Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 07, July 26, 2024
Section 61-103.J - Fire Protection and Equipment(1) Arrangements for Fire Department Protection: Where a facility is located outside of a service area or range of a public fire department, arrangements shall be made to have the nearest fire department respond in case of fire. A copy of the agreement will be kept on file in the facility. (II)(2) Tests and Inspections: (I) (a) Fire Protection: The licensee is responsible for ensuring that all fire protection and alarm systems and other fire fighting equipment are inspected and tested at least once each year, and more often if necessary to maintain them in serviceable condition. Fire extinguishers shall be kept in condition for instant use and the date of last inspection shall be included on each fire extinguisher. Records of all inspections shall be kept on file.(b) Electrical Inspections: Electrical wiring in institutions licensed under these standards shall be inspected at least once every year by a locally recognized and responsible electrician or registered engineer and a signed copy of the inspection report shall be maintained in the facility.(c) Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems and Equipment: The licensee is responsible for ensuring that all heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment is maintained in a safe operable condition. The HVAC system must be inspected at least once a year and records maintained of deficiencies and corrections.(3) Special Hazards: (II) Mattresses and Pillows: When purchasing new mattresses and pillows, only those providing the maximum resistance to fire, smoke development and toxicity shall be purchased. These items present an unusual and severe fire hazard to the facility and extreme caution must be exercised in their selection.
(4) Corridor Obstructions: All corridors and other means of egress or exit from the building shall be maintained clear and free of obstructions. (II)(5) Hallway and Stairway Illumination: Halls, stairs and other means of egress shall be lighted at all times with a minimum of one foot candle at floor level. (II)(6) Plans and Training for Fire and Internal Emergencies: (I)(a) Plans: Each facility shall develop in coordination with its supporting fire department and/or disaster preparedness agency a suitable written plan for actions to be taken in the event of fire and other emergencies. All employees shall be made familiar with these plans and instructed as to required actions.(b) Fire Protection Training: (1) Each employee shall receive instructions covering:(b) The Fire Evacuation Plan, routes and procedures.(c) How to report a fire.(d) How to use the fire alarm system.(e) Location and use of fire-fighting equipment.(f) Methods of containment.(g) Specific responsibilities of the individual.(2) Records of training shall be maintained to report the date, names of individuals participating and a description of the training.(c) Fire Drill: (1) A fire drill shall be conducted at least once every three (3) months for each shift. Effort shall be made to insure each employee participates in a fire drill once in any year.(2) Records of drills shall be maintained to report the date, time, and names of individuals participating in the drill and evaluation.