March, 2004
Child Care Centers / Preschool Inspection
Definitions:
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) - organization, office, or individual responsible for approving equipment, materials, and installation, or a procedure.
Approved - Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
Fire Watch - A person or persons assigned to an area for the purpose of protecting the occupants from fire or similar emergencies.
Safe Location - A location remote or separated from fire or other emergencies so the effects no longer pose a threat.
Self-Preservation - The ability of a client to evacuate a day-care occupancy without direct intervention by a staff member.
Rescue and Ventilation Windows: Every room or space normally subjected to client occupancy other than bathrooms shall have at least one window or outside door for emergency rescue or ventilation. Such windows shall be easily opened from the inside without tools or special knowledge or effort. The sill of the window or door shall be no more than 44” above the finished floor. The window must have a total opening size of 821 square inches. Except in fully sprinkled buildings or previously accepted by AHJ and documented in writing. Correction time frame of up to 1 year.
Closet Door Latches: Every Closet Door shall be able to be opened from the inside by children at all times. Correction time frame of up to 30 days, unless extended by AHJ.
Bathroom Door Locks: Bathroom Door Locks shall be able to be unlocked from the outside with the opening device readily accessible to the staff and near the door.
Interior Finish: The minimum flame spread of Class B in stairways, and corridor walls and ceilings. Sheet Rock - 1 hour.
Emergency Lighting: Emergency lighting fixtures shall be provided in all exit corridors and exit stairs. Correction time frame of up to one year, unless a shorter period is required by the AHJ.
Evacuation Procedures: Evacuation procedures shall be conducted once a month. Maximum time frame - immediately.
Evacuation Routes: A diagram shall be posted in each classroom which reflects the actual floor arrangement and a minimum of two alternative exit paths shall be indicated.
Alarm Initiation: Alarm initiations shall be by manual means and by smoke detection system if provided or by an existing automatic alarm system powered by the building electrical system (Not battery powered).
Fire Department Notification: If more than 100 clients, fire department notification through the fire alarm system shall be automatic. If in a rural area (AHJ) can allow manual notification. Maximum time frame to correct of up to 1 year.
Smoke Alarms/Detection: Smoke detectors powered by the building electrical systems shall be provided with placement in each story in front of doors to stairways, in corridors of all floors occupied by the Center, in lounges, recreation areas, and sleeping rooms. Time frame to correct of up to 1 year. Exceptions: (1) Centers housed in 1 room - bathrooms excluded, or (2) Housing clients years or older and no sleeping facilities provided.
Hazardous Rooms: Storage Rooms with over 450 square feet of area shall be separated by one hour fire resistive construction (Sheet Rock, etc.) Maximum time frame to correct of up to one year.
Electrical Receptacles: When children are under 6 years of age, unused electrical receptacles shall be provided with protective covers. Maximum time frame to correct - immediately.
Unvented Heaters: Unvented fuel fired heaters shall not be permitted at any time. Maximum time frame to correct of up to 30 days. Note: Some space heaters are approved by NFPA 54. If one is approved you should require a carbon monoxide detector for State FM Approval. Check the manufacturer’s guide for indoor use.
Heater Separation: Any heaters shall be separated or screened to protect children from hot surfaces. Maximum time frame to correct of up to 30 days.
Fire Extinguishers: Fire Extinguishers shall be provided (typically 2A/10B:C)
Fire Extinguisher Location: Fire Extinguisher location shall be conspicuously located and readily accessibly for immediate use. Maximum time frame to correct - immediately.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon Monoxide Detectors shall be installed after July 1, 2004 and no later than July 1, 2005 if the AHJ and owner wants the inspections approved by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. One on each level and installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
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