WSR 02-16-023

PERMANENT RULES

WASHINGTON STATE PATROL


[ Filed July 29, 2002, 8:38 a.m. ]

     Date of Adoption: July 29, 2002.

     Purpose: Prescribe regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practice for the safeguarding of life and property from the hazards of fire, explosion, and panic.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending chapter 212-12 WAC, State patrol -- Fire protection.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 19.27 RCW.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 02-11-038 on May 8, 2002.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 11, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 11, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
     Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

July 29, 2002

Steven T. Jewel

for Ronal W. Serpas

Chief

OTS-5335.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-001   Purpose.   The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe regulations consistent with nationally recognized good practice for the safeguarding of life and property from the hazards of fire, explosion, and panic. ((This regulation is applicable to the director of fire protection services.)) The director of fire protection ((services)) is authorized to administer and enforce this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-001, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-005   Definitions.   Unless otherwise clarified in this section, definitions in the State Building Code shall apply to this chapter. The following definitions shall also apply to this chapter:

     (1) (("Adult family homes" are those facilities licensed by the department of social and health services under chapter 70.128 RCW and chapter 388-76 WAC. Adult family homes shall be classified as:

     (a) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (2))) "Adult residential rehabilitation ((facility)) center" means a residence, place, or ((facility)) center, including private adult treatment homes, licensed by the department of health under chapter 71.12 RCW and chapter 246-325 WAC. Adult residential rehabilitation facilities shall be classified as((:

     (a) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (3))) a Group LC Occupancy.

     (2) "Alcoholism hospital" means facilities or institutions licensed by the department of health under chapter 71.12 RCW and chapter 246-322 WAC. Alcoholism hospitals shall be classified as a Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancy.

     (((4))) (3) "Alcoholism intensive inpatient treatment services" means those services licensed by the department of health under chapter 71.12 RCW and chapter 246-326 WAC. Alcoholism intensive inpatient treatment services shall be classified as((:

     (a) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (5))) a Group LC Occupancy.

     (4) "Alcoholism treatment facility" means a facility operated primarily for the treatment of alcoholism licensed by the department of health under chapter 71.12 RCW and chapter 246-362 WAC. Alcoholism treatment facilities shall be classified as follows:

     (a) "Alcoholism detoxification services":

     (i) Acute: Group I, Division 1.1.

     (ii) Sub-acute: ((Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff; Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff; Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff; Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.)) A Group LC Occupancy.

     (b) "Alcoholism long term treatment services": Alcoholism long term treatment services shall be classified as((:

     (i) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five for less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (ii) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (iii) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (iv) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.)) a Group LC Occupancy.

     (c) "Alcohol recovery house services": Alcohol recovery house services shall be classified as((:

     (i) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (ii) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (iii) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (iv) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (6))) a Group LC Occupancy.

     (5) "Ambulatory" means physically and mentally capable of walking or traversing a normal path to safety, including the ascent and descent of stairs, without the physical assistance of another person.

     (((7))) (6) "Approved" refers to approval by the director of fire protection ((services)) as a result of investigation and tests conducted by the director of fire protection ((services)) or by reason of accepted principles or tests by national authorities, or technical or scientific organizations.

     (((8))) (7) "Authority having jurisdiction" is the director of fire protection ((services)) or authorized deputy or designee.

     (8) "Assistant state fire marshal" means the assistant state fire marshal who manages a specific division within the fire protection bureau or as designated by the director of fire protection.

     (9) "Bed and breakfast:" See transient accommodation definition in this section.

     (10) "Boarding home" means any home or other institution licensed by the department of health under chapter 18.20 RCW and chapter ((246-316)) 388-78A WAC. Boarding homes shall be classified as((:

     (a) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 2.1 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.)) a Group LC Occupancy.

     (11) "Building official" means the designated authority appointed by the governing body of each city or county who is in charge of the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Building Code.

     (12) (("Chief deputy state fire marshal" means the chief deputy state fire marshal who manages a specific unit within the fire protection services division or as designated by the director of fire protection services.

     (13))) "Child birth center" means a facility or institution licensed by the department of health under chapter 18.46 RCW and chapter 246-329 WAC. Child birth centers shall be classified as((:

     (a) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (14))) a Group B Occupancy.

