37.98.1503    RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR SERVICES: FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

(1) Residential outdoor services programs shall comply with all fire, life safety, and building regulations as determined by the local building official and fire authority for all buildings serving youth.

(2) Residential outdoor services programs shall have an annual fire inspection conducted by the appropriate local fire authority or the state fire marshal's office for all buildings serving youth. The program shall maintain a record of such inspection for at least three years following the date of the inspection.

(3) All exits must be marked and be clear and unobstructed at all times.

(4) Paint, flammable liquids and other combustible material must be kept in locked storage away from heat sources or in outbuildings not used by the youth.

(5) Residential outdoor services staff and residents must be instructed during orientation in the procedure for evacuation in case of fire. The procedure and evacuation maps must be posted in conspicuous places.

(6) Residential outdoor services programs shall conduct evacuation and disaster drills and document results in a program file. The documented results must include but are not limited to the following:

(a) date and time of the drill;

(b) the names of staff involved in the drill;

(c) the names of other facilities, if any, which were involved in the drill;

(d) the names of other persons involved in the drill;

(e) a description of all phases of the drill procedure and suggestions for improvement; and

(f) the signature of the person conducting the drill.

(7) Fire drills for residential outdoor services in all buildings serving youth must include the transmission of fire alarm and simulation of emergency fire conditions. Drills must be conducted quarterly on each shift to familiarize staff with the signals and emergency action required under varied conditions. When drills are conducted between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., a coded announcement may be used instead of an audible alarm.

(8) Smoke detectors approved by a recognized testing laboratory must be located at stairways and in any areas requiring separation as set forth in the uniform building codes.

(9) Smoke detector batteries must be checked by the residential outdoor services staff at least once each month and the batteries replaced at least once each year. The date and signature of the person checking the batteries in the smoke detector must be recorded and filed at the program office.

(10) A fire extinguisher approved by a recognized testing laboratory with a minimum rating of 2A10BC must be located on each floor of any residential outdoor services building.

(11) A fire extinguisher approved by a recognized testing laboratory with a minimum rating of 2A10BC must be readily accessible to the kitchen area.

(12) Fire extinguishers must be checked by the residential outdoor services staff at least quarterly. The date and signature of the person checking the fire extinguisher shall be recorded on the attached tag. Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected, recharged and tagged at least once a year by a person certified by the state to perform such services.

(13) Residential outdoor services staff must be trained in the proper use of the fire extinguisher and the training recorded in the files.

History: Sec. 50-5-220, MCA; IMP, Sec. 50-5-220, MCA; NEW, 2004 MAR p. 1960, Eff. 8/6/04.