Washington Administrative Code
Title 388 - Social and Health Services, Department of
CHILD CARE AGENCIES/LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Chapter 388-145 - Licensing requirements for group care facilities and services
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND TOYS
Fire Safety and Emergency Practices
Section 388-145-1665 - What are the fire safety requirements for all group residential facilities?

Universal Citation: WA Admin Code 388-145-1665

Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024

(1) You must comply with the regulations developed by the chief of the Washington state patrol through the director of the fire protection bureau (WSP/FPB). These regulations are contained in the current fire code and Washington state amendments as adopted by the state of Washington. Contact the WSP/FPB for specific requirements.

(2) If you operate a staffed residential home for five or fewer children you must meet the fire safety requirements outlined in chapter 388-148 WAC for child foster homes.

(3) You and your staff must be familiar with safety procedures related to fire prevention, including fire drill procedures.

(4) You and your staff must be able to:

(a) Operate all fire extinguishers installed on the premises;

(b) Test smoke detectors (single station types);

(c) Conduct frequent inspections at your facility to identify fire hazards and take action to correct any hazards noted during the inspection;

(d) Ensure children are able to escape from every floor in your facility (in most cases, this includes a functional fire ladder available from upper stories); and

(e) Ensure windows open to the outside and are large enough for emergency personnel to enter and exit wearing rescue gear, unless the building or structure has a fire sprinkler protection system and was previously approved by the local fire marshal or building official with jurisdiction.

(5) You must have easy access to all rooms in your facility in case of emergencies.

(6) Barriers are required for fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating systems for facilities licensed for children less than six years of age. You must not leave open-flame devices unattended or use them for a purpose other than for what they were designed.

(7) Emergency vehicles must be able to access your facility. Your address must be clearly visible on your facility or mailbox so that emergency personnel can easily find your location.

(8) We may require you to have an inspection by WSP/ FPB or the local fire authority if we have questions about fire safety, or if local ordinances or WSP/FPB require these inspections.

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