Fire Safety in Health Care FacilitiesAPRIL 2011
Applicable codes
For Federal Medicare/Medicaid certification, healthcare facilities must be in compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 101 The Life Safety Code® (2000 edition) (LSC)
With state licensure requirements which requires being in compliance with the 2007 Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC)
For purposes of federal certification
EXISTING: Buildings constructed or for which plans were reviewed or a permit issued prior toMarch 11, 2003 must meet LSC Chapter 19 Before July 10, 2007 for MSFC and MSBC
NEW: Buildings constructed or for which plans were reviewed or a permit issued on or afterMarch 11, 2003 must meet LSC Chapter 18 After July 10 2007 for MSFC and MSBC
Documentation Project
Documentation � the basics
Everything must be properly documented � if it isn�t documented, it didn�t happen.
The State Fire Marshal Division recommends that all documentation subject to review during a facility�s annual fire/life safety survey be kept in an indexed 3-ring binder
Documentation � the basics
It�s important that at least two people in your facility know where your fire safety records and documentation are kept.
1 Building Information
An up-to-date 8½� x 11� floor plans, highlighting all fire barriers
Date(s) of construction of the building and any additions
Construction type(s) of the building and any additions
Building Documents Include
Construction Types
Existing
Additions Need 2 hour Separation
Construction Types
New Construction
Sprinkler Protected
Quick Response Heads
Smoke Detection
Major Renovations
Renovations, alterations or modernizationsSprinkler requirements of Chapter 18 applyAlso requires meeting 19.1.6 (sprinklers)Also requires meeting 19.3.2.3 (exiting)Damper exception in smoke barriers
2 Emergency Plan
Fire Plans are Required
Administration is responsible to have a written fire plan
Fire plan must is available to all supervisory staff (MSFC 404.5)
Copy of the fire plan is at the telephone operator�s position or at security center
(MSFC 404.5)
Fire Plans Must Include
Protection of all persons
Evacuation to areas of refuge
Evacuation of the building when necessary(LSC 19.7.1.1 & MSFC 404.3)
Fire Plans Must Include
A written health care occupancy fire safety plan shall provide for the following:
1) Use of alarms 2) Transmission of alarm to fire department 3) Response to alarms 4) Isolation of fire 5) Evacuation of immediate area 6) Evacuation of smoke compartment 7) Preparation of floors and building for evacuation 8) Extinguishment of fire (LSC 19.7.2.2)
The Basic Response (LSC 19.7.2.1)
R.A.C.E. Rescue (get people out of immediate danger)
Alarm (use code word, sound alarm)
Confine (close doors)
Extinguish
Rescue and Alarm
Rescue (Evacuation of immediate area) Remove all occupants directly involved with the fire emergency (Response to alarms)
Duties of staff Many facilities break these down
Alarm (Use of alarms) Pull Stations Room Smoke Detectors
Transmission of fire alarm signal to warn other building occupants and summon staff (Transmission of alarm to fire department)
Confine and Extinguish
ConfineConfinement of the effects of the fire by
closing doors to isolate the fire area(Isolation of fire) Close doors, Automatic
sprinkler
Extinguish (Extinguishment of fire)
Fire Plans
Relocation of patients or residents Evacuation of smoke compartment
Move people through cross corridor doors Move people to specified areas
Preparation of floors and building for evacuation Gather Medical records Residents/ Patients glasses, hearing aids,
walkers, wheel chairs, etc. How are you getting from here to there
Fire Plans Minnesota Shall Include
The procedure for: Reporting a fire Notifying, relocating, or evacuating occupants
A site plan indicating the following: The occupancy assembly point The locations of fire hydrants The normal routes of fire department vehicle
access (MSFC 404.3.2)
3 In-service Records
Fire and evacuation training
Records indicate individual staff Summary of topics covered Include any fire safety training Training shall be more than drills
4 Smoking Policy
Include where smoking is allowedControl of smoking materials
5 Oxygen Use Policy
Why do we need to worryabout Oxygen?
