New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 10 - HUMAN SERVICES
Chapter 44B - MANUAL OF STANDARDS FOR COMMUNITY CARE RESIDENCES
Subchapter 6 - PHYSICAL PLANT AND SAFETY
Section 10:44B-6.3 - Fire safety

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

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

(a) Independent battery or hardwired electric smoke alarms shall be securely mounted on the ceiling, at least four inches from the wall or according to manufacturers' instructions. Smoke alarms shall be installed on the ceiling on each floor, including the basement ceiling, and located in the following areas:

1. One unit on the hallway ceiling of any floor with sleeping areas;

2. One unit in the main living area of the residence;

3. One unit in the basement;

4. One unit in attic areas that contain storage; and

5. Additional units in areas designated as high hazard or without adequate coverage.

(b) All smoke alarms shall be properly maintained and be in operating condition.

(c) For residences supplied with gas or oil heat and/or that have an attached garage, one battery operated or electric powered carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed according to manufacturer's instructions in any hallway where there are sleeping areas, or where there is no hallway, next to the sleeping area.

(d) The licensee shall test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, even when there are no individuals residing in the home. Documentation of these tests shall be maintained as part of the fire drill record.

(e) One 1A:10B:C rated fire extinguisher shall be maintained in the kitchen in clear view, fully charged as indicated by the gauge, and readily accessible.

(f) The licensee shall demonstrate competency in the use of the fire extinguisher.

(g) The licensee shall conduct and record unannounced fire drills once a month when individuals are in the home.

1. Drills shall be held at varying times of the day and night and, at a minimum, one drill a year shall be conducted while the individuals are asleep.

2. The licensee shall vary the exit routes from the home and the location of the hypothetical fire.

(h) The evacuation time shall be three minutes or less, from the sound of the smoke alarm to the last person exiting the home.

1. Fire drills shall be timed exactly utilizing a timing device that measures time to the second.

(i) Documentation of the fire drills shall be maintained on the Office of Licensing's form, filed in the licensee's administrative records, and shall include:

1. The date and time of the fire drill;

2. The exact time required for evacuation;

3. The location of the hypothetical fire and exit(s) used; and

4. The names of persons involved.

(j) A fire drill shall be conducted within 24 hours of any admission to the home and within 24 hours of a fire drill exceeding three minutes.

(k) If there is any reason to believe that an evacuation problem exists, the licensee shall contact a representative of the placing agency to observe a fire drill conducted in the residence, and follow all recommendations made by the placing agency.

(l) An area of at least three feet surrounding the furnace, hot water heater, fireplace, or wood or pellet burning stove shall be maintained free from combustible materials/items of any kind.

(m) Portable area or space heaters and halogen lights shall be prohibited.

(n) Extension cords shall be UL approved and only used with small appliances and/or indoor holiday decorations in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

(o) The licensee shall ensure that any occupant, visitor, or individual in the home who smokes does so in a safe manner, and shall provide ashtrays in all areas where smoking is permitted. Smoking in bed shall be prohibited.

(p) Wood or pellet burning stoves shall be permitted only if proof of its proper installation is provided by the local construction official.

(q) Fireplaces and wood or pellet burning stoves and all components shall be kept clean and well maintained.

1. An A-rated fire extinguisher shall be available in the same room as the wood or pellet burning stove or fireplace.

2. Protective screening or covers shall be provided so as to prevent occupants in the home from coming into direct contact with the fire and/or prevent sparks from flying into the home from the fireplace.

3. Fireplaces, if used, must be professionally inspected, and cleaned if necessary, annually, and documentation of such shall be maintained.

(r) Combustive materials shall be stored in non-combustible containers. The accumulation of combustible materials in any part of the residence is prohibited.

(s) There shall be at least two means of egress from the residence, as approved by the Office of Licensing.

(t) Electric and gas clothes dryers shall be maintained and used in a safe manner.

1. Lint trap screens in clothes dryers shall be maintained in good repair and cleaned after each use.

2. Dryer vent ducts shall be maintained in good repair, remain unblocked and uncrushed, and properly connected to the dryer.

3. The area around the dryer shall be maintained free of lint, clothing, and garbage.

4. Exterior dryer vent exhausts shall be kept clean, free of lint, and provided with a commercially made protective cover that is designed to prevent pests from entering the dryer vent.

(u) Candles shall only be used with a noncombustible shield surrounding the candle and the flame, and kept at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. The use of candles in bedrooms or sleeping areas, in utility rooms, or in rooms adjacent to utility rooms, for emergency lighting, or left unattended, is prohibited.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Jersey may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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