In new health care occupancies, initiation of the alarm system is to be by:

The correct approach for initiating the alarm system in new health care occupancies involves using manual means along with sprinkler system waterflow alarms. This combination ensures that an immediate, human-activated alert can be generated in the event of an emergency, while also integrating an automated response from the sprinkler system when water flow is detected.

Manual initiation is critical in health care settings because prompt human intervention can often expedite response times in emergencies, such as fire situations, where quick action can save lives. These facilities are heavily populated with vulnerable individuals who may require assistance during emergencies, and having a manual means allows staff to activate alarms without delay.

Additionally, the integration of sprinkler system waterflow alarms enhances the overall safety infrastructure. When sprinklers detect a fire and water flow is initiated, this acts as an automatic trigger for the alarm system to alert occupants and emergency services, further ensuring swift action can be taken.

Other options, while they may seem plausible, may not offer the comprehensive approach needed for a health care occupancy's unique safety requirements. For instance, relying solely on automatic detection or extinguishing system operation does not adequately account for the immediate alerting of personnel who can assist in evacuating patients, thus emphasizing the necessity of the combination of manual initiation and sprinkler alarms in health