Fire Safety

PURPOSE: This rule establishes the fire safety requirements for group day care homes and child day care centers. (1) The following definitions shall be used in interpreting this rule: (A) Alterations are changes made to the structure or floor plan of the facility by removing or adding walls and doors or adding space; (B) Dead-end is a corridor or hallway with no exit at the end that causes occupants to retrace their path to reach an exit; (C) Exit is the portion of a means of egress that is separated from all other areas of the building or structure by construction or equipment required to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge. Exits include exterior exit doors, exit passageways, horizontal exits, separated exit stairs, and separated exit ramps; (D) Exit access is the portion of a means of egress that leads to an exit; (E) Exit discharge is the portion of a means of egress between the termination of an exit and a public way; (F) Fire barrier is a structural element, either vertical or horizontal, such as a wall or floor assembly that is designed and constructed with a specified fire resistance rating to limit the spread of fire and restrict the movement of smoke. Such barriers may have protected openings; AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (G) Fire resistance rating is the length of time in minutes or hours that materials or structural elements can withstand fire exposure; (H) Flame resistant material is the property of material or their structural elements that prevents or retards the passage of excessive heat, hot gases, or flames under the conditions in which they are used; (I) Flame retardant is a chemical applied to material or other substance that is designed to retard ignition or the spread of fire; (J) Interior finish includes the interior wall and ceiling finish, and interior floor finish; (K) Level exit discharge is a horizontal plane that is located from the point at which an exit terminates and the exit discharge begins. The horizontal plane shall not vary more than two inches (2”) in rise or fall; (L) Level is the portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the ceiling above it, or any upper surface of a floor and the ceiling above it that is separated by more than five (5) steps on a stairway; (M) Means of egress is a continuous and unobstructed way of travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way. A means of egress consists of three (3) distinct parts: the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge; (N) Mixed occupancy is when a facility is located in the same building or structure as another occupancy. This may include a business or place of assembly; (O) Public way is an area such as a street or sidewalk that is open to the outside and is used by the public for moving from one (1) location to another; (P) Remote exit or means of egress is when two (2) exits or two (2) exit access doors are required. Each exit or exit access door shall be placed at a distance apart equal to at least onehalf (1/2) the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be used; (Q) Self-closing means to be equipped with an approved device that will ensure closing after having been opened; (R) Smoke barrier is a structural element, either vertical or horizontal, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling assembly that is designed and constructed to restrict the movement of smoke. A smoke barrier may or may not have a fire resistance rating; and (S) Supervised automatic sprinkler system is a system with the initiating devices monitored by the fire alarm control panel. This may include switches used to monitor the position of valves, a low air pressure switch, a water flow switch, and a tamper switch. (2) General Requirements. (A) The Missouri Division of Fire Safety shall inspect the facility annually for the capacity specified on the license application and the fire inspection request. The inspection shall include a determination of whether or not the facility is approved for overlap care as provided in 19 CSR 30-62.162 Overlap Care of Children. (B) Hangings or draperies shall not be placed over exit doors or located to conceal or obscure any exit. All hangings and draperies shall be treated with a flame retardant material with verification of the treatment on file at the facility and available for review by the fire inspector. (C) Mirrors shall not be placed on exit doors or adjacent to any exit that may confuse the direction of exit. (D) Art work and teaching materials attached directly to the walls shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the wall area. No art work or teaching materials shall be hung from the ceilings or in the doorways. (E) The evacuation/emergency plan for fires and tornadoes shall be posted conspicuously and shall include the route for the drills and special instructions for infants and nonambulatory children. (F) Child care staff shall conduct at least one (1) fire drill each month and a disaster drill at least every three (3) months. The disaster drills shall include tornado drills. The provider shall maintain a written record at the facility of the date, type of drill, time required to evacuate the building, and number of children present during the drill. 1. Unscheduled drills may be held at the fire inspector’s discretion. 2. A full evacuation of the facility may be postponed during severe weather. 3. An evacuation/emergency plan that is approved by the fire inspector shall be posted in each area of the facility used for child care. The plan shall include special instructions for infants and nonambulatory children. 4. The fire alarm system in the building shall be activated during all fire drills. 