Fire safety doors or equipment are blocked or obstructed
Fire doors are designed to provide a clear and protected exit route during an emergency. Blocking them can stop people from escaping quickly and safely. Fire doors are built to contain fire and smoke for a specific period (often 30–60 minutes). If blocked open or obstructed, they cannot close properly, allowing fire and toxic smoke to spread through the building. Obstructed fire doors endanger everyone in the building — not just those nearby by compromising the building’s fire safety design.
The Joint Commission requires that fire alarm stations, extinguishers, oxygen shut-off valves, and similar emergency controls remain clearly visible, unobstructed, and immediately accessible to ensure rapid response and compliance with NFPA life safety standards.
Full and Empty cylinders are not segregated and placed in appropriate colored racks
Full and partial cylinders should be placed in green racks and empty tanks should be placed in red racks. In a code emergency, staff must be able to grab a full cylinder instantly.
Ceilings are stained, broken or missing
Maintaining ceilings that are intact and clean is essential to preventing infection and ensuring fire safety. If a ceiling tile is stained or missing a Facilities Service Request should be placed with facilities or building management.
Fire Doors not latching
Fire doors are designed to contain fire and smoke, buying critical time for evacuation and emergency response. If a door that doesn’t latch cannot perform this function, it puts patients and staff at risk. Please submit a Facilities Service Request.
Walls and Ceilings are not sealed properly
Walls and ceilings must be continuous and sealed so that smoke, heat, and fire cannot pass through. Unsealed penetrations (holes, cracks, or gaps) violate this requirement because they allow fire and smoke to spread. If you notice any penetrations in walls, ceilings or missing ceiling tiles. Please place a Facilities Service Request or if offsite to the proper building manager.