Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
EBL Fire Engineering has worked for NIH in the preparation, development and building surveys for the 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2006 Joint Commission for Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO) Statement of Conditions (SOC) life safety report for the 3.2 million SF Clinical Research Center. This multi-year effort included comprehensive field surveys of all building areas, coordination with NIH design offices, fire prevention office and maintenance engineering sections. Additionally, plans for improvement (PFI's) were developed and tracked as part of the overall SOC effort.
Work under this contract encompassed the preparation of a 1997 SOC, a Maintenance Master Plan and a Life Safety Training and Maintenance Program. A life safety code assessment was completed and a prioritized plan including cost estimates was prepared for improving all identified deficiencies.
Upgrades to exit lighting and emergency white lights were provided as part of the design services. All exit light locations were surveyed; relocation of existing lights was indicated where required; and new lights were provided. The adequacy of the emergency white lights was evaluated throughout the facility. Documents were prepared to depict exit light revisions.
A comprehensive Maintenance Master Plan was provided that included bar coding and development of a computerized tracking system for all fire protection devices. Fire doors, fire alarm devices, fire sprinkler valves, fire pumps, smoke exhaust fans, stair pressurization fans, and all exit signage was bar coded and entered into a computerized tracking system. In addition, a program was developed to provide all required monthly, six month, annual and bi-annual inspections.
Design of upgrades to fire separation assemblies throughout the facility was provided. Work under this phase of the project included the evaluation of all existing fire barriers, recommendation for upgrades and preparation of design documents depicting installation of approved fire stop systems and rated fire dampers, where required.