5. Fire drills shall be conducted as follows: A. Drills shall simulate an actual fire condition; B. The children shall not obtain clothing or other items after the alarm has sounded; C. The children shall proceed to a predetermined location outside the building that is sufficiently remote to avoid fire danger, interference with fire department operations, or confusion among different groups of children; and D. Groups shall remain in place until a recall to the building is issued or the children are dismissed. (G) Children shall have no access to areas of the building that do not meet fire safety requirements. (H) All flammable or combustible liquids, matches, lighters, or other hazardous items shall be stored so they are inaccessible to the children. (I) The house numbers shall be plainly visible from the street in case of emergency. (J) Housekeeping practices that ensure fire safety shall be maintained daily. (K) Stairways, walks, ramps, and porches shall be kept free of ice and snow. (L) The provider shall immediately report any fire in the facility to the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care Safety and Licensure. (M) No fresh-cut Christmas trees shall be used unless they are treated with a flame resistant material. Documentation of the treatment shall be on file at the facility and available for review by the fire inspector. (N) The Division of Fire Safety may make additional requirements that provide adequate life safety protection if it is determined that the safety of the occupants is endangered. Every building or structure shall be constructed, arranged, equipped, maintained, and operated to avoid danger to the lives and safety of its occupants from fire, smoke, fumes, or resulting panic during the period of time necessary for escape from the building. (O) Before construction begins or occupancy occurs, a full set of construction plans shall be submitted to the Division of Fire Safety for review and approval for new construction and for alterations to existing buildings. (P) During the construction or remodeling process, the provider shall request a framing and wiring inspection and an inspection for the rough-in wiring for the fire alarm system by the Division of Fire Safety before the walls are enclosed. Failure to have these inspections conducted will result in an unapproved fire inspection from the Division of Fire Safety. (Q) Mobile homes manufactured after November 27, 1973, shall comply with the Missouri Public Service Commission, regulations for mobile home tie-down systems. Manufactured homes shall comply with section 700.070, RSMo 1994, regarding tie-down systems. (R) All facilities shall comply with all local building codes, fire codes, and ordinances. (S) The latest edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Chapter 101, Life Safety Code, shall prevail in the interpretation of this rule. (T) When the licensed capacity increases, hours of care change, alterations are completed, or other changes occur that affect fire safety, the provider shall meet all the requirements of this rule unless otherwise excepted by the Division of Fire Safety. (U) Facilities that were licensed and areas approved for child care prior to the effective date of this rule shall have ceilings at least seven feet (7') in height. Facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule shall meet all the requirements of this rule and shall have ceilings at least seven feet, six inches (7'6") in height. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet all the requirements of this rule and shall have ceilings at least seven feet, six inches (7'6") in height in the altered space. The fire inspector may make an allowance for the installation of ductwork and plumbing. (V) Facilities served by a volunteer or membership fire department shall be a member in good standing with the fire department. A copy of the membership or receipt for membership shall be on file at the facility and available for review. (W) Clothes dryers shall be vented and maintained properly. (3) Mixed Occupancies. (A) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall meet the following requirements. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet these requirements in the altered space— 1. When a facility is located in a building containing mixed occupancies, the other occupancies shall be separated from the facility by at least a one (1)-hour fire barrier; and 2. In facilities in apartment buildings, when both exit accesses exit into the same corridor, the corridor shall be protected throughout by a fire barrier with at least a one (1)-hour fire resistance rated construction. All doors that open into the corridor shall have a one (1)-hour fire resistance rating and shall be self-closing. (B) No facility shall be located next to a high hazard area or occupancy. A high hazard area or occupancy is an area, building, structure, or portions thereof, that contains heat-producing appliances, or that manufactures, processes, generates or stores materials that constitute a high fire, explosion, or health hazard. This includes any area, structure, or building posing a degree of hazard greater than normal to the general occupancy of the area, structure, or building. (4) Exiting and Means of Egress. (A) Each level occupied by children shall have at least two (2) remotely located means of egress. Each door opening in a means of egress shall be at least twenty-eight inches (28") wide. In new construction, each door opening shall be a minimum of thirty-two inches (32") wide. (B) No room or space that is accessible only by a ladder, folding stairs, overhead door, or through a trap door shall be occupied at any time. (C) Exit doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be marked with a lighted exit sign with a battery backup of ninety (90) minutes. 1. Exit doors required to be kept closed shall be self-closing. 