Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.03.19.600

Current through September 2, 2024

Section 16.03.19.600 - FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY STANDARDS

Each home must meet the requirements of this rule and all other applicable requirements of local and state codes concerning fire and life safety.

01.General Requirements. The provider must ensure that:

a. The home is structurally sound and equipped and maintained to assure the safety of residents.

b. When natural or man-made hazards are present, suitable fences, guards, or railings are in place to protect the resident according to the resident's needs as documented in the plan of service.

c. The exterior and interior of the home are kept free from the accumulation of weeds, trash, debris, rubbish, and clutter.

02.Fire and Life Safety Requirements. The provider must ensure that:

a. Smoke detectors are installed in sleeping rooms, hallways, on each level of the home, and as recommended by the local fire district.

b. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are installed as recommended by the Department when:

i. The home is equipped with gas or other fuel-burning appliances or devices; or

ii. An enclosed garage is attached to the home.

c. Unvented combustion devices of any kind are prohibited from use inside the home.

d. Any locks installed on exit doors can always be easily opened from the inside without the use of keys or any special knowledge.

e. Electric portable heating devices are only used under the following conditions:

i. The unit is maintained in good working order and without obvious damage or fraying of the cord;

ii. Remain unplugged until in operation, and then plugged directly into a wall outlet and not a surge protector, power strip, or extension cord;

iii. The user complies with safety labels, which remain on the unit;

iv. The unit is equipped with automatic shut-off protection when tipped over; and

v. The unit is operated under direct supervision and at least thirty-six (36) inches away from combustibles (e.g., furnishings, bedding, and blankets), pets, and people.

f. Each resident's sleeping room has at least one (1) door or window that can be easily opened from the inside and leads directly to the outside. If a window is used as a means of egress/ingress, the following conditions are met:

i. The window sill height is not more than forty-four (44) inches above the finished floor;

ii. The window opening is at least twenty (20) inches in width and twenty-four (24) inches in height; and

iii. If the sleeping room is in a below-ground basement, the window opens into a window well through which the resident can easily exit.

g. Flammable or highly combustible materials are stored safely. Necessary precautions are taken to protect the resident from obtaining flammable materials as appropriate for the resident's functional and cognitive ability.

h. Boilers, hot water heaters, and unfired pressure vessels are equipped with automatic pressure relief valves.

i. A two and a half (2.5) pound or larger dry chemical multipurpose A:B:C type portable fire extinguisher is immediately accessible without obstructions in a designated location, subject to Department approval, on each level of the home.

j. Electrical installations and equipment comply with IDAPA 24.39.10, "Rules of the Idaho Electrical Board," or authorized local jurisdiction.

k. Fuel-fired heating devices are approved by the local heating/venting/air conditioning (HVAC) board.

l. Exits are free from obstruction.

m. Paths of travel to exits and all exit doorways are at least twenty-eight (28) inches wide.

n. The door into each bathroom and sleeping room, if equipped with a lock, can be unlocked from either side to allow access to the room in case of an emergency.

o. Cleaners, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals or materials are:

i. Only used according to the manufacturer's instructions; and

ii. Stored with necessary precautions to protect the resident as appropriate for the resident's functional and cognitive ability.

03.Smoking. Smoking is a fire hazard. The provider may choose to allow or not allow smoking in the home or on the property. If the provider chooses to allow smoking, the provider must reduce the risk of fire by prohibiting smoking:

a. In any area where flammable liquids, gases, or oxidizers are in use or stored;

b. In bed; and

c. By the resident without supervision unless unsupervised smoking is specifically allowed in the resident's plan of service.

04.Emergency Preparedness Plan. The provider must develop and implement a written emergency preparedness plan. The provider must review the plan with the resident, or the resident's representative, at admission and at least every twelve (12) months thereafter. The plan must address the following:

a. Evacuation of the home in the event of a house fire, including:

i. A floor plan depicting at least two (2) escape routes from each room, excluding bathrooms and the laundry room;

ii. A designated meeting area indicated on the floor plan where all household members will congregate upon evacuation of the home; and

iii. Identification of the person responsible to take a head-count at the designated meeting area and relay information to firefighters regarding the probable whereabouts in the home of missing individuals.

b. Emergency situations in which people are confined to the home for a period of at least seventy-two (72) hours and considering adequate food, water, and medications during that time;

c. Complying with mandatory evacuation orders from the area, including prearranged plans to shelter within the local community and in a town outside the local community, and considering the necessary supplies that will be kept in a state of readiness for quick evacuation; and

d. Procedures for any situation in which the provider is incapacitated and unable to provide services.

05.Emergency Drills. The provider must ensure staff conduct emergency drills, at least half of which over a year are fire drills, at least every three (3) months as follows:

a. Those persons capable of participating in a fire drill reach a point of safety outside the home within three (3) minutes from the start of the drill.

b. Residents who are medically unable to exit unassisted are exempt from physical participation in a fire drill if the provider has an effective evacuation plan for such residents and staff discuss the plan with the resident immediately prior to the drill;

c. Documentation of the drill is kept in the home, which may consist of a video recording or a written summary, to include the following:

i. The date and time of the drill;

ii. The purpose of the drill;

iii. If a fire drill, the length of time for all persons who participated in the drill to reach a point of safety outside the home;

iv. The name or likeness of each person who participated in the drill; and

v. Any problems encountered during the drill or deviations from the home's emergency plans, and how the provider will overcome the problem or improve performance in future drills.

06.Maintenance of Equipment. The provider must ensure that all equipment in the home is properly maintained by:

a. Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least monthly and keeping a written record of the test results on file in the home.

b. If the smoke or carbon monoxide detector has replaceable batteries, replacing the batteries at least every twelve (12) months or as indicated by a low battery, whichever occurs first.

c. Replacing each smoke or carbon monoxide detector at the end of its useful life as indicated by the manufacturer, which date is to be labeled on the unit.

d. Replacing or servicing the portable fire extinguishers through a professional servicing company every twelve (12) months or when the quarterly examination reveals issues with the extinguisher under Subsection 600.06.e. of this rule, whichever occurs first.

e. Examining all portable fire extinguishers at least every three (3) months as indicated by initials and date on a log, to determine that:

i. The extinguisher is in its designated location;

ii. Seals or tamper indicators are not broken, and the safety pin is in place;

iii. The extinguisher has not been physically damaged;

iv. The extinguisher does not have any obvious defects, such as leaks;

v. The nozzle is unobstructed and intact; and

vi. Chemicals are prevented from settling and clumping by repeatedly tipping the extinguisher upside down and right-side up.

f. When the home has wood-burning or pellet stoves, arranging for professional cleaning of the chimneys at least annually by a person in the business of chimney sweeping, and keeping the records on file in the home.

g. Maintaining functional and dependable telephone or cell phone service and hardware. Additionally, ensuring that the following numbers are either programmed into the telephone or cell phone, or alternatively, such numbers are posted in the home:

i. General emergency numbers including 9-1-1, poison control, adult protective services, and the suicide hotline; and

ii. Emergency contacts for each resident.

Idaho Admin. Code r. 16.03.19.600

Effective March 28, 2023