Okla. Admin. Code § 377:3-13-48

Current through Vol. 42, No. 8, January 2, 2025

Section 377:3-13-48 - Safety and emergency

(a)Fire protection. Minimum state fire safety requirements for secure juvenile detention facilities are enforced by the State Fire Marshal's office. Documentation of compliance is available at the facility at all times.

(1) Secure juvenile detention facilities for juveniles must comply with the Building Officials Administrators Code (BOCA) as enforced by the State Fire Marshal's office.

(2) The facility's written policy and procedure provide for a qualified fire and safety officer to regularly inspect the facility for compliance with safety and fire prevention requirements. The facility director and designated staff shall conduct an annual review of policy and procedure. An administrative staff member or designee shall conduct a fire and safety inspection of the facility at least weekly.

(3) The facility's written policy and procedure relating to fire safety is reviewed at least annually by certification staff.

(4) Written policy and procedure specify the facility's fire prevention regulations and practices to ensure the safety of staff, juveniles, and visitors. Fire prevention practices include, but are not limited to:

(A) a provision for an adequate fire protection service; and

(B) annual inspection and testing of equipment by a fire service company approved by the local fire official.

(5) Fire hoses or extinguishers are available at appropriate locations throughout the facility.

(6) Specifications for the selection and approval of facility furnishings indicate the fire safety performance requirements of the materials selected.

(A) Materials selected are subjected to careful fire safety evaluation before purchase or use.

(B) Only mattresses manufactured from materials that are not highly flammable are used.

(7) The facility is equipped with non-combustible receptacles for smoking materials. Separate containers are provided in other locations throughout the facility for other combustible refuse.

(8) A fire alarm and automatic detection system is required as approved by the state and/or local fire marshal.

(9) Special containers are provided for flammable liquids and for rags used with flammable liquids.

(10) All plans for exiting the building during time of fire emergencies are posted in a conspicuous place on all levels of the facility.

(b)General emergency procedures. Written policy and procedure specify the means for the prompt release of juveniles from locked areas in case of emergency and provide for a secondary release system if electrically equipped.

(1) All facility personnel shall be trained in the implementation of written emergency plans.

(2) Written policy and procedure govern the control and use of all flammable, toxic, and caustic materials.

(3) The facility director or designee shall develop written plans which specify procedures to be followed in emergency situations, e.g., fire, disturbances, taking of hostages. These plans are made available to all applicable personnel and are reviewed and updated at least annually.

(4) The facility shall have access to an alternate power source to maintain essential services in an emergency. Essential services include but are not limited to:

(i) access to drinking water;

(ii) security lighting;

(iii) appropriate food storage; and

(iv) ability to maintain safe building temperatures

(c)Exits. The facility shall have exits that are properly positioned and clearly, distinctly, and permanently marked in order to ensure the timely evacuation of juveniles and staff in the event of fire or other emergency.

(1) Two identifiable exits are located in each juvenile housing area and other high density areas to permit the prompt evacuation of juveniles and staff under emergency conditions.

(2) The facility shall have exits that are continuously visible at all times, kept clear, and maintained in usable condition.

(d)Emergency evacuation. The facility shall create, and review annually, an emergency evacuation plan. The plan, or any annual amendments to the plan, shall be submitted for approval to the OJA Licensing and Programs Assessment division. The plan must contain at a minimum:

(1) A secondary site will be identified by the facility, in the event the facility needs to evacuate in case of emergency or natural disaster.

(2) Should the emergency necessitate an absence from the facility in excess of twenty-four (24) hours, the secondary site must be emergency certified by the OJA Licensing and Programs Assessment division and meet all Safety, Security and Control, and Physical Plant Requirements for Secure Detention.

(3) Should a detention facility be damaged, OJA Licensing and Programs Assessment division may require an inspection be conducted prior to allowing the continued certification of the facility. The Licensing and Programs division will arrange to conduct the inspection with the detention provider.

(4) If necessary, OJA shall assist with moving youth from facility due to damage or factors that make the facility unable to operate.

(e)Facility maintenance. Requirements for maintenance of the facility are set forth in this subsection.

(1)Housekeeping. All habitable and non-habitable areas are maintained in a condition free of litter.

(2)Laundry. Work areas are maintained in a clean and safe condition. Equipment is installed in such a way as to meet safety requirements.

(3)Maintenance of the activity area. Equipment is maintained in good repair and activity areas are free of hazards.

(4)Maintenance of the interior structure. The interior of the building, including appliances, machinery, and equipment, is maintained in proper working order at all times. Interior walls, carpeting, and furniture is repaired, replaced, and kept in acceptable condition.

(5)Interior finish materials. All interior surfaces, including walls, ceilings and floors, must have flame-spread ratings as outlined by the BOCA Building Code. Documentation of appropriate flame-spread ratings must be obtained from the manufactures of the material. Examples of interior finishing materials include, but are not limited to, paint, paneling, wallpaper, carpets, and tile.

(6)Furnishings and decorations. Draperies, curtains, and similar furnishings and decorations must be flame resistant.

(A) Proof of flame resistance is documented from the material manufacturer that the material passed the criteria of NFPA 701, small and large scale tests.

(B) Waste baskets and other waste containers must be of noncombustible or self-extinguishing materials.

(C) Mattresses and upholstered or cushion furniture may not be of a highly flammable character.

(7)Exterior surfaces. All exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, must be protected from the elements and decay by a lead-free paint or other product to provide a protective covering or treatment. Toxic paint and materials may not be used where readily accessible to juveniles.

Okla. Admin. Code § 377:3-13-48

Added at 14 Ok Reg 1863, eff 6-2-97

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 38, Issue 23, August 16, 2021, eff. 8/26/2021