FIRE IS
The Rapid Self- Sustaining OXIDATION of a FUEL that gives off Light and HEAT
FIRE TETRAHEDRON
Oxygen
OXYGEN SOURCES
Air 21 % oxygen
Compressed Cylinders Common in Health
Care and Home Use
Liquid Common in Health
Care and Home Use
Combined gases Common in Industry
Marking Containers
Stationary Containers with the name of the gas Signs shall be:
in English or in symbols allowed by this code
durable
The size, color and lettering shall be approved
Markings shall be visible from any direction 3003.4.1
Portable containers, cylinders and tanks Labeled in accordance with CGA C-7 3003.4.2
Marking Piping Systems
Must meet ASME A13.1 Shall consist of the name of gasA direction-of-flow arrowMarkings at
Each valve Wall, floor or ceiling penetrations Each change of direction A minimum of every 20 feet or fraction thereof
throughout run 3003.4
Security Cylinders
Shall be secured against accidental dislodgement and against unauthorized personnel
Areas used for the storage, use and handling of compressed gas containers and systems shall be secured against unauthorized entry 3003.5.1
Shall be protected indoors and outdoors from vehicular damage (Guard posts or other approved means and shall comply with Section 312) 3003.5.2
Security Cylinders Shall be secured to prevent
falling Secured to a fixed object
with one or more restraints
On a cart or other mobile device designed for the movement of containers
Label Locations
Containers In Use Shall be moved using an approved method
Carts, trucks or other mobile devices shall be designed to secure containers during movement
Compressed gas cylinders placed on carts and trucks shall be individually restrained 3005.10.1
Containers In Use
Ropes, chains or slings shall not be used to suspend compressed gas containers, unless provisions at time of manufacturehave been made on the container (such as lugs) 3005.10.2
Containers In Use
Transfer of gases between containersperformed by qualified personnel only use equipment and operating procedures in
accordance with CGA P-1
Inflatable equipment, devices or balloons shall only be pressurized or filled with compressed air or inert gases 3005.8
6 Systems Out of Service Policy
Fire Watch
Fire Protection System Out of Service
If the system is down for more than 4 hours within a 24 hour period: Contact AHJ Evacuated the building OR Institute an approved Fire Watch
A responsible person dedicated to the watch Keep records Continue until system is functional again LSC 9.6.1.8
Fire Watch
Impairment coordinator Tag the system is out of service Notify all supervisory staff Preplanned impairment programs Emergency impairments
Fire Watch Staff Shall:
Walk the facility or area assigned to them continually, insuring every room, closet and area
Must have an approved means of contacting the local Fire Department
This shall be their only duty The assigned staff shall document that all areas are
observed and how often it is done All areas shall be observed every 15 minutes or more
often
Fire Watch Staff Must Be:
Trained in Fire Prevention Trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers Have the ability to notify the FD
(phones and or radios) How to sound the fire alarm system Understanding the reason the system is
impaired and the problems caused by that
7 Fire Drills
Conducted monthly with each shift being drilled at least once a quarter
Fire Drills Are Required
For all Staff nurses, interns, doctors, maintenance
engineers, and administrative staff
to familiarize facility personnel with the signals and emergency action required under varied conditions (MSFC 406.3) (LSC 19.7.1.2)
Conducted quarterly on each shift(MSFC 405.2)
Conducting Fire Drills
The purpose of a fire drill is to test the efficiency, knowledge and response of staff
Health care facilities can conduct fire drills without disturbing patients by: choosing the location and time in advance
Schedule on a random basis
Drills should include simulated movement of patients to another smoke compartment Relocation can be practiced using simulated patients or empty
wheelchairs (MSFC 408.6.1)
Fire Drills Must Include
Transmission of fire alarm signal to monitoring company (LSC 19.7.1.2)
Simulation of emergency fire conditions Infirm or bedridden patients shall not be required to
be moved (MSFC 408.6.1)
When drills are between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am (2100 to 0600 hours), A coded announcement shall be permitted to be used instead of audible alarms (LSC 19.7.1.2)
