Mich. Admin. Code R. 400.8530 - Hazard Areas

Rule 530.

(1) Hazard areas must be separated from the parts of the building used as a center in the following manner:

(a) In centers licensed before June 4, 1980, areas used for the storage of combustibles and other hazard areas are approved if they are enclosed with a minimum 3/4-hour fire resistive construction and doorways to the areas are protected with a minimum 13/4-inch flush solid core wood or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors equipped with approved self-closing devices and positive latching hardware.

(b) In centers licensed between June 4, 1980 and July 1, 2000, areas used for the storage of combustibles and other hazards are approved if they are enclosed by 1 of the following:

(i) If the area used for the storage of combustibles exceeds 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, openings in the separation must be protected with a minimum of 45-minute rated fire door assembly, including an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware. "B" labeled doors are acceptable.

(ii) If the area used for the storage of combustibles does not exceed 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum 3/4-hour fire resistance rating, all door openings must be protected by minimum 13/4-inch flush solid core wood doors or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors hung in substantial frames and equipped with approved self-closing devices and positive latching hardware.

(c) In centers licensed after July 1, 2000, areas used for the storage of combustibles and other hazards are approved if they are enclosed by 1 of the following:

(i) If the area used for the storage of combustibles exceeds 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, openings in the separation must be protected with a minimum of 45 minute-rated fire door assembly, including an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware. "B" labeled doors are acceptable.

(ii) If the area used for the storage of combustibles does not exceed 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating. All door openings must be protected by minimum 13/4 inch flush solid core wood doors or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors in substantial frames and equipped with approved self-closing devices and positive latching hardware.

(iii) If the area is used for the storage of combustibles, including basements and areas adjacent to the licensed area, a room must be protected according to subrule (1)(c)(i) or (ii) of this rule.

(2) If a kitchen with fuel-fired appliance cooking equipment exposes a required means of egress or child use area, it must be separated from the remainder of the building with minimum 1-hour fire resistive construction, including a minimum of 45-minute rated fire door assemblies in all common openings. Kitchens having fuel-fired appliance cooking equipment protected by an approved automatic kitchen hood suppression system are exempt from this requirement. "B" labeled doors are acceptable.

(3) The use of an incinerator is prohibited.

(4) Heating must be by a central heating plant or an approved permanently installed electrical heating system. If heating is provided by a central heating plant and located on the same floor that is used for child occupancy or adjacent to the licensed area such as the basement or attic, it must be installed in an enclosure providing not less than a 1-hour fire-resistive separation, including a minimum of 45-minute rated fire door assembly equipped with an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware in any interior door opening.

(5) In centers licensed before December 7, 2006, a properly installed heating plant located in a basement that is not used for child occupancy does not require additional protection if there is a qualified fire separation and with not less than a 13/4-inch flush solid core wood doors or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors hung in a substantial frame and equipped with an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware in all stairway openings.

(6) Any fuel-fired appliance must be located according to subrule (4) or (5) of this rule, as applicable.

(7) If electric heating is used, it must be Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL) listed, permanent, fixed-type electrical heating such as recognized panel or baseboard fixed-type. Electric heating that complies with this requirement may be installed in any location.

(8) Auxiliary heating units, such as portable combustion or electrical types, are prohibited.

(9) The center shall not store flammable materials, including fuels, pressurized cans, cleaning fluids and supplies, polishes, and matches, in heat plant enclosures. These items may be stored outside of child use areas in metal cabinets or storage facilities accessible only to authorized staff.

(10) The center shall not store combustible materials within the central heating plant or fuel-fired water heater rooms or in basements containing fuel-fired heating equipment, without a proper fire separation.

(11) The center shall not allow flammable gases, gasoline, or gasoline-powered equipment in the part of a building that is used as a center or in other parts of the building from which there is a door, window, or other opening into the center, unless that part of the building is separated from the remainder of the building by minimum 2-hour fire resistive construction.

(12) If a fuel-fired laundry equipment is installed, the equipment must be enclosed to provide a 1-hour resistance to fire, including a minimum of 45-minute rated fire door assembly in an interior door opening that would expose the center. "B" labeled doors are acceptable.

(13) Dryer vents must be metal or Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc (UL) listed flexible transition duct and vented completely to the exterior.

(14) The department does not require fire dampers in 3/4-hour and 1-hour fire-resistive enclosures.

(15) All appliances and equipment in the center must be installed and maintained in accordance with their manufacturer's specifications.

(16) Centers shall be maintained free of all conditions that constitute fire safety hazards.

(17) When oxygen is needed for a child in care, all of the following must apply:

(a) The center shall not store more than a day's worth of oxygen on the premises and only when the child is in attendance.

(b) Tanks that are not in use must be secured from tipping over and labeled as full or empty.

(c) Signs stating "Oxygen in Use" must be posted at every entrance of the building.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 400.8530

2013 AACS; 2019 AACS; 2025 MR 10, Eff. 5/7/2025