The Joint Commission: Aisle widths must have at least 36 inches of clearance

Editor's Note

The Joint Commission announced April 21 that, effectively immediately, Life Safety Code surveyors will cite noncompliance in suites with aisles that have less than 36 inches of clearance from side to side to facilitate egress in hospitals and critical access hospitals.

The finding will be scored at Life Safety (LS) Standard LS.02.01.20, element of performance (EP) 42.

This requirement follows the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Life Safety Code (NFPA 101-2012), Section 7.3.4.1(2), in the core chapter on egress.