5139-35-10. Safety and emergency procedures

(A) The following standards are mandatory:

(1) The CRC complies with the regulations of the state or local fire safety authority, whichever has primary jurisdiction over the agency.

(2) Written policy and procedure specify CRC fire prevention regulations and practices to ensure the safety of staff, clients and visitors. These include, but are not limited to:

Provision for an adequate fire protection service;

A system of fire inspections and testing of equipment at least quarterly;

An annual inspection by local or state fire officials or other qualified person(s);

Availability of fire protection equipment at appropriate locations throughout the CRC.

(3) The CRC has written fire and other emergency plans which are communicated to all employees and children and reviewed annually and updated, if needed.

(4) Written emergency plans are disseminated to appropriate local authorities. Directions to and the location of exits, fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment, and other emergency equipment are posted in the CRC.

(5) All CRC personnel are trained in the implementation of written emergency plans.

(6) The CRC conducts quarterly emergency evacuation drills under varied conditions and during hours when a majority of children are present in the CRC. These are to be documented and retained for at least one year.

(7) The CRC has a fire alarm system and an automatic detection system which is approved by the authority having jurisdiction. All system elements are tested on a quarterly basis; adequacy and operation of the systems are approved by a state fire official or other qualified authority annually.

(8) Exits in the CRC are in compliance with either state or local fire safety authorities, whichever has primary jurisdiction over the CRC. If there is not an applicable state or local fire authority, there is documentation by an independent qualified source that the CRC complies with national fire safety codes.

(9) The CRC has available to it the services of a qualified fire and safety officer who reviews and approves all policies and procedures related to safety and fire prevention.

(B) The following standards are recommended:

(1) The CRC has access to an alternate power source to maintain essential services in an emergency.

(2) There is a written plan which provides for continuous CRC operation in the event of a concerted employee work stoppage or other job action. Copies of this plan are available to all supervisory personnel who are required to familiarize themselves with its contents.

(C) The following standard is recommended for existing CRCs and mandatory for new plants:

Within ninety days after the effective date of this rule, specifications for the selection and approval of newly acquired furnishings for living areas indicate the fire safety performance requirements of the material selected. Such materials are subject to careful fire safety evaluation before purchase or use. Neoprene or cotton mattresses treated with boric acid are recommended. Polyurethane is not to be used in any living area.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 9/27/2019 and 09/27/2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 5139.04
Rule Amplifies: 5139.04
Prior Effective Dates: 12/11/1988, 10/30/2014

Prior History: (Effective: 10/30/2014
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 08/14/2014 and 10/30/2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 5139.04
Rule Amplifies: 5139.04
Prior Effective Dates: 12/11/1988)