470 IAC 3-1.1-46 Fire prevention

Sec. 46. (a) All child care homes shall have two (2) remotely located means of egress. (b) A basement area in which child care services are provided shall have a direct exit at ground level not involving stairs or ramps. The interior staircase serving the first floor is acceptable as the second exit for a basement in which child care services are provided. An example of an allowable exit is a level area directly outside the exterior door that is at least thirty-two (32) square feet. This area may be a porch, deck, or stairway landing. Bi-level and tri-level homes which are licensed and hold a regular license with the division of family and children, as of the effective date of this section, are exempt. (c) Each room of the home where child care services are provided is required to have at least two (2) means of escape (this may include one (1) window and one (1) door). (d) All approved exit doors shall be operable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge. (e) A sliding glass door shall be acceptable as a direct exit provided that it is unobstructed, operable, and maintained in good working condition. If a screen door is attached, it shall meet the same criteria as the sliding door. (f) A garage or any other area where hazardous materials are stored shall not be considered an approved exit. (g) Exits shall not be blocked in the child care home. (h) Portable, unvented oil-burning heating appliances shall not be used unless the heater complies with 675 IAC 22. (i) Electric or gas heaters and solid fuel-burning appliances shall not be located in such a manner that they block escape in case of fire arising from a malfunctioning stove, heater, or appliance. (j) When a fireplace serves as the primary source of heat, licensee shall provide glass doors, noncombustible hearth, grates, and proper fireplace tools for each fireplace in use while children are present. Child care providers shall ensure proper positioning of glass doors. If a fireplace is used at any time, it shall have a noncombustible hearth, screening, and grate. Licensee shall have the chimney flue inspected annually and cleaned if recommended. Licensee shall retain a written record of the inspections and cleanings for each fireplace used while children are present. (k) Caregiver shall properly dispose of ashes from the fireplace in a noncombustible, covered receptacle which shall then be placed on the ground and away from any building or combustibles. (l) Licensee shall provide electrical or battery-operated smoke detector that is installed to manufacturers' specifications and is located and adjusted to operate reliably in case of smoke in any part of the child care home, including not less than one (1) smoke detector at the top of each stairway and adjacent to all sleeping areas. The alarm should be loud enough to alert all occupants in the child care home. (m) Licensee shall provide a two and one-half (21/2) pound or greater ABC multiple purpose fire extinguisher which shall be located on each floor of the building in which child care services are provided, including an additional extinguisher located in the kitchen area of the child care home. (n) Caregiver shall not permit trash, flammable, and combustible materials, including, but not limited to, paper and rags to accumulate upon the premises. (o) Direct child care providers shall store flammable liquids in tightly sealed, marked containers appropriate to the type of liquid being stored. Direct child care providers shall store no more than five (5) gallons of flammable liquids at any one (1) time in buildings used for child care and shall store all flammable liquids, lighters, and matches in an area inaccessible to children or in an approved fire cabinet. (p) Direct child care providers shall not store combustible material within five (5) feet of furnaces and water heaters. (q) The licensee shall identify the location and operation of the gas, electric, and water shut-offs and keep accessible the gas, electric, and water shut-offs in case of emergency. (r) The caregiver shall have a written plan for evacuating in case of fire or other emergencies. (s) The caregiver shall conduct and document quarterly fire drills. (t) The electrical wiring shall be sized to provide for the load. There must not be exposed or uninsulated wiring. If used, extension cords shall not be overloaded or over six (6) feet in length. (u) The licensee shall notify the local fire department at the time of application or relicensure of the licensed capacity and the hours of operation of the home. (v) Caregiver shall promptly notify the local fire departments upon discovery of any fire, whether or not extinguished, and advise of the circumstances and location of the fire. (w) Caregiver shall promptly notify the local fire department upon discovery of: (1) spontaneous or abnormal heating; (2) any uncontrolled gas leak; or (3) a significant spill of hazardous material or flammable or combustible liquid. (x) Licensee shall permit inspection of the child care home by the SFM if requested by the CDFC upon recommendation of the COFC. If such an inspection is requested, approval would be required by the SFM prior to full licensure.