Header:
OHIO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE ANNOTATED
5101:2 DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES
CHAPTER 5101:2-14 CERTIFICATION OF TYPE B FAMILY CARE HOMES
Date:
09/28/2012
Document:
5101:2-14-07. Fire safety for professional certification as a type B home provider or in-home aide.
(A) Each type B home or home of a child receiving in home-aide services shall have the following emergency egress features and operational conditions:
(1) All levels used for child care shall have a primary escape route which provides a safe exit to the outside of the home. When the level is above or below ground level, the primary escape route shall be an interior stairway or an exterior stairway.
(2) In addition to the primary escape route, each level used for child care, including for napping and sleeping purposes, shall have an alternate means of escape. The alternate escape route shall not use the same stairway as the primary escape route. This alternate escape route shall include either of the following:
(a) A door or stairway providing an unobstructed exit to the outside of the home at ground level.
(b) A window at least twenty inches in width that opens without the use of tools to the outside. The interior opening shall be at least 5.7 square feet in area. If the window is more than forty-four inches above the floor, there shall be a platform or stairs under the window. The platform or stairs shall be firmly attached to the floor or wall under the escape window.
(3) Type B home providers or in-home aides who are certified after September 1, 2008 shall not use any room or space higher than the second floor of a home or building for child care.
(4) No room or space that is accessible only by a ladder, folding stairs, or through a trapdoor shall be used for child care.
(5) All stairs shall be lighted so that each step can be clearly seen while going up and down stairs. A hand rail on at least one side shall be present on any stairs where there are four or more risers.
(6) All hallways, corridors, ramps and passageways leading to an exit shall be adequately lighted by natural or artificial light. When artificial light is used, lighting shall be provided with at least a sixty-watt bulb.
(7) Doorways, corridors, and stairways which are part of the primary or alternate escape route shall be kept clear of obstructions such as, but not limited to, toys, clothing, snow, ice, accumulated trash and assorted debris.
(B) Each type B home provider or in-home aide shall meet the following fire evacuation requirements:
(1) The provider shall have a written fire evacuation plan which consists of a floor plan marked with a primary escape route and an alternate escape route to a designated meeting place outside the home.
(2) The provider shall practice the fire evacuation plan at least once each month at different times of the day. The date, time of day, number of children and total time to evacuate for each practice drill shall be kept in a written log.
(3) The written fire evacuation plan and log of practice fire drills shall be available for review by the county department of job and family services (CDJFS).
(C) Storage of flammable and combustible materials and substances, such as, but not limited to, gasoline, kerosene, propane and other fuels, shall be as follows:
(1) No gasoline, kerosene, propane or other fuels shall be stored in the type B home or the home of a child receiving in-home aide services.
(2) Flammable and combustible materials and substances shall be:
(a) Stored in their original containers.
(b) Kept in closed storage.
(c) Stored out of the reach of children.
(d) Stored away from heaters, furnaces, water heaters and gas appliances.
(3) Flammable and combustible materials and substances shall not be stored below the first floor.
(D) There shall be at least one underwriters laboratories (UL) or factory mutual laboratories (FM) smoke detector located in the basement and on each level. The type B provider or the caretaker of a child receiving in-home aide services shall place, install, test and maintain smoke detectors in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
(E) In single family homes there shall be at least one UL listed carbon monoxide detector located in the basement and on each level of the home in which child care is being provided. In multi family buildings the carbon monoxide detector shall be placed on each level of the unit in which child care is being provided. The type B provider or the caretaker of a child receiving in-home aide services shall place, install, test and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
(F) There shall be at least one UL or FM portable fire extinguisher in the type B home or the home of a child receiving in-home aide services which shall have a minimum rating of 1A:10BC. At least one fire extinguisher shall be located in the kitchen of the home.
(G) Upon discovery of a fire on the premises, the provider shall immediately evacuate all individuals from the home and notify the local fire department to request their assistance even if a home fire extinguisher has been used to put out the fire.
(H) Unvented fuel-fired heaters shall not be used while child care is being provided. When vented gas, oil, or wood-fired heaters are used, a nonflammable guard shall be provided for each heater, stove, or fireplace to protect the children from hot surfaces and open flames. No unprotected open flame, such as fireplaces, oil lamps or candles shall be allowed to burn in the home while care is being provided.
(I) All electrical connections shall be made in junction boxes which are properly covered. Electrical extension cords shall not be used as permanent wiring.
(J) The type B provider or the caretaker of a child receiving in-home aide services shall install child-proof protective covers for all electrical outlets in all areas of the home where children are present.
(K) The provider or the caretaker of a child receiving in-home aide services shall ensure that there are no exposed light bulbs in any area of the home where child care is provided that could shatter or otherwise pose a risk to children. This does not include small, cool to the touch lights, such as holiday lights and window candle lights or bathroom vanity lights that are designed to be uncovered.
(L) The type B provider or in-home aide shall notify the CDJFS within one working day after a fire or natural disaster has occurred in the home.
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