Cal. Code Regs. tit. 22 § 72553

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 72553 - Fire and Internal Disasters

(a) A written fire and internal disaster plan incorporating evacuation procedures shall be developed with the assistance of qualified fire, safety and other appropriate experts. A copy of the plan shall be available on the premises for review by the staff and the Department.

(b) The written plan shall include at least the following:

(1) Procedures for the assignment of personnel to specific tasks and responsibilities.

(2) Procedures for the use of alarm systems and signals.

(3) Procedures for fire containment.

(4) Priority for notification of staff including names and telephone numbers.

(5) Location of fire-fighting equipment.

(6) Procedures for evacuation and specification of evacuation routes.

(7) Procedures for moving patients from damaged areas of the facility to undamaged areas.

(8) Procedures for emergency transfer of patients who can be moved to other health facilities, including arrangements for safe and efficient transportation.

(9) Procedures for emergency discharge of patients who can be discharged without jeopardy into the community, including prior arrangements for their care, arrangements for safe and efficient transportation and at least one follow-up inquiry within 24 hours to ascertain that patients are receiving their required care.

(10) A disaster tag containing all pertinent personal and medical information to accompany each patient who is moved, transferred, discharged or evacuated.

(11) Procedures for maintaining a record of patient relocation.

(12) Procedures for handling incoming or relocated patients.

(13) Other provisions as dictated by circumstances.

(c) Fire and internal disaster drills shall be held at least quarterly, under varied conditions for each individual shift of the facility personnel. The actual evacuation of patients to safe areas during a drill is optional.

(d) The evacuation plan shall be posted throughout the facility and shall include at least the following:

(1) Evacuation routes.

(2) Location of fire alarm boxes.

(3) Location of fire extinguishers.

(4) Emergency telephone number of the local fire department.

(e) A dated, written report and evaluation of each drill and rehearsal shall be maintained and shall include signatures of all employees who participated.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 22, § 72553

Note: Authority cited: Sections 208(a) and 1275, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Section 1276, Health and Safety Code.