2. Any door in a required means of egress from a facility having an occupant load of one hundred (100) or more persons, or any facility caring for children during nighttime hours, shall be equipped with panic hardware or fire exit hardware. No other latching devices shall be used. 3. No door in a means of egress shall be locked against egress travel when the building is occupied. Locking devices that impede or prohibit egress or that cannot be disengaged easily shall not be used. Dead bolt locks that require a key to unlock the door from the inside shall not be used. Locking or latching devices installed on doors shall not be located higher than fifty inches (50") above the finished floor. 4. Closet door latches shall be designed so children can open the doors from the inside. Bathroom door locks shall be designed to permit opening of the door from the outside in an emergency. The opening device or key shall be readily accessible to the staff. (D) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall have emergency lighting with a ninety (90)-minute battery backup installed to light the path of egress. The fire inspector shall determine the location and number of emergency lights. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet this requirement in the altered space. (E) Stairways, landings, and ramps shall be free of all objects. (F) Children shall not exit through a kitchen, bathroom, storage room, furnace room, garage, or any other rooms or areas deemed hazardous by the fire inspector. (G) Dead-ends as defined by 19 CSR 30-62.087(1)(B) Fire Safety shall not exceed twenty feet (20'). (5) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall meet the following requirements. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet these requirements in the altered space— (A) Stairs in facilities with fifty (50) or more occupants shall be at least forty-four inches (44") wide. Stairs in facilities with less than fifty (50) occupants shall be at least thirty-six inches (36") wide. 1. The maximum height of risers shall be seven inches (7") with a minimum height of four inches (4"). 2. The minimum tread depth shall be ten inches (10"). AND SECONDARY EDUCATION 3. The minimum height from any tread to the finished ceiling shall be six feet, eight inches (6' 8"). 4. The maximum height between landings shall be no more than twelve feet (12'). 5. Landings shall be as wide as the clear width of the stairs. (B) Handrails shall not project into the stairway more than three and one-half inches (3 1/2") on each side. 1. Handrails shall be mounted at least thirty-four inches (34”), and no more than thirty-eight inches (38"), above the surface of the treads. They shall have a clearance of at least one and one-half inches (1 1/2") from the wall. Handrails shall be at least one and one-half inches (1 1/2"), but no greater than two inches (2") in diameter. 2. Stairs with no walls on either side shall have balusters placed on the sides. There shall be no more than four inches (4") between each baluster. They shall be attached to the stairs in a sturdy manner. (C) Ramps used in an exit discharge shall be at least forty-four inches (44") wide if the facility has fifty (50) or more occupants. They shall be at least thirty-six inches (36") wide if the facility has less than fifty (50) occupants. 1. Ramps greater than six inches (6") in height shall have a maximum slope of one inch (1") drop for twelve inches (12") of run. Ramps less than six inches (6") in height shall have a maximum slope of one inch (1") drop for ten inches (10") of run. 2. Ramps greater than six inches (6") in height shall have handrails and balusters placed on each side. 3. Ramps shall have a slip-resistant surface. (D) The elevation of interior floor surfaces through doorways shall not present a tripping hazard. (6) Facilities caring for children under the age of twenty-four (24) months shall have two (2) means of egress out of each room that is dedicated for their use. One (1) means of egress shall lead directly outside at level exit discharge. Both exit doors shall be a minimum of thirty-six inches (36") wide or wider to accommodate the largest crib in the room. Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel. The direct exit outside is not required if the entire facility is protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system. (A) Children shall not pass through more than one (1) adjoining room to gain access to an exit door that leads directly outside. (7) Level of Exit Discharge. (A) Areas used for day care shall not be located more than one (1) level below ground level. (B) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall meet the following requirements. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet these requirements in the altered space: 1. Where children are occupying a level below or above the level of exit discharge (basement or second floor), at least one (1) means of egress shall be an exit discharging directly to the outside. The vertical travel to ground level shall not exceed eight feet (8') for the basement and twelve feet (12.') for the second floor; and 2. Where children are occupying a level below or above the level of exit discharge (basement or second floor), arrangement of means of egress shall be remote from each other. (8) Travel Distance to Exits. (A) The travel distance between any room door intended as an exit access or an exit shall not exceed one hundred feet (100'). This travel distance may be increased by fifty feet (50') in buildings protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system that is approved by the fire inspector based on the National Fire Protection Association’s Standards for Sprinkler Systems. (B) The travel distance between any point in a room and an exit shall not exceed one hundred fifty feet (150’). This travel distance may be increased by fifty feet (50’) in buildings protected throughout by a supervised automatic sprinkler system that is approved by the fire inspector based on the National Fire Protection Association’s Standards for Sprinkler Systems. (C) The travel distance between any point in a sleeping room and an exit access to that room shall not exceed fifty feet (50’). (9) Windows for Rescue and Ventilation. (A) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall meet the following requirements. