Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) Practice

The requirement for a continuous corridor wall in non-sprinklered settings is primarily associated with existing healthcare occupancies that do not have sprinkler systems. This is crucial in healthcare environments due to the high risk associated with fire and the necessity for protecting vulnerable occupants, such as patients who may have limited mobility. Continuous corridor walls serve as a crucial fire barrier, helping to contain smoke and fire, and creating a safe path for evacuation. In non-sprinklered facilities, where the risk of fire is heightened due to the lack of an automatic suppression system, these walls become an essential component of the fire protection strategy. In contrast, other types of occupancies, such as storage or industrial settings, generally have different design requirements based on their specific risks and usages. Health Care Occupancy as a broader category may include facilities that could have different construction standards, while existing healthcare facilities that are non-sprinklered specifically highlight the need for stringent safety measures, including continuous corridor walls.