Telgian Engineering & Consulting Assistant Regional Practice Leader Pamela Reno recently shared her fire protection knowledge and expertise in the article, “Fire Code Solutions: Fire & Life Safety Considerations During a Pandemic” in Medical Construction and Design magazine. In the piece, Reno offered her expert insight into how large-scale catastrophes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can expose weaknesses in the flexibility of core fire and life safety codes.
For example, lifesaving rules and regulations can become an afterthought when hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and family health centers must prepare to change or convert spaces for patient care. In her article, Reno explores some battle-tested methods for balancing fire and life safety considerations and requirements against public health needs during patient care surges.
To read “Fire Code Solutions: Fire & Life Safety Considerations During a Pandemic,” visit the September / October issue of Medical Construction and Design magazine, pages 38-39.
About the Author
Pamela Reno has more than 15 years of experience in, and knowledge of, concepts, principles, and practices of fire prevention, fire protection and life safety engineering. As Assistant Regional Practice Leader for Telgian Engineering & Consulting’s Mid Atlantic Region, Reno facilitates process development, documentation, technical leadership, and administers training to ensure company and regulatory policies are met. She also oversees fire and life safety components of planning and design including resolving issues during construction and ensuring codes, plans, and standards are in compliance.
In addition, she has developed new passive life safety and fire protection design standards for hospitals, family health centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and regional practice sites. She has also performed life safety assessments in accordance with the 2012 Life Safety Code, Joint Commission Standards and the Center for Medicaid and Medicare services regulations.
Further, Reno has developed fire plans, which included roles and responsibilities of employees during a fire emergency; how to use fire alarms and fire extinguishers; how to contain fire and smoke; and evacuation procedures. Additionally, she has designed fire evacuation signs, ensured fire evacuation plans were up-to-date and current, trained operating room (OR) staff on fire safety in the OR, and conducted fire drills.
Reno also plays an integral role in fire protection industry codes and standards development. Her code development committee experience includes Principle Member, NFPA 99 – Fundamentals Committee; NFPA 99 – Healthcare Emergency Management and Security; and Alternate, NFPA 101 & 5000 – Board and Care Facilities.
About Telgian Engineering & Consulting, LLC
Telgian Engineering & Consulting (TEC) is a full-service global engineering and risk mitigation consultancy specializing in complex, multi-discipline public and private sector projects. We provide professional services related to the protection of people, property, information, and organizational mission against preventable losses.
TEC is a provider of strategic/enterprise risk management, fire protection engineering, industrial security, environmental health and safety, emergency management, operations continuity consulting, and construction administration services.
Since 1985, TEC has worked hand-in-hand with clients such as architects, engineers, owners, developers, risk and facility management firms, construction teams and government agencies. In addition to security for the healthcare sector, we serve industry sectors that include healthcare, government, commercial, education, hospitality, industrial, and transportation across the United States and abroad.
For media interviews with Pamela Reno, please contact:
Susan McNeill
480-621-5031