Fire Sprinklers in Hospitals
Fire sprinklers must be installed throughout a healthcare facility. These systems are installed following NFPA 13: Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems and are maintained according to NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
NFPA's Fire Sprinkler Initiative
NFPA 25 outlines the required inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) frequency and procedures. Major system components are required to be inspected quarterly, semi-annually, and annually. At each of these intervals, specific items must be maintained and tested. There are also weekly and monthly inspection requirements for items that must only be visually inspected-these components include gauges, valves, private hydrants, and fire pumps.
From 2009-2013, only 4% of fires went beyond the point of origin, thanks to the increase in fire sprinklers. Today, 79% of hospitals are protected by fire sprinklers, and it has greatly reduced the spread of fires and fire-related death in hospitals.
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1-6. What must be installed throughout healthcare facilities to prevent fires from spreading if they occur?
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