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet these requirements in the altered space— 1. Every room or space greater than three hundred (300) square feet used by children shall have at least one (1) outside window for emergency rescue and ventilation. The window shall be operable from the inside without the use of tools and shall provide a clear opening of at least twenty inches (20") wide, twenty-four inches (24") in height. The total clear opening space shall be no less than 5.7 square feet in size. The bottom of the opening shall be no more than forty-four inches (44") above the floor and any latching device shall be operated easily. The clear opening shall be a rectangular solid, with a minimum width and height that provides the required 5.7 square feet opening and a minimum depth of twenty inches (20") to allow passage through the opening. The windows shall be accessible by the fire department and shall open into an area having access to a public way. This does not apply in the following situations: A. In buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system; and B. When the room or space has a door leading directly to the outside of the building; 2. In rooms located higher than three (3) stories above the level of exit discharge, the operable clear height, width, and area of the window shall be permitted to be modified to the dimensions necessary for ventilation as determined by the fire inspector; and 3. No windows shall have bars or any other items placed over them in a stationary manner that would impede a rescue or evacuation attempt. (10) Protection. (A) The door between the main level and any level below or above it shall be equipped with a one (1)-hour fire rated self-closing door. (B) Vertical openings shall be enclosed and protected with a one (1)-hour fire barrier. (C) The following rooms and areas used for the storage, processing, or use of materials shall be separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers having a fire resistance rating of at least one (1) hour of protection: 1. Boiler, furnace rooms, and rooms containing water heaters. This does not apply to rooms enclosing only air-handling equipment; 2. Rooms or areas used for the storage of combustible supplies in quantities deemed hazardous by the fire inspector; 3. Rooms or areas used for the storage of hazardous materials, or flammable or combustible liquids in quantities deemed hazardous by the fire inspector; 4. Laundries and laundry rooms, maintenance shops, including woodworking and painting areas; and 5. The doors to janitorial closets shall be equipped with a self-closing device and a fire alarm initiating device in the room. (D) The rooms or areas listed in 19 CSR 30-62.087(10)(C)1.–5. Fire Safety shall be inaccessible to children by use of a locked doorknob or latch. (E) The one (1)-hour fire resistance rating required for rooms or areas listed in 19 CSR 30-62.087(10)(C)1.–5. Fire Safety is not required if the facility installs a sprinkler head off the domestic water supply or has an approved automatic sprinkler system. A fire alarm initiating device shall be installed in the rooms or areas listed in 19 CSR 30-62.087(10)(C)1.–5. Fire Safety as instructed by the fire inspector. (11) Interior Finish. (A) Interior wall and ceiling finishes throughout shall meet the requirements of the latest edition of the National Fire Protection Association, Chapter 101, Life Safety Code. Textile materials having a napped, tufted, looped, woven, nonwoven, or similar surface shall not be applied to walls or ceilings. Foam plastic materials or other highly flammable or toxic material shall not be used as an interior wall, ceiling, or floor finish. (B) Interior floor finishes within corridors and exits shall be Class I or II in accordance with Chapter 6 of the latest edition of the Life Safety Code. (C) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall have wall studs, ceiling joists, and floor joists that are covered with a minimum of Class C finish with no exposed studs or joists. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet these requirements in the altered space. (12) Detection, Alarms, and Extinguishment. (A) Facilities using equipment or appliances that pose a potential carbon monoxide risk, including facilities with attached garages, shall install a carbon monoxide detector(s). The detector(s) shall be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The fire inspector may require additional carbon monoxide detectors if the fire inspector determines that the safety of the occupants is endangered. 1. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be in good operating condition. If a battery operated detector is not operational, the provider shall install a detector that is powered by the home’s electrical system with a battery backup. 2. If an elevated carbon monoxide level is detected during a fire inspection, the provider shall have all gas-fired appliances checked by a heating and air conditioning company to identify the source of the carbon monoxide. Until the provider has documentation on file at the facility verifying that all gas-fired appliances were checked by a heating and air conditioning company and are in safe working order, and the facility is determined safe by the fire inspector, the fire inspection shall not be approved. 