Tools and Trainings for Life Safety Code® Compliance

The Life Safety Code® is a complex document, and managing life safety compliance can be a complicated task for any provider. An effective compliance program requires personnel with specialized knowledge in numerous life safety concepts and components. Requirements around egress, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, smoke barrier wall assemblies, and fire doors are just a few of the many survey focus points. The challenges resulting from staff turnover can compound the difficulty of maintaining compliance and survey readiness. Fortunately, several resources are available to assist providers in obtaining the necessary knowledge to properly apply the Life Safety Code® and be survey ready.  

AHCA has developed two webinars focused on life safety, free for members. The first is an introduction for new Facility Directors while the second provides tips for navigating some of the most frequently cited life safety tags. 

CMS has developed a Life Safety Code® orientation program. While it was developed as a surveyor training tool, it is available to anyone free of charge. It is a self-paced program with six modules that includes approximately four hours of education.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers a menu of healthcare specific on-line training programs.  There are modules focused on The Life Safety Code®, The Health Care Facilities Code®, and Fire Door Inspections. These programs are available for a fee. 

Finally, don’t forget to continually monitor the AHCA life safety web page for additional compliance resources and tools.  

Source: AHCA/NCAL