     (13) "Child day care center" means an agency which provides child day care outside the abode of the licensee or for thirteen or more children in the abode of the licensee. Such facilities are licensed by the department of social and health services under chapter 74.15 RCW and chapter 388-150 WAC. Child day care centers shall be classified as a Group E, Division 3 Occupancy.

     (((15))) (14) "Director of fire protection ((services))" means the director of the fire protection ((services division)) bureau in the ((department of community development)) Washington state patrol or authorized deputy or designee.

     (((16))) (15) "Evaluation process" means the initial steps in the informal appeals process established by the director of fire protection ((services)) under the authority of RCW 34.05.060.

     (((17))) (16) "Family child day care home" means a child day care facility located in the family abode of the person or persons under whose direct care and supervision the child is placed, for the care of twelve or fewer children, including children who reside at the home. Such facilities are licensed by the department of social and health services under chapter 74.15 RCW and chapter 388-155 WAC. Family child day care homes shall be classified as a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy.

     (((18))) (17) "Fire official" means the person or other designated authority appointed by the city or county for the administration and enforcement of the Uniform Fire Code.

     (((19))) (18) "Group care facility" means a facility licensed by the department of social and health services under chapter 74.15 RCW and chapter 388-73 WAC. Group care facilities shall be classified as((:

     (a) Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or fewer clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (20))) a Group LC Occupancy.

     (19) "Group care facilities for severely and multiply handicapped children" means facilities which are maintained and operated for the care of a group of children as licensed by the department of social and health services under chapter 74.15 RCW and chapter 388-73 WAC. Group care facilities for severely and multiply handicapped children shall be classified as:

     (a) ((Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen ambulatory clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (e))) A Group LC Occupancy.

     (b) Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancy when accommodating more than sixteen nonambulatory clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (((f))) (c) Group I, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating any number of restrained persons.

     (((21))) (20) "Hospice care center" means any building, facility, or place licensed by the department of health under chapter 70.41 RCW and chapter 246-321 WAC. Hospice care centers shall be classified as a Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancy.

     (((22))) (21) "Hospital" means an institution, place, building, or agency licensed by the department of health under chapter 70.41 RCW and chapter 246-318 WAC. Hospitals shall be classified as a Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancy.

     (((23))) (22) "Nonambulatory" means physically or mentally unable to walk or traverse a normal path to safety without the physical assistance of another person.

     (((24))) (23) "Nursing home" means any home, place, or institution licensed by the department of social and health services under chapter 18.51 RCW and chapter 248-14 WAC. Nursing homes shall be classified as a Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancy.

     (((25))) (24) "Private adult treatment home" means the same as an adult residential rehabilitation ((facility)) center as defined in (((2))) (1) of this section.

     (((26))) (25) "Psychiatric hospital" means an institution licensed by the department of health under chapter 71.12 RCW and chapter 246-322 WAC. Psychiatric hospitals shall be classified as a Group I, Division 3 Occupancy.

     (((27))) (26) "Residential treatment facility for psychiatrically impaired children and youth" means a residence, place, or facility licensed by the department of health under chapter 71.12 RCW and chapter 246-323 WAC. Residential treatment facilities for psychiatrically impaired children and youth shall be classified as:

     (a) ((Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating five or less clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (b) Group R, Division 4 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents who may have a mental or physical impairment, excluding staff.

     (c) Group R, Division 5 Occupancy when accommodating more than five and not more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (d) Group R, Division 1 Occupancy with Group I, Division 1.2 exit requirements when accommodating more than sixteen ambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (e))) A Group LC Occupancy.

     (b) Group I, Division 1.1 Occupancy when accommodating more than sixteen nonambulatory, nonrestrained clients or residents, excluding staff.

     (((f))) (c) Group I, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating any number of restrained persons.

     (((28))) (27) "State fire marshal" means the director of fire protection ((services)) or authorized deputy or designee.

