SECTION 310:667-41-4. Provisions for disasters

(a)   General. In locations where there is a history of tornadoes, flooding, earthquakes, or other regional disasters, planning and design shall consider the need to protect the life safety of all health care facility occupants and the potential need for continuing services following such a disaster. When consistent with their functional program and disaster planning, acute care facilities with emergency services can serve as receiving, triage and initial treatment centers in the event of nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) exposure. These facilities shall designate specific area(s) for these functions.

(b)   Wind and earthquake resistant design for new buildings. Facilities shall be designed to meet the requirements of the building codes specified in OAC 310:667-41-1, provided these requirements are substantially equivalent to American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE 7-93. Design shall meet the requirements of ASCE 7-93.

(1)   For those facilities that must remain operational in the aftermath of a disaster, special design shall be required to protect systems and essential building services such as power, water, medical gas systems, and, in certain areas, air conditioning. In addition, consideration shall be given to the likelihood of temporary loss of externally supplied power, gas, water, and communications.

(2)   The owner shall provide special inspection during construction of seismic systems described in Section A.9.1.6.2 and testing in Section A.9.1.6.3 of ASCE 7-93.

(3)   Roof coverings and mechanical equipment shall be securely fastened or ballasted to the supporting roof construction and shall provide weather protection for the building at the roof. Roof covering shall be applied on clean and dry decks in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, these standards, and related references. In addition to the wind force design and construction requirements specified, particular attention shall be given to roofing, entryways, glazing, and flashing design to minimize uplift, impact damage, and other damage that could seriously impair functioning of the building. If ballast is used it shall be designed so as not to become a projectile.

(c)   Flood protection. Possible flood effects shall be considered when selecting and developing the site. Insofar as possible, new facilities shall not be located on designated flood plains. Where this is unavoidable, the United States Corps of Engineers regional office shall be consulted for the latest applicable regulations pertaining to flood insurance and protection measures that may be required.

(d)   Supplies. Should normal operations be disrupted, the facility shall provide adequate storage capacity for, or a functional program contingency plan to obtain, the following supplies: food, sterile supplies, pharmacy supplies, linen, and water for sanitation. Such storage capacity or plans shall be sufficient for at least four (4) continuous days of operation.

[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 1555, eff 4-12-95 (emergency); Added at 12 Ok Reg 2429, eff 6-26-95; Amended at 20 Ok Reg 1664, eff 6-12-03]