SECTION 340:110-3-97. Fire safety

(a)   General requirements. It is the responsibility of the primary caregiver to ensure compliance with the construction and equipment requirements contained in this subsection. State or local fire officials are consulted as needed.

(1)   Any building used as a family child care home meets local minimum building codes. In localities where a building code does not exist, construction conforms to the current state adopted building code.

(2)   If care is provided on the second floor of a multi-family dwelling, the structure meets the life safety code provisions for multi-family occupancies.

(3)   Electrical wiring is installed in accordance with state and local codes or ordinances.

(4)   All heating and air conditioning equipment is installed in accordance with state and local building codes.

(5)   Water heaters are equipped with a pressure-relief valve.

(b)   Exits.

(1)   Each room used for child care has at least two means of escape, at least one of which is a door leading to an unobstructed path to the outside. The second means of escape may be an unobstructed, operable window not less than 820 square inches and large enough to allow all adults and children to escape.

(2)   Security bars, when present, must be hinged with a quick release mechanism inside the home that requires one motion to operate, or be unlocked during the hours of child care.

(3)   Care of children, including naptime, is not provided for children three years or younger on any floor above ground level.

(4)   No story above the second level, excluding basements, is used for child care.

(5)   When care is provided on the second level, the second route of escape must be a safe means to ground level.

(6)   Space that is accessible only by a ladder, folding stairs, or through a trap door is not used for child care.

(7)   When care of children is permitted on the floor below ground level, basement, at least one exit is a door leading directly to the outside at ground level. The second means of escape may be an unobstructed, operable window not less than 820 square inches and large enough to allow all adults and children to escape. Care of children is not provided more than one story below the ground.

(8)   Every stairway is maintained free of obstructions and provides safe passage.

(9)   Stairways within the exits with four or more steps have a railing.

(c)   Doors.

(1)   Each door that is a means of exiting the home opens without a key and is no less than 28 inches wide.

(2)   Every closet door latch is such that children can open the door from inside the closet.

(3)   Every bathroom door lock is designed to permit opening of the locked door from the outside with a readily accessible opening device.

(d)   Smoke detectors.

(1)   There is at least one operable smoke detector on each level of the home located at the top of any stairs.

(2)   Any room used by children for playing or sleeping, except the kitchen, has a smoke detector.

(3)   Smoke detectors are tested monthly and a record of the date is documented.

(e)   Carbon monoxide detectors.

(1)   One operable carbon monoxide detector is installed according to manufacturer instructions when there is a fuel burning appliance in the home.

.

(2)   Carbon monoxide detectors are tested monthly and a record of the date is documented.

(f)   Fire extinguishers.

(1)   A portable fire extinguisher, Class ABC or BC, with a gauge is provided for the cooking area. It is readily accessible.

(2)   Disposable fire extinguishers with a gauge are acceptable.

(3)   Extinguishing devices are UL-approved.

(4)   All fire extinguishers are replaced or serviced and tagged by a competent authority every three years or when the seal is broken.

(g)   Heating equipment.

(1)   Unvented, ventfree, or open-face heaters are not used while children are in care.

(2)   Portable heaters are not used while children are in care, with the exception of electric oil-filled space heating units.

(3)   A guard is provided to protect children from hot surfaces and open flames.

(4)   Fireplaces in use while children are in care have solid doors that are kept closed.

(5)   A stove or combustion heater is not located where it would prevent escape in case of malfunctioning of the stove or heater.

(6)   Heating equipment not specifically designed or installed as a normal heating source is not used for that purpose.

(h)   Electrical services.

(1)   The use of temporary wiring or extension cords as permanent wiring is prohibited.

(2)   Electrical outlet covers are used in all areas occupied by children.

(3)   An operable flashlight is available at all times.

(i)   Mobile homes.

(1)   Documentation is maintained that a mobile home, when used as the family child care home and manufactured after June 25, 1976, is in compliance with the current Housing and Urban Development (HUD) standards.

(2)   The mobile home is anchored and enclosed to ground level with a wind-resistant material.

[Source: Amended at 10 Ok Reg 107, eff 10-13-92 (emergency); Amended at 10 Ok Reg 2287, eff 6-11-93; Amended at 17 Ok Reg 1607, eff 5-25-00; Amended at 25 Ok Reg 22, eff 10-1-07 (emergency); Amended at 25 Ok Reg 1962, eff 7-1-08]