Ohio Administrative Code
Title 1301:7 - Division of State Fire Marshal
Chapter 1301:7-7 - Ohio Fire Code
Section 1301:7-7-04 - Emergency planning and preparedness

(a) 401.3.1 Fire events. In the event an unwanted fire occurs on a property, the owner or occupant shall immediately report such condition to the fire department.

(b) 401.3.2 Alarm activations. Upon activation of a fire alarm signal, employees or staff shall immediately notify the fire department.

(c) 401.3.3 Delayed notification. A person shall not, by verbal or written directive, require any delay in the reporting of a fire to the fire department.

(a) 403.2.1 Seating plan. In addition to the requirements of paragraph (D)(2) ( 404.2) of this rule, the fire safety and evacuation plans for assembly occupancies shall include a detailed seating plan, occupant load and occupant load limit. Deviations from the approved plans shall be allowed provided the occupant load limit for the occupancy is not exceeded and the aisles and exit accessways remain unobstructed.

(b) 403.2.2 Announcements. In theaters, motion picture theaters, auditoriums and similar assembly occupancies in Group A used for noncontinuous programs, an audible announcement shall be made not more than 10 minutes prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Exception: In motion picture theaters, the announcement is allowed to be projected upon the screen in a manner approved by the fire code official.

(c) 403.2.3 Fire watch personnel. Fire watch personnel shall be provided where required by paragraph (C)(12)(a)(403.12.1) of this rule.

(d) 403.2.4 Crowd managers. Crowd managers shall be provided where required by paragraph (C)(12)(c)(403.12.3) of this rule.

(a) 403.3.1 Fire evacuation plan. The fire safety and evacuation plan required by paragraph (D)(404) of this rule shall include a description of special staff actions. This shall include procedures for stabilizing patients in a defend-in-place response, staged evacuation, or full evacuation in conjunction with the entire building if part of a multitenant facility.

(b) 403.3.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the plan shall be maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall include all of the following in addition to the requirements of paragraph (D)(404) of this rule:

(c) 403.3.3 Staff training. Employees shall be periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties and responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by the staff not less than every two months. A copy of the plan shall be readily available at all times within the facility.

(d) 403.3.4 Emergency evacuation drills. Emergency evacuation drills shall comply with paragraph (E)(405) of this rule. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted not less than four times per year.

Exception: The movement of patients to safe areas or to the exterior of the building is not required.

(a) 403.5.1 First emergency evacuation drill. The first emergency evacuation drill of each school year shall be conducted within 10 days of the beginning of classes.

(b) 403.5.2 Time of day. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at different hours of the day or evening, during the changing of classes, when the school is at assembly, during the recess or gymnastic periods, or during other times to avoid distinction between drills and actual fires.

(c) 403.5.3 Assembly points. Outdoor assembly areas shall be designated and shall be located a safe distance from the building being evacuated so as to avoid interference with fire department operations. The assembly areas shall be arranged to keep each class separate to provide accountability of all individuals.

(a) 403.7.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies shall comply with paragraphs (C)(7)(a)(i)(403.7.1.1) to (C)(7)(a)(iv)(403.7.1.4) of this rule.

(a) 403.8.1 Group I-1 occupancies. Group I-1 occupancies shall comply with paragraphs (C)(8)(a)(i)(403.8.1.1) to (C)(8)(a)(vii)(403.8.1.7) of this rule.

(b) 403.8.2 Group I-2 occupancies. Group I-2 occupancies shall comply with paragraphs (C)(8)(b)(i)(403.8.2.1) to (C)(8)(b)(iii)(403.8.2.3) of this rule as well as paragraphs (A)(401) and (D)(404) to (F)(406) of this rule.

(c) 403.8.3 Group I-3 occupancies. Group I-3 occupancies shall comply with paragraphs (C)(8)(c)(i)(403.8.3.1) to (C)(8)(c)(iv)(403.8.3.4) of this rule.

