10A NCAC 70K .0315       FIRE SAFETY and Disaster Plan

(a)  Fire extinguishers shall be provided which meet these requirements in a residential maternity home:

(1)           one five-pound or larger (net charge) "A‑B‑C" type centrally located;

(2)           one five-pound or larger "A‑B‑C" or "CO/2" type located in the kitchen; and

(3)           any other location as determined by the code enforcement official.

(b)  The building shall be provided with smoke detectors as required by the North Carolina State Building Code and heat detectors located in the attic and connected to a dedicated sounding device. 

(c)  Any fire safety requirements required by city ordinances or county building inspectors shall be met.

(d)  A written fire evacuation plan (including a diagrammed drawing) which has the approval of the local code enforcement official shall be prepared with a minimum of 1/8 inch high letters and posted in a central location on each floor. The plan shall be reviewed with each resident on admission and shall be a part of the orientation for all new staff.

(e)  There shall be at least four rehearsals of the fire evacuation plan each year.  A residential maternity home shall maintain records of rehearsals and copies furnished to the licensing authority upon request.  The records shall include the date and time of the rehearsals, staff members present and a short description of what the rehearsal involved.

(f)  Smoking is not be permitted in the residential maternity home.

(g)  A written disaster plan shall be prepared and updated at least annually and shall be maintained in the home.  This written disaster plan requirement shall apply to new and existing homes.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D‑1; 143B‑153;

Eff. October 1, 2008;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 5, 2016.