N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-24.13

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:43G-24.13 - Fire and emergency preparedness

(a) The hospital shall comply with the National Fire Protection Association publication, NFPA 101(R): Life Safety Code(R), 2012 Edition, specifically, chapter 18 for new construction and chapter 19 for existing construction; National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and which is available from NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-7471. Phone: Toll-free: (800) 344-3555 or Direct: (617) 770-3000. Fax: 800 593-NFPA. Website: www.nfpa.org If the building was constructed prior to 1968, the hospital shall have the option of applying for approval from the Department under Fire Safety Evaluation System requirements. Such approval shall be obtained prior to the annual licensure inspection survey and shall include prearranged inspection by a Department surveyor.

(b) All employees, including part-time employees, temporary agency personnel, and private duty nurses shall be trained in procedures to be followed in the event of a fire and instructed in the use of fire-fighting equipment and patient evacuation of hospital buildings as part of their initial orientation and at least annually thereafter.

(c) All employees, including part-time employees, temporary agency personnel, and private-duty nurses, shall receive printed instructions on procedures to be followed in case of emergency, including patient evacuation of the buildings.

(d) A written evacuation diagram specific to the unit that includes evacuation procedure, location of fire exits, alarm boxes, and fire extinguishers shall be posted conspicuously on a wall in each patient care unit.

(e) Exits, stairways, doors, and corridors shall be kept free of obstructions.

(f) Fire drills shall be conducted at least 12 times per year, with at least one drill on each shift and one drill on a weekend.

(g) Fire extinguishers shall be visually inspected at least monthly; fully inspected at least annually, recharged, repaired and hydrotested as required by manufacturer's instructions; and labeled with the date of the last inspection.

(h) Fire detectors and alarm systems shall be inspected and tested at least twice a year by a certified testing agency. Written reports of the last two inspections shall be kept on file.

(i) Fire suppression systems shall be tested at least twice a year by an approved and certified testing agency. Written reports of the last two inspections shall be kept on file.

(j) There shall be a comprehensive, current, written preventive maintenance program for fire detectors, alarm systems, and fire suppression systems that includes regular visual inspection. This program shall be documented.

(k) There shall be a procedure for investigating and reporting fires. All fires that result in a patient or patients being moved shall be reported to the Department immediately by telephone at (609) 292-5960 or, after business hours, (800) 792-9770, and followed up in writing within 72 hours. In addition, a written report of the investigation shall be forwarded to the Department as soon as it becomes available.

(l) The hospital shall have an alternate emergency power supply. If such emergency power supply is a diesel emergency power generator, there shall be enough stored fuel to maintain power for at least 24 hours.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-24.13

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 552(b), effective 1/16/2018