A room used exclusively for seclusion must be designed and constructed to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children placed in seclusion. The floor space may be not less than 54 square feet with a ceiling height of not less than 8 feet. The floor and wall coverings, as well as any contents of the room, must have a one-hour fire rating and may not produce toxic fumes if burned. The walls must be kept completely free of objects. A lighting fixture, equipped with a minimum of a 75-watt bulb, must be screened or designed and installed to prevent tampering by an occupant of the room used for seclusion. If a locking mechanism is used for the room, it must be designed to be fail-safe and tied into the fire-alarm system to release when the alarm is activated or when there is a loss of power to the fire alarm panel. The door must be equipped with a window mounted in a manner that allows inspection of the entire room. Glass must be impact-resistant and shatterproof. The room must be ventilated by either natural or mechanical means.
The department may waive the space requirements for rooms used for seclusion that were in existence before July 25, 1985, if the rooms meet all other requirements in this section.
S.D. Admin. R. 67:42:07:25
General Authority: SDCL 26-6-16.
Law Implemented: SDCL 26-6-16.