Other Issues on Drills
Drills shall: Be designed in cooperation with the local authorities Be held with sufficient frequency to familiarize
occupants with the drill procedure and to establish conduct of the drill as a matter of routine (MSCF 406.2)
Include suitable procedures to ensure that all persons subject to the drill participate (MSFC 406.1)
Responsibility for the planning and conduct of drills shall be assigned only to competent persons (MSFC 405.3)
Other Issues on Drills
Emphasis shall be placed on orderly evacuation rather than on speed
Drills shall be: held at expected and unexpected times under varying conditions (MSFC 405.4)
Fire Drill Records
Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the following information: Identity of the person conducting the drill Date and time of the drill Notification method used Staff members on duty and participating (MSFC 2007 405.5)
Fire Drill Records
Number of occupants evacuatedSpecial conditions simulatedProblems encounteredWeather conditions when occupants were
evacuatedTime required to accomplish complete
evacuation
8 Fire Alarm System
Testing, Service and Maintenance
Fire Alarm Systems
Testing in accordance with NFPA 72 Annually (use form out of NFPA 72) Smoke Detectors
Sensitivity Testing Other
Records of maintenance are requiredLSC 18.3.4, 19.3.4 & 9.6
9 Room Smoke Detector Testing
Sleeping Room Smoke Detectors
Battery detectors Test in accordance with Manufacturer
at least Monthly (some weekly)
Can be done by staff records for each detector
Each detector shall be UL listed
Hardwired detectorsTest at least Monthly (unless on fire alarm)
10 Smoke Detector Sensitivity Testing
Sensitivity Testing
Sensitivity TestingWithin the 1st year Skip a year If it passes twice (in 3
years)than 5 years
Document percentages of each detector
11 Automatic Digital Dialer
Monthly Documented on Drill FormOr from provider
12 Fire Sprinkler System
Annual servicing (company)Quarterly flow testing (staff or company)
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
New requires Complete Coverage In accordance with NFPA 13 Requires Quick Response or Listed Residential
Heads be used in Smoke Compartments that contain sleeping rooms
Required in Existing by construction type and in all by 2013
Only licensed company can work on Minnesota State Statue LSC 18.3.5
13 Kitchen Hood System
Service every 6-months Replace Fusible Links and Heads Annually
14Portable Fire Extinguishers
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Visually monthly (Quick Check)
Service (Annual)
Interior Inspection (6-year)
Hydro Testing (12 years)
15 Emergency Generator
Definitions
Emergency Power Supply (EPS) The source of electric power of the required capacity
and quality for an emergency power supply system
Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) A EPS coupled to a system of conductors,
disconnecting means and over current protective devices, transfer switches, and all control, supervisory, and support devices NFPA 110, 3.3.2 & 3.3.3
Generator Inspections
Weekly InspectionsInclude Fuel LevelCoolant LevelOil LevelBattery Charge
Generator Testing
Monthly Load Testing (30 minutes) Under operating temperature conditions and at not
less than 30 percent of the EPS nameplate rating OR Loading that maintains the minimum exhaust gas
temperatures as recommended by the manufacturer
The date and time of day shall be decided by the owner, based on facility operations 6-4.2*
Diesel-powered EPS
That do not meet the 30 % monthly load test shall be exercised monthly with the available EPSS load and
exercised annually with supplemental loads at 25 percent of nameplate rating for 30 minutes, followed by 50 percent of nameplate rating for 30 minutes, followed by 75 percent of nameplate rating for 60 minutes, for a total of 2 continuous hours (LOAD BANK) 6-4.2.2*
Load tests of generator sets shall include complete cold starts
Annually for 1 ½ hour
Emergency Lighting
All emergency lighting will have to last for 1 ½ hour (includes generators) LSC 19.2.9.1
Includes testing requirement Every 30 days for at least 30 seconds and Annually for 1 ½ hour Records to be kept LSC 7.9.3CFR 482 & 483
Generator installation
Level of Equipment
Level 1 shall be installed when failure of the
equipment to perform could result in loss of human life or serious injuries
Level 2 shall be installed when failure of the EPSS is
less critical to human life and safety
Types of EPSSs
