PDFWAC 388-833-0037

What safety requirements must be met?

(1) The provider must be located in an area with public fire protection.
(2) The provider must have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. Each smoke and carbon monoxide detector must address the needs of clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
(3) Smoke detectors must:
(a) Be in operating condition both inside and outside of all sleeping areas.
(b) Be installed on each story of the facility, in all play areas, and in the basement.
(c) Be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications.
(d) If mounted on a wall, be 12 inches from the ceiling and a corner.
(e) Be tested twice a year to ensure they are in working order. The provider must document the date and time of the test.
(4) Carbon monoxide detectors must be located in or near each client's bedroom and on every floor of the facility.
(5) The provider must have at least one approved 2A10BC-rated five pound or larger all-purpose (ABC) fire extinguisher readily available at all times. "Approved 2A10BC-rated" means a fire extinguisher with an underwriters laboratory label on the nameplate classifying the extinguisher as 2A10BC-rated or larger.
(6) The provider must maintain and service fire extinguishers according to manufacturer's specifications.
(7) An approved fire extinguisher must be located in the area of the normal path of exiting. The maximum travel distance to an extinguisher from any place on the premises must not exceed 75 feet. When the travel distance exceeds 75 feet, additional extinguisher(s) are required.
(8) The provider must have at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of a multilevel facility.
(9) Fire extinguishers must:
(a) Be mounted in a bracket or in a fire extinguisher cabinet so that the top of the extinguisher is no more than five feet above the floor; and
(b) Receive an annual maintenance certification by a licensed firm specializing in this work, based on the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Maintenance means a thorough check of the extinguisher for:
(i) Mechanical parts;
(ii) Extinguishing agent; and
(iii) Expelling means.
(10) New fire extinguishers do not need to receive an additional certification test during the first year.
(11) The department may require that additional fire extinguishers be available on the premises, in consultation with the local fire authority or Washington State Patrol's Fire Protection Bureau.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 71A.12.030, 71A.12.010, and 71A.12.120. WSR 24-19-101, s 388-833-0037, filed 9/18/24, effective 10/19/24.]