Current through September 2, 2024
Buildings on the premises used as a hospital shall meet all the requirements of local, state, and national codes concerning fire and life safety that are applicable to hospitals.
01.
General Requirements. General requirements for the fire and life safety standards for a hospital are that:
a. The hospital shall be structurally sound and shall be maintained and equipped to assure the safety of patients, employees, and the public.
b. On the premises of all hospitals where natural or man-made hazards are present, suitable fences, guards, and railings shall be provided to protect patients, employees, and the public.
02.
Life Safety Code Requirements. The hospital shall meet such provisions of the "Life Safety Code," 1985 Edition, of the National Fire Protection Association as are applicable to Health Care Occupancies that is incorporated by reference.
a. Any hospital in compliance with either the 1967 Edition of the "Life Safety Code" or the 1981 Edition of the "Life Safety Code" prior to the effective date of these rules is considered to be in compliance with this section so long as the hospital continues to remain in compliance with that Edition of the "Life Safety Code." Life Safety Codes are available in the licensing agency of the Department.
b. Remodelings, additions, and/or upgrading of building systems in existing hospitals shall meet the minimum standards set forth in the 1985 Edition of the "Life Safety Code" for new construction.
c. In the event of a conflict between the applicable edition of the Life Safety Code and applicable state or local building, fire, electrical, plumbing, zoning, heating, sanitation or other applicable codes, the most restrictive shall govern.
03.
Electrical Safety. A continued effort shall be made to provide an electrically safe environment within the hospital. Written policies and procedures shall be established for, but not limited to, the following:
a. Methods and frequency of testing, verification of performance, and use specifications for all hospital electrical patient care equipment. All new equipment shall be tested prior to use and in no case shall the retesting interval exceed one (1) year; and
b. Periodic evaluation of the electrical distribution system and all nonpatient care equipment. Inspection and testing of nonclinical equipment shall be performed at regular intervals to be determined by the chief maintenance engineer; and
c. Specific restrictions on the use of extension cords and adapters. Extension cords shall be used in emergency situations only, be of the grounded type and have wire gauge compatible to the piece of equipment being used; and
d. Prohibition of the use of personal electrical equipment by patients and employees. Specific items may be allowed if the hospital adopts formal policies for defining and inspecting them.
04.
Smoking. Because smoking has been acknowledged to be a fire hazard, a continuous effort shall be made to reduce its presence in the hospital. Written regulations governing smoking shall be conspicuously posted and made known to all hospital personnel, patients, and the public. These regulations shall include provisions for compliance with the "Idaho Clean Indoor Air Act" and at least the following provisions:
a. Smoking shall be prohibited in any area of the hospital where flammable liquids, gases or oxygen is in use or stored. These areas shall be posted with appropriate signage; and
b. Patients shall not be permitted to smoke in bed unless a responsible person is in attendance; and
c. Unsupervised smoking by patients classified as not mentally or physically responsible shall be prohibited. This shall also include patients so affected by medications; and
d. Smoking shall be prohibited in areas where combustible materials and supplies are stored; and
e. Designated areas shall be provided for employee and visitor smoking. This requirement need not be complied with in any hospital that has established, by policy, that smoking is prohibited within the hospital.
05.
Emergency Plans for Protection and Evacuation of Patients. The hospital shall develop a prearranged written plan for employee response for protection of patients and for orderly evacuation of residents in case of an emergency.
a. A diagram of the building noting the locations of exits, extinguishers, and fire alarm pull stations along with written emergency instructions shall be available within each department of the hospital.
b. Emergency plans shall be thoroughly tested and used as necessary to assure rapid and efficient function.
c. Fire drills shall be planned by key personnel and conducted on an unannounced basis. Fire drills shall be held as required by the "Life Safety Code."
06.
Report of Fire. A separate report on each fire incident occurring within the hospital shall be submitted to the Department within thirty (30) days of the occurrence. The reporting form, "Facility Fire Incident Report," shall be issued by the Department to secure specific data concerning date, origin, extent of damage, method of extinguishment, and injuries, if any.
07.
Maintenance of Equipment. The hospital shall establish routine test, check, and maintenance procedures for alarm systems, extinguishment systems, and all essential electrical systems. Frequency of testing, checks, and maintenance shall be in accordance with applicable National Fire Protection Association Standards referenced in Appendix B of the 1985 "Life Safety Code" or as adopted by the Idaho State Fire Marshal.
Effective March 17, 2022
