Safety

Tip of the week: Watch for this inadvertent exit sign violation

Hospital Safety Connection, July 15, 2009

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The 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC) requires hospitals to post exit signs that are readily visible in the direction of egress travel.
 
Here’s one easy slip-up that can put you in violation of the LSC: misplaced way-finding signs, such as those pointing visitors to the ICU. It’s easy for maintenance crews to inadvertently install way-finding signs such that they block one’s view of an exit sign.
 
Remember, occupants have to see the exit signs—it’s not enough that the exit signs just are up.
 
If your facility has lots of way-finding or other signs, it may be worth scheduling a walk-through to check whether the view of any exit signs has been obstructed.
 
This tip is based on information from HCPro’s 2000 Life Safety Code Workbook & Study Guide for Healthcare Facilities.



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