Type 10, Class X, Level 1 Type 10 Picks up load in 10 seconds Class X Time it must run in hours, X= Other
Essential Electric System Shall have two separate systems
Emergency system Life Safety Branch Critical Branch
Equipment system
Stationary Generators
Stationary emergency and standby power generators shall be listed in accordance with UL 2200 (604.1.1)
Generator NFPA 110
Fuel Supply Not used for any other purpose
Low fuel sensing switch Main fuel tank is 133% of low fuel switch Must meet NFPA 37 Must have a battery charger Instrument panel
Remote Panel
Remote alarm panels located outside of the generator room
A visual indicators for Generator is operating The battery charger is
malfunctioning Individual visual display, with a
common audible alarm for low oil pressure low coolant temperature excessive coolant temperature low fuel level (less than 3-hour
supply) failure to start overspeed NFPA 110 section 3-
5.6.1 in a constantly attended location
Maintenance Records
Shall Include The date of service The name of the servicing technician A summary of conditions noted A detailed description of any conditions requiring
correction What corrective action was taken
Records shall be kept on the premises Be available for inspection by the fire code
official (604.3.2)
16 Battery-operated Emergency Lights and EXIT Signs
Monthly for 30 secondsAnnually for 90 minutes
Illumination of Exits
Must be reliableCMS requires emergency lighting to be
A 2 bulb fixture or multiple fixtures
CMS requires it to the public way 1 ft candle at floor or walkway
17 Fire/Smoke Dampers
Inspection, servicing and maintenance done every 4 years (Hospitals 6 years)
18 Interior Finishes
Document flame spread ratings of ceilings, walls and flooring
Interior Finishes
Keep (or find) documentation for all interior finishes (Testing sheets and/or labels)Wall coveringsCeiling TilesCarpeting
Note on Documentation of the finishes the location where installed
Interior Finishes EXISTING
Class C can stay in rooms if sprinkler protected Newly installed must be a Class A
Exception: Allows Class B in Rooms up to 4 persons
Exception: Allows lower 4 feet of corridor walls to be a Class B LSC 19.3.3.2
New flooring in corridors must be a Class 1 unless sprinkler protected LSC 19.3.3.3
Interior Finishes NEW
Class A or B
Allows lower 4 feet of corridor walls to be a Class C
Allows Class C in Rooms up to 4 personLSC 18.3.3.2
New flooring no requirement LSC 18.3.3.3
19 Decorations
Maintain documentation of treatments
Combustible decorations
Must be flame retardant Treated or Inherently flame resistive Photographs and
paintings in limited quantities do not
Culture change cannot jeopardize fire safety
20 Drapes & Curtains
Flame Resistant as tested in accordance with NFPA 701
Draperies and Curtains
Draperies, Curtains, including cubical and other loosely hanging fabrics and films shall flame resistant in accordance with NFPA 701Exception for shower curtainsMaintain documentation LSC 19.7.5.1
21 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses
Newly Introduced Upholstered Furniture
Must meet NFPA 266 Heat release of 250 Kw and Total energy release of 40 Mj in 5 minutes Exception: sprinkler protected than not required Exception: belongs to the patient, is in their room,
and the room has smoke detection LSC 19.7.5.2 & 10.3.3
Newly Introduced means purchased after March 2003 CMS
Newly Introduced Mattresses Must meet NFPA 260
Heat release of 250 Kw and Total energy release of 40 Mj in 5 minutes Exception: sprinkler protected than not required Exception: belongs to the patient, is in their room,
and the room has smoke detection LSC 19.7.5.2 & 10.3.3
Newly Introduced means purchased after March 2003 CMS
Questions
Documentation � the basics
Everything must be properly documented � if it isn�t documented, it didn�t happen.
The State Fire Marshal Division recommends that all documentation subject to review during a facility�s annual fire/life safety survey be kept in an indexed 3-ring binder
Documentation � the basics
It�s important that at least two people in your facility know where your fire safety records and documentation are kept.
Web site contact
For more information on the subjects covered �
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/fpc.html) OR www.fire.state.mn.us).
THAT�S ALL FOR NOW
Prepared in cooperation with:
Minnesota State Fire Marshals Division
Centers for Medicaid Medicare Services
National Fire Protection Association