New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 44A - STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY RESIDENCES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Subchapter 6 - FIRE SAFETY AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Section 10:44A-6.3 - Egress protocols

Universal Citation: NJ Admin Code 10:44A-6.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

(a) Individuals residing in a community residence are presumed to have a prompt self-evacuation capability when the following conditions are met:

1. A site-specific evacuation plan is written and implemented that conforms to the requirements at N.J.A.C. 10:44A-6.2;

2. Fire drills, supervised by staff, are performed a minimum of once per month, during which all occupants shall evacuate from the nearest exit;

3. Each shift performs at least four fire drills a year;

4. Fire drills are performed at random and varying times so that individuals are engaged in a variety of routine activities during the drills;

5. Fire drills ensure that all means of egress are used throughout the year; except those in areas that are not routinely utilized by individuals, such as unfinished basements, furnace rooms, and garages without ramps;

6. A prompt egress time of three minutes or less is attained and maintained.
i. The evacuation drill shall be timed from when the alarm is sounded until the last occupant crosses the threshold of a means of egress;

7. Individuals are free from physical restraint and are not locked in at any time; and

8. Written records are maintained including the following information:
i. The date and time of the fire drill;

ii. The location of the simulated fire;

iii. The means of egress used;

iv. The full names of individuals and staff who participated in the drill; and

v. The time required for all persons to evacuate the residence.

(b) Within 24 hours of admission, each individual shall participate in a fire drill to ensure knowledge of emergency egress procedures.

(c) If the individual is unable to evacuate the residence in three minutes or less after re-training, the licensee shall take steps that result in prompt evacuation in subsequent drills, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Add awake staff to ensure the three-minute time is met;

2. Relocate individuals so that the three-minute time is met; or

3. Conform to the I-1 Use Group classification (N.J.A.C. 5:23-6.21 and 6.21A).

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