Fire Code Regulations
Fire Codes are developed and published by the National Fire Protection Association and the International Fire Code Council. These codes are then adopted and used by federal, state and local authorities around the world as a basis for building construction and inspection.
What are Alcohol Based Hand Rubs?
Alcohol Based Hand Rubs (ABHRs) have been safely used in healthcare settings for over 20 years and are recommended for use by leading health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). ABHRs contain alcohol in order to help kill germs on hands and have been safely used for more than 30 years in European hospitals. The percentage of alcohol typically ranges from 60% to 70% (v/v), and this alcohol level causes ABHRs to be placed into Flammable Liquid categories by fire safety standards.
Local fire authorities have the final say.
When ABHRs were first recognized by fire codes, the technology for touch free dispensers didn’t exist, and all dispensers were essentially manual. Since that time, it has become more common for hand hygiene product dispensers to be touch free. NFPA and IFC have updated their codes to allow for use of touch free dispensers as long as they meet some basic requirements detailed in the code.
NFPA requires that no more than 10 gallons of ABHR be used in a single smoke compartment. With the 2012 updates of the NFPA Life Safety Code 18.3.2.6, one dispenser of ABHRs installed in a room shall not be included in the aggregate amount. IFC requires that no more than 10 gallons of ABHR be used in a corridor within a control area. It is reasonable to apply this to products installed in the actual corridor and not within a room.
For more information:
Additional education sources on fire code safety include the following:
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• International Fire Code (IFC)
• The Joint Commission (JAHCO)
• The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)
• State and local fire safety information sources
Download Fire Code Regulations and Alcohol Based Hands Rubs - a fire code summary with FAQ's and definitions (139 KB)