Current through 2024-51, December 18, 2024
Section 144-113-II-14 - Safety Standards14.1 Fire safety plans. Each facility must have a fire safety plan. The fire safety plan and any changes in the plan are to be developed in conjunction with and approved by, local or state fire authorities. [Class III]14.2 Elements of a fire safety plan. In addition to any requirements of local or state fire authorities, the plan shall note steps to be taken, location of emergency exits, evacuation procedures and the telephone numbers of police, fire, ambulance and duly authorized licensed practitioners or other individuals to contact in an emergency. The fire safety plan shall be posted conspicuously in the facility.14.3 Drills or rehearsals.14.3.1 Timed drills, as described in the applicable chapters of the NFPA Life Safety Code, must be used in facilities with 3 or more beds to determine a facility's capability to evacuate its residents, unless the facility has elected to complete evacuation scores in lieu of timed drills in accordance with the standards described in the NFPA Life Safety Code 101A. When a new resident has participated in a timed drill in another Private Non-Medical Institute within the previous 2 months, the results of that drill may be used to determine evacuation capability in the resident's current facility for a period of up to 4 months. [Class II]14.3.2 Facilities with 3 or more beds shall conduct drills or rehearsals of the emergency steps to be taken at irregular times of the day, at least 6 (six) times per year spaced throughout the year. Two of the six drills must be conducted while residents are asleep. [Class II]14.4 Record of drills or rehearsals. A record shall be kept on a form provided by the Department showing the date and time of each drill. Providers shall be knowledgeable about and shall inform staff, if applicable, about the use of fire safety equipment in the facility. At the time of admission and on a periodic basis, residents shall be informed of emergency procedures. [Class II]14.5 Free-standing, solid fuel burning stoves. Freestanding, solid fuel burning stoves (including wood and coal) are permitted in living areas, but not in bedrooms. They must be installed within NFPA No. 211 guidelines or as regulated by the Solid Fuel Board of Maine. Guidelines contained in NFPA No. 211 may be obtained by contacting the Office of the State Fire Marshal. [Class III]14.6 Portable electric heaters. Portable closed liquid electric heaters may be used if approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. No radiant or quartz heaters shall be used. [Class III]14.7 Extension cords. Extension cords are prohibited, except for those cords that have a fuse mechanism. [Class III]14.8 Smoke detectors. Smoke detectors shall be functional at all times. [Class I]10-144 C.M.R. ch. 113, § II-14