     (((29))) (28) "Transient accommodation" means any facility licensed by the department of health under chapter 70.62 RCW and chapter 246-360 WAC and shall include bed and breakfast inns. Transient accommodations shall be classified as a Group R, Division 1 Occupancy when accommodating more than ten persons and a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy when accommodating ten or less persons.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-005, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order FM-77-2, filed 11/17/77)

WAC 212-12-010   Adoption of fire safety standards.   (1) Application. This regulation shall apply to:

     (a) Transient accommodations (RCW 70.62.290).

     (b) Nursing homes (RCW 18.51.140).

     (c) Hospitals (RCW 70.41.080).

     (d) Boarding homes (RCW 18.20.130).

     (e) Private establishments; i.e. private, mental, and alcoholic hospitals (RCW 71.12.485).

     (f) ((Maternity homes)) Child birth center (RCW 18.46.110).

     (g) Agencies licensed by the department of social and health services pursuant to chapter 74.15 RCW, RCW 74.32.040 through 74.32.055, and 74.13.031, except foster family homes and child placing agencies.

     (h) Schools under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of public instruction and the state board of education (RCW 48.48.045).

     (((i) Private schools (RCW 28A.02.201).))

     (2) Purpose. The purpose of these standards is to specify measures which will provide a reasonable degree of public safety from fire without involving hardship or interference with the normal use and occupancy of a building.

     (3) Fire safety standards. The fire safety standards of the ((state fire marshal)) director of fire protection shall be as follows:

     (a) The fire safety standards or applicable portions thereof as found or referenced in the State Building Code Act, chapter 19.27 RCW.

     (b) The ((1976)) 1985 edition of the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101.

     (c) Those standards of the National Fire Protection Association applicable to and expressly or impliedly referenced in the Life Safety Code.

     (4) Enforcement. Enforcement of these fire safety standards shall be as follows:

     (a) New construction or major remodeling shall be in conformance with the Uniform Building Code and the Uniform Fire Code, as administered by ((the)) state and local officials having jurisdiction.

     (b) Operation and maintenance shall be in conformance with the Uniform Fire Code, as administered by ((the)) state and local officials having jurisdiction.

     (c) ((Existing buildings shall be governed by local codes and the Life Safety Code.

     (d))) Existing licensed occupancies previously approved by the state fire marshal as in conformance with the standards then in effect shall have their existing use or occupancy continued, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life and is acceptable to the local fire and building officials having jurisdiction.

     (((e) An existing occupancy, licensed as in conformance with a previous edition of the Life Safety Code, may opt to conform to the most recent edition of the Life Safety Code, but only if the most recent code is used in its entirety as the applicable code for the occupancy.

     (f))) (d) Occupancies, operations or processes not specifically covered elsewhere, in which the ((state fire marshal)) director of fire protection has responsibilities for the removal of fire hazards, shall be conducted and/or maintained in accordance with the latest edition of the National Fire Protection Association Fire Codes which shall be deemed prima facie evidence of good practice.

[Order FM-77-2, § 212-12-010, filed 11/17/77; Order F-72-1, § 212-12-010, filed 1/24/72; Order F-71-1, § 212-12-010, filed 8/10/71; Order FMR-68-1, § 212-12-010, filed 5/2/68, effective 6/1/68; filed 3/22/60.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-011   Applicability.   This chapter shall apply to:

     (1) Child birth centers.

     (2) Transient accommodations.

     (3) Nursing homes.

     (4) Hospice care centers.

     (5) Hospitals.

     (6) Boarding homes.

     (7) ((One day out-patient surgery centers.

     (8))) Child day care centers.

     (((9))) (8) Family child day care homes.

     (((10))) (9) Private establishments: I.e., adult residential rehabilitation facilities, alcoholism hospitals, alcoholism treatment facilities, psychiatric hospitals, and residential treatment facilities for psychiatrically impaired children and youth.

     (((11))) (10) Facilities licensed by the department of social and health services, except foster family homes and child placing agencies.

     (((12))) (11) Schools under the jurisdiction of the superintendent of public instruction and the state board of education (RCW 48.48.045).

     (((13) Private schools (RCW 28A.195.010).

     (14))) (12) Public buildings (RCW 48.48.030).

