)
Forms and resources with regard to the Life Safety Code:
CMS Life Safety Code Requirements
Corridor Width & Corridor Mounted Computer Touch Screens in Healthcare Facilities: CMS S&C-04-41
Culture Change – Recent changes to the NFPA, LSC 2012 edition allow:
• Previously restricted items to be placed in exit corridors;
• The recognition that a kitchen is not a hazardous area and can be open to an exit corridor under certain circumstances;
• Changes allowing the installation of direct-vent gas fireplaces and solid fuel burning fireplaces; and
• Changes to the requirements allowing the installation of combustible decorations: CMS S&C-12-21-LSC
Definitions of Terms Used in the Life Safety Code (LSC) of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): CMS S&C-04-15
Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities (NFPA)
Exit Discharge Requirements and the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES): CMS S&C-07-05
Fire/Explosion/Life Safety Code Incident/Accident Report: (HLS-120-Fire-Explosion-LSC_Incident-Accident_Report)
Fire Safety Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities, Mandatory Sprinkler Installation Requirement: CMS S&C-09-04
Generators in Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs): CMS S&C-07-21
Medical Gas Storage and Usage Considerations: CMS S&C-07-10
Nursing Home Culture Change Regulatory Compliance Questions and Answers: CMS S&C-07-07
Permitted Gaps in Corridor Doors and Doors in Smoke Barriers: CMS S&C-07-18
2000 Edition National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101® Life Safety Code (LSC) Waivers: S&C Letter: 13-58-LSC