A. Part One (1): Diagrams of escape routes
must be easy to read from a short distance and posted in highly visible
locations throughout the environment, clearly indicating where a person is
located in relation to the nearest exit(s). In lieu of posted escape routes,
agency providers of Supervised Living, Supported Living, Shared Supported
Living, and Host Home Services must document training that prepares a person to
exit the location in the event of an emergency. Training must take place upon
admission and at least quarterly thereafter. This documentation must be
maintained at the service location. Additionally, for applicable providers,
verification of this training must be documented in the Executive Director's
Health, Environment, and Safety assurances submission to DMH, on a schedule as
determined by DMH.
Part Two (2): Every exit must be clearly marked with lighted
signs, and the signs must always be lighted and clearly visible. Emergency
lighting systems (appropriate to the setting) must be in corridors and/or
hallways and must provide the required illumination automatically in the event
of any interruption of normal lighting. For Supervised Living, Shared Supported
Living, Supported Living, and Host Homes, the provider must have alternative
lighting, such as battery-operated flashlights, lanterns, or generators.
B. Programs must have designated,
safe means of egress. A service area is defined as the total certified, usable
square footage in a building in which a specific service is provided. The
designated means of egress must be:
1. Always
readily accessible;
2. Based on
applicable building codes;
3. ADA
compliant;
4. Arranged to minimize
any blockage by fire or other emergency condition; and
5. Must ensure safe exit for everyone in the
service area.
6. If a window is
designated as a means of egress, then it must be operational as such, as
outlined in this rule.
7. Assurance
of such must be provided on the Executive Director's statement of assurances
pertaining to Health, Environment and Safety rules and requirements or other
DMH-required documented attestation of such.
C. Exterior doors identified/utilized as a
means of egress shall not be permitted to have key-operated locks from the
egress side.
D. All service
locations must have a written plan of action in the event of utilities
failure.
