Which statement regarding enclosed exit stairs in health care occupancies is correct?

In health care occupancies, the safety of occupants is of paramount importance, particularly because these facilities often house individuals with limited mobility or those who may require assistance during an evacuation. The correct statement regarding enclosed exit stairs in health care occupancies is that a single enclosed exit stair is permitted if certain conditions are met.

This means that under specific circumstances—such as compliance with applicable codes and sufficient fire protection measures—health care facilities may be allowed to have a single enclosed exit stair. These conditions could include factors like the overall building design, the presence of fire-rated materials, and effective emergency response protocols.

The option indicating that a single enclosed exit stair is never permitted does not accurately reflect the guidelines under certain standards; there can be exceptions if the necessary safety measures are integrated into the design. Codes typically allow for certain compromises in safety provisions when it can be shown that equivalent or enhanced safety is provided through alternative means.

In essence, the design and regulatory requirements for health care facilities recognize that while redundancy in egress is vital, well-planned design strategies can allow for a functional single stair egress under stringent conditions, thus balancing safety and practicality.