3. If a level of carbon monoxide is determined that endangers the children in care, the fire inspector shall take measures necessary to protect the children. This may include evacuation of the building or closing the facility. The provider shall obtain and have on file at the facility, documentation verifying that all gas-fired appliances were checked by a heating and air conditioning company and are in safe working order. The facility shall be reinspected by the fire inspector and determined safe before the children can return to the building or the facility can reopen. (B) At least one portable, 5 lb., 2A-10 BC, fire extinguisher shall be required in all facilities. One (1) fire extinguisher shall be located in or near the kitchen or a location required by the fire inspector. The fire inspector may require additional fire extinguishers based on the floor plan, arrangement of space, and the number of levels used. (C) Fire extinguishers shall be installed and maintained according to the instructions of the fire inspector and shall be inspected and approved annually by a fire extinguisher company. Documentation of the inspection and approval shall be on file at the facility and available for review by the fire inspector. (D) A smoke detector(s) shall be installed in each room where children are being cared for and all other areas that are deemed necessary by the fire inspector. Smoke detectors shall be in good operating condition and functional at all times. If smoke detectors are not operational, the provider shall install smoke detectors as required by 19 CSR 30-62.087 (12)(F)1. Fire Safety. (E) All facilities shall have a manual fire alarm system. Pull stations shall be mounted at each exit door and at least one (1) horn or strobe light shall be installed in a central location on each floor. Additional horns or strobe lights may be required by the fire inspector dependent upon the floor plan and arrangement of space. The battery backup control panel shall be Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) listed and installed on a circuit used only for this system in the breaker box. The fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained in good working order. The fire inspector shall base the inspection of this system on the National Fire Protection Association Standards, National Fire Alarm Code. This does not apply to facilities housed in one (1) room only where all exit doors lead directly outside at level exit discharge. (F) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall meet the following requirements. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet these requirements in the altered space— 1. Group day care homes and day care centers caring for fifty (50) or fewer children at one (1) time shall have smoke detectors installed in each room used by the children and in other locations as deemed necessary by the fire inspector. All smoke detectors shall be powered by the building’s electrical system and have a battery backup. When more than one (1) smoke detector is required in a facility, they shall be arranged so that the activation of any detector causes the operation of an alarm in all detectors. This system may work independently from the manual fire alarm system; AND SECONDARY EDUCATION 2. Day care centers caring for more than fifty (50) children at one time shall have a full coverage fire alarm system. Smoke detectors shall be installed in each room, throughout hallways, and in other locations as deemed necessary by the fire inspector. Heat detectors shall be installed in the attic, kitchen, mechanical rooms, and other locations as deemed necessary by the fire inspector. The fire alarm system shall be installed and maintained in good working order. The fire inspector shall base the inspection of this system on the National Fire Protection Association Standards, National Fire Alarm Code; and 3. Facilities using a commercial stove, deep fryer, two (2) home-type ranges placed side-by-side, or a home-type range that produces grease laden vapor, shall be equipped with a range hood and extinguishing system with an automatic cutoff of fuel supply and exhaust system in case of fire. The fire inspector shall inspect these systems to ensure that they are in good working condition and are installed and maintained correctly. The inspector shall base this inspection on the National Fire Protection Association, Chapter 96, Standard for Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations. A. Home-type stoves separated by an eighteen inch (18")-cabinet shall not be required to have an extinguishing system installed above them. B. Facilities that cook on a home-type range and have a menu that does not include frying or emitting a grease-laden vapor, shall not be required to install a fire extinguishment system above the range. C. The range hood fire extinguishment system shall be interconnected with the control panel of the fire alarm system. The activation of the range hood fire extinguishment system shall cause the fire alarm to activate throughout the building. (G) Day care centers caring for more than one hundred (100) children at one time shall have a fire alarm system that notifies a monitoring company or the fire department. A copy of the contract with the monitoring company shall be on file at the facility and available for review by the fire inspector. The contract with the monitoring company shall not be terminated without approval of the fire inspector. (H) Facilities that have a supervised automatic fire sprinkler system installed shall have the system tested and approved annually by a fire sprinkler company. A copy of the test report and approval of the system shall be kept on file at the facility and available for review by the fire inspector. (I) When child care space is located above the second