(3) Criteria - For the purpose of Life
Safety, dwellings accommodating persons supported unable to evacuate without
physical assistance, in three (3) minutes or less and are required to meet one-
and two-family dwelling occupancies must comply with the following:
(a) The applicable standards of the Life
Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association, or equivalent
standards hereafter adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal; and
1. All staff should be able to assist each
person supported in evacuation from the dwelling. This may be accomplished, for
example, by assigning responsibility for a particular person supported to a
particular staff member, especially where he/she needs complete physical
assistance to evacuate. Persons supported who use a wheelchair for evacuation
purposes need not be assigned a specific staff person to assist them as long as
they are able to transfer from a fixed position to a wheelchair without
physical assistance, and evacuate the dwelling in three (3) minutes or
less.
2. Evacuation procedures
shall be sufficient so that it is not necessary for a staff person to re-enter
the building after once leaving.
3.
A risk assessment must be completed for each person supported admitted within
five (5) calendar days of admission on a form prepared by the
Department.
4. If the risk
assessment indicates that the person supported is able to evacuate without
physical assistance within three (3) minutes or less, then it is not necessary
to assign a specific staff person to assist him/her in evacuating.
5. If the risk assessment indicates that the
person supported is not able to evacuate without physical assistance within
three (3) minutes or less, then a specific staff person must be assigned to
assist him/her in evacuating. Such staff assignment is required at all times
when the person is inside the dwelling.
6. The risk assessment must be repeated when
the circumstances of the person supported change.
7. Staff assigned to persons supported
needing assistance must be trained in evacuation procedures specific to the
service recipient(s) being assisted.
8. Persons supported who are ambulatory who
cannot evacuate independently within three (3) minutes must receive education
and information needed to improve their ability to evacuate the dwelling more
independently. When documented attempts at education fail the licensee need not
continue training efforts.
9.
Provide at least two hundred (200) square feet, gross, of occupiable space per
service recipient.
10. Provide at
least:
(i) Eighty (80) square feet per person
of bedroom space for single occupancy; or
(ii) Sixty (60) square feet per person of
bedroom space for multiple occupancy.
11. Maintain proper storage and safeguards
for all flammable materials.
12.
Not use unvented gas heaters or portable electric heaters.
13. Use extension cords only on a limited
basis and under the conditions acceptable to the Office of Licensure.
14. Provide a smoke detector in each bedroom
occupied by a person supported, in the living rooms, and in other such rooms or
areas as the Office of Licensure may require. Smoke detectors must be hardwired
into the electrical system.
15.
Provide operable, type 2A-10B, C, multipurpose fire extinguishers in a fixed
location and readily accessible for use, and document that all fire
extinguishers are properly maintained and serviced.
16. Identify areas where smoking is
permitted; smoking in bedrooms must not be allowed.
17. Persons supported who use mobility aids
shall not sleep above or below ground floor.
18. Document fire-safety drills which must be
conducted:
(i) Monthly at unexpected times
and under varying conditions, ensuring each shift holds one (1) per quarter;
and
(ii) Under direct staff
supervision.
