Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-8-112 - Fire Safety

The provider shall ensure:

1. The premises is free of obvious fire hazards, such as defective heating equipment, or improperly stored flammable materials. Household heating equipment must be equipped with appropriate safeguards, maintained as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Flammables and combustibles are stored more than three feet from water heaters, furnaces, portable heaters, fire- places, and wood-burning stoves.

3. If the premises has a working fireplace or wood-burning stove, it is protected by a fire screen sufficient to shield the room from open flames and flying embers.

4. A functioning fire extinguisher with a rating of "2A 10BC" or greater is available near the kitchen area. If the home has multiple levels at least one functioning fire extinguisher with a rating of "2A 10BC" or greater is available on each level.

5. At least one UL approved and working smoke detector is installed:

a. In the main living or program area of the setting;

b. In each bedroom, if overnight care is provided; and

c. On each level of a multiple-level setting.

6. A written emergency evacuation plan is developed and maintained in the home, to provide guidance on the safe and rapid evacuation of the home. An emergency evacuation plan shall:

a. Be reviewed with the child within 72 hours of placement in the home and posted in a prominent place in the home;

b. Identify multiple exits from the home;

c. Identify two routes of evacuation from each bedroom on every floor used by individuals residing in or receiving care in the home. At least one of the exit routes for these bedrooms shall lead directly to the outside of the home. If that exit leads into an area that serves as a pool enclosure, a child six years of age or less receiving care in the home shall not reside in that bedroom.

i. If the exit is a window, it shall be secured with a latching device located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor; or

ii. If the exit is a door, it shall be locked at all times with a latching device or lock located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor. If there is no quick release mechanism on the lock, it must comply with the provisions of R21-8-112(11), and a key for the deadbolt shall be located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor. Bedroom doors that lead into an area that serves as a pool enclosure shall comply with this Section and also be self-closing and self-latching. Such doors that are hinged shall also swing outward from the pool area.

d. Identify the location of fire extinguishers and fire evacuation equipment, including rope or chain ladders, and emergency lighting, as applicable;

e. Designate a safe central meeting place close to the home, known to the child, at a safe distance from potential danger;

f. Be maintained in the home to review with individuals residing in or receiving care in the home; and

g. Include the placement of equipment, such as a ladder, that can be safely used by the individuals residing in each upstairs bedroom that have been identified with fire exits.

7. All windows identified as fire exits, must have enough space for an adult to move through.

8. Each bedroom used by a foster child or child in a residential group care facility receiving care or services has two exits to the outside.

a. One exit shall be a path through the premises and leading to a door that opens to the outside. A garage door that opens either manually by lifting or with an automatic opener shall not be accepted as an exit.

b. Another exit shall be a window or door within the bedroom that opens directly to the outside.

9. Premises authorized to provide care or services to five or more children shall train staff and children in evacuation procedures and conduct emergency drills at least every three months as prescribed in this subsection.

a. Practice drills shall include actual evacuation of children to safe areas, outside, and beyond the home.

b. Drills shall be held at random times and under varying conditions to simulate the possible conditions in case of fire or other disaster.

c. All persons in the home shall participate in the drill.

d. Records shall be maintained for each emergency drill and shall include:

i. Date and time of drill;

ii. Total evacuation time;

iii. Exits used;

iv. Problems noted; and

v. Measures taken to ensure that a foster child or a child in a residential group home facility understand the purpose of a drill and his or her responsibilities during a drill.

10. 6. The exit routes for the home are clear of obstruction that could prevent safe and rapid evacuation.

11. 7. The locks on exterior doors and windows, including the front door, screen doors, and bars on windows, are equipped with a quick release mechanism. A quick release mechanism is a lock that can be opened from inside the setting without special knowledge (such as a combination) or equipment (such as a key). The Department may grant an exception to this requirement for a double-key deadbolt on a door if:

a. There is breakable glass within 40 inches of the interior locking mechanism;

b. There is another exit with a quick release mechanism on the same level of the premises; and

c. The key for the deadbolt is permanently maintained in a location that is:

i. Within six feet of the locking mechanism;

ii. Accessible to all household members;

iii. Reviewed with persons residing in or receiving care in the home; and

iv. Identified on the emergency evacuation plan.

12. 8. The address for the home is posted and visible from the street, or the local emergency response team, such as the local fire department, is notified of the location of the home in writing, with a copy of this notification maintained in the home.

13. Providers must maintain a comprehensive list of emergency telephone numbers, including poison control, and post those numbers in a prominent place in the home.

Notes

Ariz. Admin. Code § R21-8-112

New section made by exempt rulemaking at 21 A.A.R. 3517, effective 1/24/2016. Amended by final rulemaking at 23 A.A.R. 3548, effective 12/12/2017. Amended by final rulemaking at 28 A.A.R. 809, effective 6/6/2022.