Section 2: Infection Control, Environmental Health, and Safety

Life Safety Code

The Life Safety Code, from the National Fire Protection Association, is a source for strategies to protect people based on building construction, protection, and occupancy features that minimize the effects of fire and related hazards. The Joint Commission's Manual for Ambulatory Health Care requires that all accredited facilities maintain a life-safety management plan that describes how the facility will provide a fire-safe environment. Even if you do not choose to seek Joint Commission accreditation, this is a reasonable step to take. Your life-safety management plan should address protecting patients, professionals, visitors, and property from fire, smoke, and other products of combustion. Among other things, the plan needs to address:

• Testing and maintaining fire-protection systems including fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems.
• Conducting fire drills.
• Reviewing clinic furniture, fixtures, and other acquisitions for fire safety.

The "Environment of Care" chapter in the Joint Commission's Manual for Ambulatory Health Care is a good reference for such a plan. You can purchase a copy through the Joint Commission website.