N.M. Admin. Code § 6.27.31.8

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 24, December 23, 2024

Section 6.27.31.8 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

These standards are not intended to supersede or omit compliance with applicable building and fire code or any other code, regulation, law or standard that has been adopted by state agencies.

A. Building condition. A special purpose school facility must be safe and capable of being maintained.

(1) Structural. A special purpose school facility must be structurally sound. A special purpose school facility shall be considered structurally sound and safe if the building presents no imminent danger or major visible signs of decay or distress.

(2) Exterior envelope. An exterior envelope is safe and capable of being maintained if:

(a) walls and roof are weather tight under normal conditions with routine upkeep; and

(b) doors and windows are weather tight under normal conditions with routine upkeep, and the building structural systems support the loads imposed on them.

(3) Interior surfaces. An interior surface is safe and capable of being maintained if it is:

(a) structurally sound;

(b) capable of supporting a finish; and

(c) capable of continuing in its intended use, with normal maintenance and repair.

(4) Interior finishes. An interior finish is safe and capable of being maintained if it is:

(a) free of exposed lead paint;

(b) free of friable asbestos; and

(c) capable of continuing in its intended use, with normal maintenance and repair.

B. Building systems. Building systems in a special purpose school facility must be in working order and capable of being properly maintained. Building systems include roof, plumbing, telephone, electrical and heating and cooling systems as well as fire alarm, 2-way internal communication, appropriate technological infrastructure and security systems.

(1) General. A building system shall be considered to be in working order and capable of being maintained if all of the following apply:

(a) The system is capable of being operated as intended and maintained.

(b) Newly manufactured or refurbished replacement parts are available.

(c) The system is capable of supporting the adequacy standards established in this rule.

(d) Components of the system present no imminent danger of personal injury.

(2) Plumbing fixtures. A special purpose school facility shall be equipped with sanitary facilities in accordance with the New Mexico building code. Fixtures shall include, but are not limited to, water closets, urinals, lavatories and drinking fountains. In all new construction, restrooms shall be available so students will not have to exit the building. In existing facilities, restrooms shall be available for classrooms for grades 5 and below, and special needs classrooms, without having to exit the building, wherever possible within reasonable cost constraints.

(3) Fire alarm and emergency notification system. A special purpose school facility shall have a fire alarm and emergency notification system as required by applicable state fire codes and appropriate emergency procedures.

(4) 2-way communication system. A special purpose school facility shall have a 2-way internal communication system between a central location and each classroom, isolated office space, library, physical education space, cafeteria, and other regularly-used spaces.

N.M. Admin. Code § 6.27.31.8

6.27.31.8 NMAC - N, 09/14/12