Tests on the Performance of Automatic Fire Detectors in Health Care Occupancies: A Preliminary Report.
Tests on the Performance of Automatic Fire Detectors in
Health Care Occupancies: A Preliminary Report.
(856 K)
Bukowski, R. W.
NBSIR 79-1739; 28 p. April 1979.
Sponsor:
Department of Health Education and Welfare, Washington,
DC
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Order number: PB-297150
Keywords:
corridors; escape; fire detectors; large scale fire
tests; heat detectors; hospitals; ionization detectors;
mattresses; nursing homes; photoelectric detectors
Abstract:
The paper reports the results of the first series of
eight full-scale fire tests to evaluate the response of
automatic fire detectors in health care occupancies to
flaming ignition mattress fires. Comparisons were made
between three types of detectors (ionization,
photoelectric, and heat) installed in the patient room
versus in the corridors. For the fire scenario selected
(flaming igniton of bedding and mattress), the results
indicated that the ionization-type detectors in the
patient room provided the maximum time for escape. The
maximum time period available for either rescue of an
non-ambulatory patient in the room of origin or for use
of the corridor past the room of origin as a means of
escape averaged only about five minutes. The time
available for escape or rescue were based on the time
provided between detector alarm and the time that one of
several criteria selected for occupant tenability was
exceeded.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899