Section 518.2190  Finishes

a)         Cubicle and window curtains and draperies shall be noncombustible or rendered flame retardant and shall pass both the large and small scale tests of National Fire Protection Association Standard No. 701 (1989), "Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films."

b)         Flame spread and smoke developed ratings of finishes shall be in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 101 (1997), "Life Safety Code."

c)         Floors in areas and rooms in which flammable anesthetic agents are stored or administered to patients shall comply with NFPA Standard No. 99 (1996), "Health Care Facilities Code."  Conductive flooring may be omitted from major procedure rooms provided that no flammable anesthetic agents will be used in these areas and provided that appropriate notices are permanently and conspicuously affixed to the wall in each such area and room.

d)         Floor materials shall be easily cleanable and have wear resistance appropriate for the location involved. Floors in toilets, janitor's closets and similar areas shall be water resistant.  In all areas frequently subject to wet cleaning methods, floor materials shall not be physically affected by germicidal and cleaning solutions.

e)         Wall bases in soiled workrooms and other areas that are frequently subject to wet cleaning methods shall be made integral and coved with the floor, tightly sealed to the wall, and constructed without surface voids that can harbor vermin.

f)          All wall finishes shall be washable and, in the immediate area of plumbing fixtures, shall be smooth and moisture resistant.  Walls in spaces subject to frequent cleaning shall be of suitable materials.

g)         Floor and wall penetrations by pipes, ducts, and conduits shall be tightly sealed to minimize entry of vermin, smoke and fire.  Joints of structural elements shall be similarly sealed.

h)         Ceilings shall be cleanable, and those in sensitive areas such as major procedure rooms shall be readily washable and without crevices that can retain dirt particles.  These sensitive areas shall have a finished ceiling covering all overhead duct work and piping.  Finished ceilings may be omitted in mechanical and equipment spaces, shops, general storage areas, and similar spaces, unless required for fire-resistive purposes.

i)          The following areas shall have acoustical ceilings:

1)         Corridors in patient areas,

2)         Nurses' stations,

3)         Waiting areas.