•PR: – Clarifications and Expectations: Managing Corridor Clutter—Part 1 [REF:EOC, RN, SFT.] Perspectives April 2012, Pg 1, Vol 32, # 8

LS.02.01.20 is one of the most frequently cited standards for psychiatric hospitals. In that context, this article which addresses one aspect of this standard, is worth reviewing. The fundamental issue here is that “aisles, corridors and ramps required for exit access in a hospital…not be less than 8 feet in clear and unobstructed width…” Storing and/or parking items in hallways can violate this principle and defeat fire safety. Items (e.g., mobile workstations) left in a corridor and not used in the last 30 minutes would be considered stored and not in use¹. One possible exception is a crash cart that could reasonably be considered ‘in use’ or ready for use at all times. Items that project into hallways more than 6 inches are also non-compliant. However, wall-mounted computer touch screens or writing surfaces that self-retract to less than 6 inches when not in use can be acceptable². Even the storage of patients in corridors (e.g., on gurneys) for more than 30 minutes would not be permitted by the Life Safety Code. [PEARL] On the other hand, the article points out that the dead-end area of corridors that is beyond the exit and patient doors could be used for equipment storage (e.g., mobile workstation) if it is less than 50 square feet and properly sprinkled (See NFPA 101-2000, Paragraph 19.3.6.1, Exception 1 or 6. ) ***Note: the ’30-minute definition was established by CMS and is not in the Life Safety Code. For more details on 1 & 2 above see S&C-10-18-LSC: Revision of S&C-04-41 dated August 12, 2004, “Corridor Width & Corridor Mounted Computer Touch Screens in Health Care Facilities—Clarification Effective Immediately,” dated May 14, 2010