Each level of a building housing patient areas must be divided into how many smoke compartments?

In healthcare facilities, including those in Montana, the design of the building must prioritize safety, especially regarding fire protection and smoke management. The requirement that each level housing patient areas be divided into two smoke compartments is based on maintaining both patient safety and compliance with fire codes.

By incorporating two smoke compartments, the design allows for better containment of smoke in the event of a fire, thereby protecting patients who may have mobility issues and ensuring better egress routes for both patients and staff. This division is especially crucial in preventing smoke from spreading quickly throughout the building, allowing time for evacuation and reducing the risk of smoke inhalation, which is often more dangerous than flames in a fire scenario.

This requirement aligns with fire safety codes, which recognize that a single large compartment would not provide adequate safety measures. The establishment of two compartments strikes a balance between efficient use of space and the effective management of fire risks.