OAR 411-054-0090: Fire and Life Safety

(1) FIRE DRILLS. All fire drills shall be conducted according to the Oregon Fire Code (OFC). (a) Unannounced fire drills must be conducted and recorded every other month at different times of the day, evening, and night shifts. (b) Fire and life safety instruction to staff must be provided on alternate months. (c) The Fire Authority may develop an alternative fire drill plan for the facility. Any such plan must be submitted to the Department. (d) A written fire drill record must be kept to document fire drills that include: (A) Date and time of day; (B) Location of simulated fire origin; (C) The escape route used; (D) Problems encountered and comments relating to residents who resisted or failed to participate in the drills; (E) Evacuation time period needed; (F) Staff members on duty and participating; and (G) Number of occupants evacuated. (e) Alternate exit routes must be used during fire drills to react to varying potential fire origin points. (f) The evacuation capability of the residents and staff is a function of both the ability of the residents to evacuate and the assistance provided by the staff. (g) Staff must provide fire evacuation assistance to residents from the building to a designated point of safety as determined by the Fire Authority having jurisdiction. Points of safety may include, outside the building, through a horizontal exit, or other areas as determined by the Fire Authority having jurisdiction. (h) The fire alarm system shall be activated during each fire drill, unless otherwise directed by the Fire Authority having jurisdiction. (2) If the facility is unable to meet the applicable evacuation level, the facility must make an immediate effort to make changes to ensure the evacuation standard is met. Changes must include, but not be limited to: (a) Increasing staff levels, (b) Changing staff assignments, (c) Requesting change in resident rooms, and (d) Arranging for special equipment. After making necessary changes, if the facility fails to meet the applicable evacuation level, the facility must issue an involuntary move-out notice to the residents in accordance with OAR 411-054-0080. (3) Fire detection and protection equipment, including visual signals with alarms for hearing impaired residents, must be maintained in accordance with the OFC and the manufacturer’s instructions. (a) The facility must provide and maintain one or more 2A:10B:C fire extinguishers on each floor in accordance with the OFC. (b) Flammable and combustible liquids and hazardous materials must be safely and properly stored in original containers in accordance with the fire authority having jurisdiction. (4) SAFETY PROGRAM. A safety program must be developed and implemented to avoid hazards to residents, such as dangerous substances, sharp objects, unprotected electrical outlets, slippery floors or stairs, exposed heating devices, broken glass, water temperatures, and fire prevention. (5) TRAINING FOR RESIDENTS. Residents must be instructed about the facility's fire and life safety procedures per OFC. (a) Each resident must be instructed within 24 hours of admission and re-instructed, at least annually, in general safety procedures, evacuation methods, responsibilities during fire drills, and designated meeting places outside the building or within the fire safe area in the event of an actual fire. This requirement does not apply to residents whose mental capability does not allow for following such instruction. (b) A written record of fire safety training, including content of the training sessions and the residents attending, must be kept. (6) UNOBSTRUCTED EGRESS. Stairways, halls, doorways, passageways, and exits from rooms and the building must be unobstructed. (7) FIRST AID SUPPLIES. First aid supplies must be provided, properly labeled, and readily accessible.