SECTION 554.336. Smoke Compartmentation (Subdivision of Building Spaces)

(a) Smoke compartmentation must be as described in NFPA 101 and in this section.

(b) An exit sign must be provided on each side of corridor smoke doors unless otherwise directed by HHSC.

(c) The metal frames for the wire glass view panels in smoke doors must be steel, unless otherwise approved by HHSC. The bottom of the view panel must not be higher than 54 inches above the floor. Pairs of opposite (double egress) swinging smoke doors in corridors must have push/pull hardware. The door leaves must align in the closed position.

(d) Smoke barrier walls in concealed spaces such as attics, must have prominent signs on each side that read: "Warning: Smoke/fire barrier. Properly seal all openings."

(e) Provisions must be made for reasonable access to concealed smoke barrier walls for maintaining smoke dampers and so that walls and dampers can be visually checked periodically for conformance by facility staff, service persons, and inspectors. Access must provide for visual inspection of both sides of the wall, and of all parts (end-to-end and top-to-bottom). Ceiling access panels must be prefabricated metal panel, or its equivalent, and be at least 20 inches by 20 inches with no obstructions above (such as ducts) to hamper entrance, and it must be fire rated if required to maintain ceiling-roof or ceiling-floor fire rating. Access must be provided for both sides of the wall.

(f) Air systems should be designed to avoid having ducts which penetrate smoke barrier walls, thus eliminating the need for smoke dampers which are often a problem to maintain in proper working condition.

Source Note: The provisions of this §554.336 adopted to be effective July 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 4408; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871; amended to be effective January 2, 2022, 46 TexReg 9037