Fire alarm system and automatic fire detection systems: Facilities shall be provided with a fire alarm system.
Exceptions:
- Day care centers housed in only one room, or
- Facilities which have interconnected smoke detectors throughout occupied rooms and exit paths, or
- Where previously accepted and documented in writing by the KSFMO.
Evacuation procedures: Evacuation procedures shall be conducted once a month.
Evacuation routes: A diagram shall be posted in each classroom, which reflects the actual floor arrangement, and a minimum of two alternative exit paths shall be indicated.
Alarm initiation: Alarm initiation shall be by manual means and by smoke detection system if provided or by an existing automatic alarm system powered by the building electrical system (not battery powered) or as previously approved by KSFMO and documented in writing.
Fire Department notification: If more than 100 clients; fire department notification through the fire alarm system shall be automatic.
Smoke detection: Smoke detectors powered by the building electrical system shall be provided with placement in each story in front of doors to the stairway, in corridors of all floors occupied by the center, in lounges, recreational areas, and sleeping rooms.
Exceptions:
- Centers housed in 1 room (bathrooms excluded), or
- Housing clients 6 years or older, no sleeping facilities provided.
Hazardous rooms: Storage rooms with over 450 square feet of area shall be separated by one-hour fire resistive construction.
Electrical receptacles: When children are under 6 years of age, unused electical receptacles shall be provided with protective covers.
Unvented heaters: Unvented fuel fired heaters shall not be permitted at any time.
Heater separation: Any heaters shall be separated or screened to protect children from hot surfaces.
Fire extinguishers: Fire extinguishers shall be provided (typically 2A/10B:C)
Fire extinguisher location: Fire extinguisher location shall be conspicuously located and readily accessible for immediate use.
Rescue and ventiliation windows: Every room or space normally subject to client occupancy other than bathrooms shall have at least one window or outside door for emergency rescue or ventilation. Such windows shall be easily opened from the inside without tools or special knowledge of effort. The sill of the window or door shall be no more than 44" above the finished floor. The window must have a total opening size of 821 square inches.
| Minimum clear opening dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Width x Height | |
| 20 x 42 = 840 | > 821 inches |
| 35 x 24 = 840 | > 821 inches |
EXCEPT IN FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS or previously
accepted by KSFMO
and documented in writing.
Closet door latches: Every closet door shall be able to be opened from the inside by children at all times.
Bathroom door locks: Bathroom doors locks shall be able to be unloced from the outside with the opening device readily accessible to the staff and near the door.
Interior finish: The minimum flame spread of Class B (0-75) in stairways, and corridor walls and ceilings.
Emergency lighting: Emergency lighting fixtures shall be provided in all exit corridors and exit stairs.
Basement exiting: If the story below the level of exit discharge is occupied for day care center or preschool activities, one exit door shall be directly to the outside or an enclosed stairway serving only the story below the level of exit discharge. Second means of egress shall be permitted to be via an unenclosed stairway as long as it is separated from the first floor.
DEFINITIONS
A Child Care Center contains:
- care and educational activities provided for 13 or more children two weeks to 16 years of age, and
- for more than 3 hours and less than 24 hours per day
A Preschool contains:
- learning experiences for children who have not attained the age of eligibility to enter kindergarten, and
- are 30 months or older, and
- conducts sessions not exceeding 3 hours per session, and
- does not enroll any child more than one session per day, and
- does not serve a meal.
Examples include educational preschools, Montessori schools, nursery schools; church-sponsored preschools, and cooperatives.
A Preschool or Childcare Center may have fewer than 13 children and be licensed as a preschool if the program and facility meet regulations.