MEHES - October Business Meeting and Educational Session

Join us on Friday, October 18th for our monthly meeting and educational session in Saco. When: Friday, October 16 Where: National Firestopping Solutions, Saco Agenda: 8:00 - Light Breakfast 8:30 - Business Meeting 9:00 - Educational Program 10:00 - Networking Batteries in Healthcare Facilities: Managing Fire Risk Beyond Prescriptive Code Compliance presented by Code Red Consultants. Battery-powered technologies are becoming increasingly common throughout healthcare facilities, supporting energy storage, uninterruptible power supplies, emergency power strategies, facility equipment, electric and micromobility equipment, and other emerging applications. These technologies can introduce fire and life safety risks that are not always fully addressed through prescriptive code compliance alone. This presentation examines how rapidly changing technology, risk externalities, healthcare operational considerations, and fire department concerns can influence the design and permitting of battery installations. Attendees will learn where battery-related risks may arise, how NFPA 855 applies to certain energy storage configurations, and why smaller endpoint-device applications can be more difficult to evaluate. The session will also address when hazard mitigation analyses, emergency response planning, equipment testing and listing, rated enclosures, ventilation, explosion control, or other safeguards may be appropriate. Participants will receive a practical framework for identifying battery hazards early, coordinating with facility stakeholders and fire officials, navigating permitting uncertainty, and developing appropriate mitigation strategies that support life safety and continuity of critical healthcare operations.