KBM
Apr 21, 20211 min
Remember when that overhead announcement is made regarding The Joint Commission being in the building, and the activity that occurs at that moment to move any equipment that is in the hallway? Well, once suites were declared, many didn't feel the urgency to move items or find another place of storage because items could be left in the hallway as long as there was a path of egress--no matter how narrow.
However, effective immediately, aisle width must be at least 36 inches even for areas declared suites. Your surveyors will be bringing out the measuring tape and this will be scored at Life Safety (LS) Standard LS.02.01.20, element of performance (EP) 42. Talk to your facility manager regarding your requirements if you have concerns. And while you are moving items, remember you still cannot block the emergency shutoff valves!