New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 370 - OVERSIGHT OF LICENSED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY BASED WAIVER PROGRAMS
Part 17 - REQUIREMENTS FOR FREESTANDING BIRTH CENTERS
Section 8.370.17.42 - FIRE SAFETY

Universal Citation: 8 NM Admin Code 8.370.17.42

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024

All current applicable requirements of state and local codes for fire prevention and safety must be met by the facility including, but not limited to:

A. Fire clearance and inspections: Each facility must request from the fire authority having jurisdiction an annual fire inspection. If the policy of the fire authority having jurisdiction does not provide for annual inspection of the freestanding birth center, the facility must document the date the request was made and to whom. If the fire authorities make annual inspections, a copy of the latest inspection must be kept on file in the facility.

B. Staff fire safety training:

(1) All facility staff must know the location of and be instructed in proper use of fire extinguishers and other procedures to be observed in case of fire or other emergencies. The facility shall request the fire authority having jurisdiction to give periodic instruction in fire prevention and techniques of evacuation.

(2) Facility staff must be instructed as part of their duties to constantly strive to detect and eliminate potential safety hazards, such as loose handrails, frayed electrical cords, faulty equipment, blocked exits or exit ways and any other condition which could cause burns, fall, or other personal injury.

(3) Fire and evacuation drills: The facility must conduct at a minimum on a quarterly basis at least one fire drill and evacuation drill. A log must be maintained by the facility showing the date, time, number of staff participating and outlining any problems noted in the conduct of the drill.

C. Evacuation plan and preparedness plans: Each facility must have a fire and disaster evacuation plan conspicuously posted in each separate area of the building showing routes of evacuation in case of fire or disaster or other emergency, as well as a disaster preparedness plan in the event of man-made or natural disaster.

D. Provisions for emergency calls: An easily accessible hard wired telephone for summoning help, in case of emergency, must be available in the facility and a list of emergency numbers, including, but not limited to, fire department, police department, ambulance services and poison control center must be prominently posted by the telephone(s).

E. Fire extinguishers:

(1) fire extinguishers as approved by the state fire marshal or fire prevention authority having jurisdiction must be located in the freestanding birth center;

(2) fire extinguishers must be properly maintained as recommended by the manufacturer, state fire marshal or fire authority having jurisdiction; and

(3) all fire extinguishers must be inspected yearly and recharged as specified by the manufacturer, state fire marshal or fire authority having jurisdiction; all fire extinguishers must be tagged, noting the date of inspection.

F. Alarm system: A manually operated, electrically supervised fire alarm system shall be installed in each facility as required by applicable national fire protection association (life safety code) 101 (NFPA 101). Facilities located in multi-story buildings must have a fire alarm system as required by NFPA 101.

G. Fire detection system: The facility must be equipped with smoke detectors as required by the NFPA 101 (life safety code) and approved as to number, type and placement in writing by the fire authority having jurisdiction.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. New Mexico 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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