(a) 403.10.1 Group R-1 occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for Group R-1 occupancies. Group R-1 occupancies shall comply with paragraphs (C)(10)(a)(i)(403.10.1.1) to (C)(10)(a)(iii) (403.10.1.3) of this rule.

(b) 403.10.2 Group R-2 occupancies. Group R-2 occupancies shall comply with paragraphs (C)(10)(b)(i)(403.10.2.1) to (C)(10)(b)(iii)(403.10.2.3) of this rule.

(c) 403.10.3 Group R-4 occupancies. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for Group R-4 occupancies. Group R-4 occupancies shall comply with paragraphs (C)(10)(c)(i)(403.10.3.1) to (C)(10)(c)(vi) (403.10.3.6) of this rule.

(a) 403.11.1 Covered and open mall buildings. Covered and open mall buildings shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs (C)(11)(a)(i) (403.11.1.1) to (C)(11)(a)(vi)(403.11.1.6) of this rule.

(b) 403.11.2 High-rise buildings. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for high-rise buildings.

(c) 403.11.3 Underground buildings. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for underground buildings.

(d) 403.11.4 Buildings using occupant evacuation elevators. In buildings using occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Section 3008 of the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code, the fire safety and evacuation plan and the training required by paragraphs (D)(404) and (F)(406) of this rule, respectively, shall incorporate specific procedures for the occupants using such elevators.

(a) 403.12.1 Fire watch personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a place of assembly or any other place where people congregate, because of the number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall provide one or more fire watch personnel, as required and approved. Fire watch personnel shall comply with paragraphs (C)(12)(a)(i)(403.12.1.1) and (C)(12)(a)(ii)(403.12.1.2) of this rule.

(b) 403.12.2 Public safety plan for gatherings. Where the fire code official determines that an indoor or outdoor gathering of persons has an adverse impact on public safety through diminished access to buildings, structures, fire hydrants and fire apparatus access roads or where such gatherings adversely affect public safety services of any kind, the fire code official shall have the authority to order the development of or prescribe a public safety plan that provides an approved level of public safety and addresses the following items:

(c) 403.12.3 Crowd managers for gatherings exceeding 1,000 people. Where facilities or events involve a gathering of more than 1,000 people, crowd managers shall be provided in accordance with paragraphs (C)(12)(c)(i) (403.12.3.1) to (C)(12)(c)(iii)(403.12.3.3) of this rule.

(d) 403.12.4 Apparatus access at carnivals, fairs, and amusement buildings. At all events subject to or permitted in accordance with paragraph (E)(6)(b) (105.6.2) or (E)(6)(d)(105.6.4) of rule 1301:7-7-01 of the Administrative Code, no parking, vehicle, vendor, concession apparatus, booth, or any other obstruction shall be arranged or maintain in any manner that blocks the unobstructed access of emergency response vehicles to the permitted premises or in any manner that blocks the emergency response vehicles from accessing all portions of the permitted premises. The determination of access necessary shall be based upon the size and turning radius of the equipment and vehicles of the permitting entity or authority.

(a) 404.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:

(b) 404.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:

(c) 404.2.3 Lockdown plans. Where facilities develop a lockdown plan, the lockdown plan shall be in accordance with paragraphs (D)(2)(c)(i) (404.2.3.1) to (D)(2)(c)(iii)(404.2.3.3) of this rule.

(a) 404.4.1 Distribution. The fire safety and evacuation plans shall be distributed to the tenants and building service employees by the owner or the owner's agent. Tenants shall distribute to their employees applicable parts of the fire safety plan affecting the employees' actions in the event of a fire or other emergency.

(b) 404.4.2 An evacuation plan indicating the primary and secondary emergency evacuation routes, and including proper occupant-to-building orientation, shall be permanently and conspicuously posted at the main exit door inside of each room accessible to all persons in all educational occupancies. The plan shall not be obscured from view by any materials.