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-011, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-015   Compliance.   (1) The director of fire protection ((services)) has the responsibility under WAC 212-12-010, chapters 19.27 and 48.48 RCW, and chapters ((51-20, 51-21, 51-22, and 51-24)) 51-40, 51-42, 51-44, and 51-45 WAC to require occupancies, operations, or processes to be conducted and/or maintained so as not to pose a hazard to life or property and for the removal of fire and life safety hazards.

     (2) New construction or remodeling shall be in conformance with the State Building Code Act and chapters 19.27 and 48.48 RCW.

     (3) All occupancies, operations, or processes in which the director of fire protection ((services)) has responsibility shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-015, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-020   Inspection.   (1) The director of fire protection ((services)) shall have the authority to:

     (a) Enter upon and examine any building or premises where any fire has occurred and other buildings and premises adjoining or near thereto per RCW 48.48.030(1), 48.48.060, 48.48.070, and 48.48.080.

     (b) Enter upon and examine any public building or premises to inspect for fire hazards per RCW 48.48.030(2), 48.48.040, 48.48.045, and 48.48.050.

     (c) Collect and disseminate statistical information and reports per RCW 48.48.065.

     (2) The director of fire protection ((services)) may designate another person or agency to conduct the inspection.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-020, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-025   Right of appeal.   Any person may appeal any decision made by fire protection ((services)) bureau under this chapter through the following procedure:

     (1) The first level of appeal is to the ((chief deputy)) assistant state fire marshal. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the ((chief deputy)) assistant state fire marshal within thirty days of receipt of the decision in question. The ((chief deputy)) assistant state fire marshal shall reply to the appellant within ten days of receipt of such appeal.

     (2) The second level of appeal is to the director of fire protection ((services)). If the appellant wishes to appeal the decision of the ((chief deputy)) assistant state fire marshal, he/she shall, within ten days of the receipt of that decision, submit a written appeal to the director of fire protection. The director of fire protection ((services)) shall reply to the appellant within ten days of receipt of such appeal.

     (3) Should this process not satisfy the appellant, he or she may further appeal per chapter 34.05 RCW.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-025, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-030   Standards.   The fire and life safety standards of the fire protection ((services division)) bureau shall include the following:

     (1) Chapter ((51-20)) 51-40 WAC, State Building Code adoption ((and amendment)) of the ((1991)) 1997 edition of the Uniform Building Code, standards and amendments.

     (2) ((Chapter 51-21 WAC, State Building Code adoption and amendment of the 1991 edition of the Uniform Building Code Standards.

     (3))) Chapter ((51-22)) 51-42 WAC, State Building Code adoption ((and amendment)) of the ((1991)) 1997 edition of the Uniform Mechanical Code, standards and amendments.

     (((4))) (3) Chapter ((51-24)) 51-44 WAC, State Building Code adoption ((and amendment)) of the ((1991)) 1997 edition of the Uniform Fire Code, and amendments.

     (((5))) (4) Chapter ((51-25)) 51-45 WAC, State Building Code adoption ((and amendment)) of the ((1991)) 1997 edition of the Uniform Fire Code Standards.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-030, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-035   Special requirements.   In addition to the fire and life safety standards listed in WAC 212-12-030, the following shall apply:

     (1) ((In Group I Occupancies, light hazard areas shall be provided with 140 to 165 degree F. quick response sprinklers as listed by Underwriters Laboratories and/or Factory Mutual.

     (2))) In nursing homes, fire alarm system annunciators shall be provided where the system serves more than one floor, one fire or smoke division, or one building. They shall be located at each main nurses' station on each floor, fire or smoke division, and/or building.

     (((3))) (2) In all Group E-3, I, LC Occupancies, annual certification of fire alarm systems shall be performed by the holder of a current low-voltage electrical contractors specialty license issued by the department of labor and industries.

     (((4) In addition to other requirements as specified in this chapter, the following shall apply to residential group care facilities classified as Group R, Division 1 Occupancies including such residential group care facilities as adult family homes, adult residential rehabilitation facilities, alcoholism intensive inpatient treatment services, sub-acute alcoholism detoxification services, alcoholism long term treatment services, alcohol recovery house services, boarding homes, child birth centers, group care facilities, group care facilities for severely and multiply handicapped children, private adult treatment homes, residential treatment facilities for psychiatrically impaired children and youth, and other like facilities and occupancies when classified as a Group R, Division 1 Occupancy.