floor, the entire building shall be protected by a supervised automatic sprinkler system. (13) Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Equipment. (A) Unvented fuel-fired room heaters, portable electrical space heaters, or floor furnaces shall not be used during child care hours. The provider shall sign a compliance letter verifying that such equipment will not be used. (B) Heating equipment and radiators in areas occupied by children shall have partitions, screens, or other means to protect children from hot surfaces and open flames. If solid partitions are used, provisions shall be made to ensure adequate air for combustion and ventilation for heating equipment. Partitions shall be constructed of noncombustible material and shall not obstruct exit access. (C) Wood heating systems shall not be used unless the system is installed outside the facility. (D) Facilities with a water heater over two hundred thousand (200,000) British thermal units (Btus) per hour input or larger, or that is heating with a boiler, shall have a valid permit from the Division of Fire Safety posted on the premises. A copy of the permit shall be kept on file at the Division of Fire Safety. (E) Gas and electric heating equipment shall be equipped with thermostatic controls. Gas water heaters shall have a properly sized pressure relief valve and be vented properly by a galvanized flue pipe with screws at every joint in the pipe or by material recommended by the manufacturer. The drip leg pipe on the pressure relief valve shall extend to approximately six inches (6") above the floor. (F) Furnaces shall be vented properly. Furnace flue pipes shall be constructed of galvanized pipe or material recommended by the manufacturer. Galvanized pipe shall be secured by screws at every joint in the pipe. (G) Joints in gas supply pipes shall be located outside the furnace cabinet housing. (H) Furnaces shall be equipped with an electrical fused switch to protect the unit from electrical overloading and to disconnect the electrical supply. (I) Furnace rooms and rooms containing water heaters shall have adequate combustion air for the units. The vent size openings for the combustion air shall be measured at one (1) square inch per one thousand (1,000) Btu input, if the combustion air is drawn from inside the structure, and one (1) square inch per four thousand (4,000) Btu input if the air is drawn from outside the structure. There shall be two (2) combustion air vent openings in each furnace room. One (1) opening shall be located at the lower level and the other at the upper level. One (1) combustion air vent opening shall be permitted if the vent opening extends directly to the outside of the structure. This opening shall be one (1) square inch per three thousand (3,000) Btu input of the total gas appliances located in the room. The gas appliances shall have a clearance around them of one inch (1") from the sides and back and six inches (6") from the front of the unit. (J) Furnace or air-handling equipment that has an air flow of two thousand (2,000) cubic feet of air per minute or more shall have a fan shut-down switch and duct smoke detectors that are interconnected with the fire alarm system. (K) Air conditioning, heating, ventilating duct work, and related equipment shall be installed safely and be in good operating condition as determined by the fire inspector. The fire inspector shall base this on the National Fire Protection Association, Chapter 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, or National Fire Protection Association, Chapter 90B, Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, as applicable. (L) In addition to meeting all the requirements of this rule, facilities initially licensed and areas initially approved for child care on or after the effective date of this rule, shall meet the following requirements. If alterations are made in facilities licensed prior to the effective date of this rule, those facilities shall meet these requirements in the altered space— 1. Gas shut-off valves shall be located next to all gas appliances, furnaces, and water heaters; and 2. If a furnace or water heater is located inside a garage, it shall be at least eighteen inches (18") above the finished floor and enclosed inside a fire resistant room as provided in 19 CSR 30-62.087(10) Fire Safety. (14) Electrical Services. (A) Electrical wiring shall be installed and maintained in good working order. If the fire inspector considers the wiring to be unsafe for the occupants or it is installed improperly, an inspection by a licensed electrician may be required prior to fire safety approval. The inspection by the licensed electrician shall be based on National Fire Protection Association, Chapter 70, National Electrical Code. (B) Protective covers or inserts for electrical receptacles shall be installed in all areas occupied by children. (C) Electrical extension cords shall not be used unless approved in writing by the fire inspector. (15) Equivalency Concepts. (A) Nothing in this rule is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety as alternatives required by this rule. These alternatives may be used only if technical documentation to demonstrate equivalency and the system, method, or device is submitted and approved by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety. AUTHORITY: sections 210.221.1(3) and 210.252.5, RSMo Supp. 1999.* This rule originally filed as 19 CSR 30-62.087. Original rule filed Feb. 18, 1999, effective Sept. 30, 1999. Emergency amendment filed March 1, 2000, effective March 11, 2000, expired Sept. 6, 2000. Amended: Filed March 1, 2000, effective Aug. 30, 2000. Moved to 5 CSR 25-500.087, effective Aug. 30, 2021. *Original authority: 210.221.1, RSMo 1949, amended 1955, 1987, 1993, 1995, 1999; 210.252, RSMo 1993, amended 1999.