Document Citation: 40 TAC § 19.336

Header:
TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 40. SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE
PART 1. DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES
CHAPTER 19. NURSING FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AND MEDICAID CERTIFICATION
SUBCHAPTER D. FACILITY CONSTRUCTION

Date:
08/31/2009

Document:
40 TAC § 19.336 (2011)

§ 19.336. Smoke Compartmentation (Subdivision of Building Spaces)

(a) Smoke compartmentation must be as described in the Life Safety Code and in this section.

(b) An exit sign must be provided on each side of corridor smoke doors unless otherwise directed by the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS).

(c) The metal frames for the wire glass view panels in smoke doors must be steel, unless otherwise approved by DHS. The bottom of the view panel must not be higher than 54 inches above the floor. Pairs of opposite (double egress) swinging smoke doors in corridors must have push/pull hardware. The door leaves must align in the closed position.

(d) Smoke barrier walls in concealed spaces such as attics, must have prominent signs on each side that read: "Warning: Smoke/fire barrier. Properly seal all openings."

(e) Provisions must be made for reasonable access to concealed smoke barrier walls for maintaining smoke dampers and so that walls and dampers can be visually checked periodically for conformance by facility staff, service persons, and inspectors. Access must provide for visual inspection of both sides of the wall, and of all parts (end-to-end and top-to-bottom). Ceiling access panels must be prefabricated metal panel, or its equivalent, and be at least 20 inches by 20 inches with no obstructions above (such as ducts) to hamper entrance, and it must be fire rated if required to maintain ceiling-roof or ceiling-floor fire rating. Access must be provided for both sides of the wall.

(f) Air systems should be designed to avoid having ducts which penetrate smoke barrier walls, thus eliminating the need for smoke dampers which are often a problem to maintain in proper working condition.