     (a) Have installed an approved fully automatic fire-extinguishing system conforming to UBC Standard No. 38-1.

     (b) In buildings with individual floor areas over 6,000 square feet, have an approved smoke barrier dividing the floor into at least two compartments, provided that each compartment shall provide no less than thirty square feet per occupant.

     (c) Be a minimum Type V, one-hour construction.

     (d) Be equipped with an approved smoke detector and automatic shutoff in each single system providing heating and cooling air. Automatic shutoffs shall shut down the air-moving equipment when smoke is detected in a circulating airstream or as an alternate, when smoke is detected in rooms served by the system.

     When required, smoke detectors shall be installed in the main circulating-air duct ahead of any fresh air inlet, or installed in each room or space served by the return-air duct. Activation of any detector shall cause the air-moving equipment to automatically shut down. An enclosure shall be provided for a stairway, ramp, or escalator serving only one adjacent floor.

     (e) Facilities located above the first floor shall have at least two exits directly to the exterior of the building, or into separate exit systems in accordance with Section 3309(a), Uniform Building Code.

     (f))) (3) Every story, and basements ((or portion thereof)) of Group LC Occupancies shall have not less than two exits.


Exception((s)): ((1.)) Basements used exclusively for the service of the building may have one exit. For the purpose of this exception, storage rooms, laundry rooms, maintenance offices, and similar uses shall not be considered as providing service to the building.
((2. Storage rooms, laundry rooms, and maintenance offices not exceeding three hundred square feet in floor area may be provided with only one exit.

     (g) Corridors shall be not less than six feet in width.

     (h) In the event of power failure, exit illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system)) (4) In all Groups E-3, I, and LC Occupancies, emergency lighting for means of egress shall be provided. Emergency systems shall activate automatically in a power failure and be supplied from storage batteries or an on-site generator set ((and)). The system shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the Electrical Code.

     (((i) Exit doors shall be openable from the inside with one motion and without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.

     (j) An approved automatic and manual fire alarm system, supervised by an approved central, proprietary or remote station service, shall be provided in accordance with Article 14 of the Uniform Fire Code.

     (k) Exits shall be provided as per the requirements for a Group I, Division 1.2 Occupancy.

     (5) Nothing in this chapter affects the provisions of chapter 70.77 or 18.160 RCW, chapter 212-17 or 212-80 WAC.))

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-035, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-040   Fire ((evacuation)) emergency plan.   All Group I, Group E, Group LC and Group R Occupancies shall develop and maintain a written fire ((evacuation)) emergency plan. The plan shall include the following:

     (1) Action to take by the person discovering a fire.

     (2) Method of sounding an alarm on the premises.

     (3) Actions to take for evacuation ((of the building)) and assuring accountability of the occupants.

     (4) ((Action to take pending arrival of the fire department.

     (5))) An evacuation floor plan identifying exits ((doors and windows)).

     (((6))) (5) In Group R, Division 1 Occupancies and Group R, Division 3 Occupancies used as transient accommodations, a copy of the written evacuation plan shall be posted in each guest room((, preferably on the main exit door)).

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-040, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 93-02, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93)

WAC 212-12-044   Fire drills.   In all Group I, Group E, Group LC, and Group R Occupancies, at least twelve planned fire drills shall be held every year. Drills shall be conducted quarterly on each shift in Group I, Group R, and Group LC Occupancies and monthly in Group((s)) E ((and R)) Occupancies to familiarize personnel with signals and emergency action required under varied conditions. A detailed written record of all fire drills shall be maintained and available for inspection at all times. When drills are conducted between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., a coded announcement may be used instead of audible alarms. Fire drills shall include the transmission of a fire alarm signal and simulation of emergency conditions. The ((local fire department)) fire alarm monitoring company shall be notified prior to the activation of the fire alarm system for drill purposes and again at the conclusion of the transmission and restoration of the fire alarm system to normal mode.

[Statutory Authority: Chapters 43.63A and 48.48 RCW. 93-05-032 (Order 93-02), § 212-12-044, filed 2/16/93, effective 3/19/93.]

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