New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
He - Department of Health and Human Services
Subtitle He-P - Former Division of Public Health Services
Chapter He-P 800 - RESIDENTIAL CARE AND HEALTH FACILITY RULES
Part He-P 806 - NON-EMERGENCY WALK-IN CARE CENTERS
Section He-P 806.22 - Fire Safety

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 806.22

Current through Register No. 40, October 3, 2024

(a) All NEWCCs shall meet the appropriate chapter of NFPA 101 as adopted by the commissioner of the department of safety in Saf-C 6000 under RSA 153, and as amended pursuant to RSA 153:5, I, by the state fire marshal with the board of fire control.

(b) An emergency and fire safety program shall be developed and implemented to provide for the safety of patients and personnel.

(c) The NEWCC shall immediately notify the department by phone, fax or electronic mail within 24 hours, and in writing within 72 hours, of any fire or situation, excluding a false alarm, that requires either an emergency response to the NEWCC or the evacuation of the licensed premises.

(d) The written notification required by He-P 806.22(c) shall include:

(1) The date and time of the incident;

(2) A description of the location and extent of the incident, including any injuries to patients or personnel or damage sustained by the NEWCC;

(3) A description of events preceding and following the incident;

(4) The name of any personnel or patients who were evacuated as a result of the incident, if applicable;

(5) The name of any personnel or patient who required medical treatment as a result of the incident, if applicable; and

(6) The name of the individual the licensee wishes the department to contact if additional information is required.

(e) For the use and storage of oxygen and other related gases, NEWCCs shall comply with NFPA 99 as adopted by the commissioner of the department of safety under Saf-C 6000 including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) All freestanding compressed gas cylinders shall be firmly secured to the adjacent wall or secured in a stand or rack;

(2) Storage locations shall be outdoors in an enclosure or within an enclosed interior space of noncombustible or limited-combustible construction, with doors, or with gates if outdoors, that can be secured against unauthorized entry;

(3) Oxidizing gases, such as oxygen and nitrous oxide, shall:
a. Not be stored with any flammable gas, liquid, or vapor;

b. Be separated from combustibles or incompatible materials by:
1. A minimum distance of 20 ft or 6.1 m;

2. A minimum distance of 5 ft or 1.5 m if the entire storage location is protected by an automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems; or

3. An enclosed cabinet of noncombustible construction having a minimum fire protection rating of 1/2 hour; and

c. Shall be secured in an upright position, such as with racks or chains;

(4) A precautionary sign, readable from a distance of 5 ft or 1.5 m, shall be conspicuously displayed on each door or gate of the storage room or enclosure, and shall include, at a minimum, the following: "CAUTION, OXIDIZING GAS(ES) STORED WITHIN - NO SMOKING";

(5) Precautionary signs, readable from a distance of 5 ft or 1.5 m, and with language such as "OXYGEN IN USE, NO SMOKING", shall be conspicuously displayed wherever supplemental oxygen is in use and in aisles and walkways leading to the area of use, and shall be attached to adjacent doorways or to building walls or be supported by other appropriate means; and

(6) Must comply with NH department of transportation requirements with regard to oxygen transport, storage, and use.

(f) Each licensee shall develop a written emergency plan that covers:

(1) Loss of electricity, water and or heat;

(2) Bomb threat;

(3) Severe weather;

(4) Fire;

(5) Gas leaks; and

(6) Any situation that requires evacuation or closure of the NEWCC.

(g) Each licensee shall annually review and revise, as needed, its emergency plan.

(h) Evacuation drills shall include the transmission of a fire alarm signal if a fire alarm system is installed, and simulation of emergency fire condition.

(i) Evacuation drills shall be quarterly and vary in time, as needed, to include all staff.

(j) All staff shall participate in at least one drill quarterly.

(k) For NEWCCs located within a retail store or pharmacy, the fire drill shall consist of a required review of all fire safety procedures and exit protocols for the retail store or pharmacy. All personnel on duty shall participate fully in each drill held by the retail store or pharmacy in which the NEWCC may be located.

(l) For personnel who are unable to participate in the scheduled drill as required in He-P 806.22(j) on the day they return to work the administrator or designee shall, if applicable, instruct them as to any changes in the facility's fire and emergency plan and document such instruction in their personnel file.

(m) Personnel who are unable to participate in a drill in accordance with He-P 806.22(j) shall participate in a drill within the next quarter.

(n) Regular staff, including per-diem or temporary personnel shall not be the only person(s) on duty unless they have:

(1) Participated in at least one actual fire drill in the facility in the past year; and

(2) Participated in the facility's orientation program pursuant to He-P 806.16.

(o) All emergency and evacuation drills shall be documented and include the following information:

(1) The names of the personnel involved in the evacuation;

(2) The number of patients involved in the evacuation;

(3) The time, including AM or PM, date, month, and year the drill was conducted;

(4) The exits utilized;

(5) The total time necessary to evacuate the NEWCC;

(6) The time needed to complete the drill; and

(7) Any problems encountered and corrective actions taken to rectify problems.

#9655, eff 2-13-10

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