Battery Powered Emergency Lights in the Operating Room

Q: We have a facility that does not have battery operated lights within its OR rooms. Our building was designed in compliance with the 2000 Edition of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) which references the 1999 Edition of NFPA 99. Would we be required to have these lights in our OR?

A: Yes. They were required under the 1999 edition of NFPA 99 and they are required today under the 2012 edition of NFPA 99, section 6.3.2.2.11.2. You need to have them installed in all general anesthesia areas.