(a) 405.1.1 Schools and children's homes. A principal or person in charge of a public or private school or educational institution having an average daily attendance of twenty or more pupils or a person in charge of any children's home or orphanage housing twenty or more minor persons shall instruct and train such children by means of drills or rapid dismissals so that such children in a sudden emergency may leave the building in the shortest possible time without confusion. Such drills or rapid dismissals shall be conducted in accordance with the following:

(b) 405.1.2 Records. While school is in operation, the person responsible for conducting fire drills pursuant to section 3737.73 of the Revised Code shall file a copy of the fire drill records containing the information required under paragraph (E)(5)( 405.5) of this rule and other information required by the state fire marshal for inspection verification with the state fire marshal. When required by the fire code official, such fire drill records shall also be submitted to the firefighting agency having jurisdiction that conducts inspections of the subject facility. Such fire drill records shall be submitted at the middle point and again at the end of the school year. The "school year" includes any time during which the average daily attendance comprises twenty or more pupils.

(c) 405.1.3 Intent to conduct inspections of emergency evacuation drill records. Pursuant to division (C) of section 3737.73 of the Revised Code, any duly constituted fire department of a political subdivision of this state may become the designee of the state fire marshal for the purposes of annually conducting inspections of schools, educational institutions, children's home, or orphanage to determine compliance with this paragraph and division (A), (B), (E), or (F) of section 3737.73 of the Revised Code.

To become the state fire marshal's designee, the fire department shall file a written notice with the state fire marshal of the department's intent to conduct inspections of schools, educational institutions, children's homes or orphanages. Such written notice shall identify each school, educational institution or children's home that the fire department intends to inspect specifically by name and address. Notice shall be submitted to the state fire marshal on or before the first day of August of each calendar year.

Any fire department that files a written notice with the state fire marshal of its intent to conduct inspections and becomes the state fire marshal's designee shall remain the state fire marshal's designee and shall conduct inspections for the purposes of determining compliance with this paragraph and with section 3737.73 of the Revised Code until such time as the department notifies the state fire marshal that it will no longer conduct such inspections. Such notice shall be in writing and shall identify each school, educational institution, children's home, or orphanage specifically by name and address and shall clearly state that the department will no longer inspect. The notice shall be submitted to the state fire marshal at least 30 days prior to the time that the department discontinues its inspection program.

Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit a fire code official's authority to conduct an inspection of a school for the purposes of determining compliance with this code.

a. In severe climates, the fire code official shall have the authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill frequency.

b. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

c. Emergency evacuation drills are required in ambulatory care facilities in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)( 403.3) of this rule.

d. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with paragraph (C)(10)(b)(i)(403.10.2.1) of this rule. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance with paragraph (C)(10) (b)(ii)(403.10.2.2) of this rule.

(a) Identity of the person conducting the drill.

(b) Date and time of the drill.

(c) Notification method used.

(d) Employees on duty and participating.

(e) Number of occupants evacuated.

(f) Special conditions simulated.

(g) Problems encountered.

(h) Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.

(i) Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.

(a) 406.3.1 Fire prevention training. Employees shall be apprised of the fire hazards of the materials and processes to which they are exposed. Each employee shall be instructed in the proper procedures for preventing fires in the conduct of their assigned duties.

(b) 406.3.2 Evacuation training. Employees shall be familiarized with the fire alarm and evacuation signals, their assigned duties in the event of an alarm or emergency, evacuation routes, areas of refuge, exterior assembly areas and procedures for evacuation.

(c) 406.3.3 Fire safety training. Employees assigned fire-fighting duties shall be trained to know the locations and proper use of portable fire extinguishers or other manual fire-fighting equipment and the protective clothing or equipment required for its safe and proper use.

(d) 406.3.4 Emergency lockdown training. Where a facility has a lockdown plan, employees shall be trained on their assigned duties and procedures in the event of an emergency lockdown.

(a) The fire alarm system shall not be used to alert building occupants of a tornado, tornado alert, or tornado warning.

(b) The principal or person in charge of the school shall submit a clear, comprehensive, detailed, and legible drawing to the local fire code official, showing the building floor plan(s) and designated tornado shelter area(s). Each room or area shown on the plan shall be clearly indicated as to its particular use.

