ILSM is one of the most misunderstood requirements in the physical environment. Facilities either apply it to everything or to nothing. The requirement is a risk-based assessment, documented, every time a deficiency or construction project affects Life Safety.
When an ILSM assessment is required
- Construction or renovation that affects egress, fire protection or barrier integrity
- A Life Safety Code deficiency that cannot be corrected immediately
- Impairment of the fire alarm or sprinkler system
- Any condition where occupants' Life Safety is temporarily reduced
Common interim measures
- Additional fire drills and staff training for affected areas
- Daily or more frequent inspection of exits and egress routes in the affected area
- Temporary signage and alternate exit routes
- Fire watch when fire alarm or sprinkler systems are impaired
- Temporary fire-rated barriers and smoke-tight construction partitions
- Increased hazard surveillance and fire extinguisher placement
- Notification of the fire department and the building's occupants
Documentation
Each assessment should identify the deficiency or project, the affected area, the Life Safety impact, the measures selected and why, who is responsible, how frequently each measure is performed, and when the measures were discontinued after correction.
Frequently asked questions
Every project requires an ILSM assessment. Measures are applied where the assessment identifies a Life Safety impact.