521 Mass. Reg. 9.7

Current through Register 1527, August 2, 2024
Section 9.7 - SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS FOR PERSONS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING

In addition to those units required to be accessible by 521 CMR 9.4, Group 2 Dwelling Units, 2% of the total number of dwelling units in the complex or project, but not less than one shall comply with the following:

9.7.1Sleeping accommodations for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing required by 521 CMR 9.7 shall comply with the following requirements for smoke/fire/safety alarms, visual signal devices, telephones, televisions, alarm clocks and climate controls.
9.7.2 Auxiliary Visual Alarms: Sleeping accommodations shall be equipped with auxiliary visual alarms which comply with 521 CMR 40.4:
a. a visual alarm connected to the building emergency alarm system; or
b. a standard 110-volt electrical receptacle into which such an alarm can be connected and a means by which a signal from the building emergency alarm system can trigger such an auxiliary alarm. Such receptacle shall be connected to the emergency or standby power, (if provided in the building ).

The visual alarm signal shall be visible in all areas of the unit or room. Instructions for use of the auxiliary alarm or receptacle shall be provided.

9.7.3 Visual Notification Devices shall be provided in sleeping accommodations to alert room occupants of incoming telephone calls and a door knock or doorbell. Visual notification devices shall not be connected to auxiliary visual alarm signal appliances.
9.7.4 Equivalent Facilitation: For rooms required under 521 CMR 9.7, the operator of a facility may either permanently install the equipment required under 521 CMR 9.7 or may elect to install electrical outlets (including outlets connected to a facility 's central alarm system) and telephone wiring in sleeping rooms and suites to enable persons with hearing impairments to utilize portable visual alarms and communication devices. For purposes of equivalent facilitation, such devices shall be provided by the operator of the facility during the tenancy of a person with a hearing impairment.

521 CMR 9.7