(c) The drawing required by paragraph (H)(2)(b)( 408.2) of this rule, shall be submitted to the local fire code official for his information. A copy shall be maintained in the office of each school, for examination by the state fire marshal or local fire code official.

(d) Tornado drills shall be conducted at least once a month whenever school is in session during the tornado season. For the purpose of this rule, "tornado season" is the period from the first day of April to the last day of July. A record of such drills shall be maintained in the office of each school for examination by the fire code official.

(e) The occupants of modular classroom facilities shall be moved out of such facilities and to the designated tornado shelter area(s) in the event of a tornado, tornado alert, or tornado warning.

(f) Each local fire code official conducting the annual inspection of each school or institution shall be designated pursuant to division (C) of section 3737.73 of the Revised Code to verify compliance with the tornado safety provisions of this rule.

(a) Whenever possible, designate areas which are located below ground level, in the core of the building, in rooms or spaces with short ceiling spans, and on the leeward side. The farther the area is below ground level, the greater the protection. In any event, the area should be on the lowest floor, in the center of the building, and in a corridor or small room.

(b) First aid kits and supplies should be in or close to the tornado shelter area(s).

(c) Avoid walls of glass, windows, skylights, and areas containing trophy cases or other fixtures of glass.

(d) Avoid load-bearing walls and exterior walls, especially those on the windward side or facing the south, southwest, or west.

(e) Avoid corridors which are not baffled with a wall or walls and that open to the south, southwest, or west.

(f) Avoid an area with only one exit, unless overriding considerations should prevail.

(g) Avoid rooms or areas which are locked, since they may not be readily accessible during an emergency.

(h) Avoid, absolutely, chimneys and the use of cars, buses, and modular classroom buildings.

(i) Avoid rooms or spaces with long ceiling spans, that are opposite openings or doorways that lead into rooms with windows in exterior walls, or that are within the unprotected, falling radius of higher building components.

(a) Windows, skylights, and other components of glass, should be avoided. Glass is no match for tornado force winds and usually breaks into many jagged pieces which are blown into interior spaces from the windward side. Acrylic or poly carbonate plastics are more resistant to impact than glass, but large panes will pop out. Tempered glass will shatter into thousands of cube-like pieces that will be propelled by the winds like shrapnel. Windows at the ends of corridors, particularly those facing south, southwest, and west, are very dangerous. They will probably be blown down the corridor in a wind tunnel effect.

(b) Windward side walls, which usually are on the south and west, receive the full strength of the winds. It is assumed that windows on these sides will be broken and blown into the rooms on the windward side. This often results in increased air pressure, which aids in raising the roof.

(c) Wind tunnels occur in unprotected corridors facing the oncoming winds, which usually come from the south or west. Openings facing these directions allow the winds to penetrate into interior spaces. The winds apparently occupy almost the entire volume of such a wind tunnel, as debris marks have been found to cover the full height of the walls. If entrances are baffled with a solid massive wall, this effect is much less serious.

(d) Lightweight roofs such as steel deck plate, wood planks, or plywood will usually be lifted up by the wind and partially carried away, with some roof debris falling below.

(e) Heavier roofs, especially precast concrete planks, may lift up and move slightly and then fall, but not always returning to their original support location. If the support has collapsed, the heavy roof may fall into the area below.

(f) Long-span rooms almost always have high ceilings. The exterior walls are usually higher than the typical one-story wall. Often these walls, especially those with southern or western exposures, will collapse into the long span. If they are load-bearing walls, the roof will cave in on the area also. Avoid rooms such as gyms, auditoriums and cafeterias.

(g) Load-bearing walls are the sole support for floors or roofs above. If winds cause the supporting walls to fail, part or all of the roof or floors above will collapse. The most dangerous locations in a building are usually along the south and west sides, and at all corners.

(h) Masonry construction is not immune to wall collapse. Most masonry walls are not vertically reinforced, and can fail when high horizontal forces occur, such as those caused by winds.

Replaces: 1301:7-7-04.