NFPA 101
The Life Safety Code — the standard addressing building features that protect occupants during fire and similar emergencies.
In Detail
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) is one of the most widely adopted fire codes in the world, addressing building construction, protection, and occupancy features necessary to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, fumes, and panic. It covers means of egress (exit paths, exit signs, emergency lighting), building compartmentation, fire detection and alarm systems, suppression systems, and special occupancy requirements (hospitals, schools, high-rises, assembly, etc.). NFPA 101 requires regular testing and maintenance of life safety systems including emergency lighting (annual 90-minute test), exit signs, fire doors (annual inspection per NFPA 80), and fire/smoke dampers. The Life Safety Code is adopted by CMS for healthcare facilities, making compliance mandatory for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.
Related Terms
Emergency Lighting
Battery-backed lighting systems that illuminate exit paths during power failures, required in all commercial buildings.
Means of Egress
The continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way — exit access, exit, and exit discharge.
Fire Door Inspection
Annual inspection of fire-rated door assemblies to verify they will function properly to contain fire and smoke spread.
AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing fire codes and approving fire protection systems in a given jurisdiction.