Section 2603.140  Safety

a)         Introduction

Several agencies or departments, local and state, are empowered to ensure compliance with safety standards which have been established by law.

b)         Minimum Standards

1)         Fire Protection

A)        Based on the size of the facility, there shall be at least one fire extinguisher installed in the basement and on each floor for each 5,000 square feet of floor space.

B)        Extinguishers shall be readily accessible.

C)        Extinguishers shall be examined not less than once each year and tagged with the date of inspection and initials of the inspector.

D)        An automatic fire alarm system, including smoke detectors, shall be installed.

E)        All staff members shall be familiar with the characteristics and operation of all types of extinguishers, fire hoses, etc., in the facility.

F)         Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted at least monthly and a record maintained.

G)        The local fire department or nearest fire prevention authority shall be contacted regarding the location, type, and number of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire alarm system.

2)         Emergency Exits

Emergency exit doors shall be clearly indicated with at least 4½ inch block lettering stating "Exit" in all capital letters, lighted at all times; and their location shall be known to all occupants.

A)        There shall be two exits from each floor of the shelter care facility.

B)        The emergency exit doors shall be arranged and maintained so they can be readily opened without the use of a key.

3)         Combustible Materials

Combustible materials, such as drapes, curtains, and rugs shall be of flame-proof material.  Paint shall be flame-retardant.

4)         Maintenance

Any damaged or nonfunctioning equipment must be promptly repaired.

5)         Stairways

Stairways must be provided with a hand rail.

6)         Handicapped Children

Retarded and/or physically handicapped children must be sheltered on the ground floor.

7)         Unsupervised Activity

Children shall be prohibited from engaging in any unsupervised activity that could cause injury.

8)         Safety Orientation

Children who volunteer and are assigned to operate or use potentially dangerous tools or machinery or to participate in vocational type tasks shall be given a safety orientation prior to participation, and shall be supervised while performing the task.

9)         Hazardous Substances

Floors and other walking surfaces shall be kept free of substances producing hazardous footing.

10)         Firearms and Other Weapons

No person, including law enforcement personnel, shall be permitted to enter any living or sleeping section of the shelter care facility with a gun or other weapon on his person.   Weapons shall be stored in a secure and locked drawer, cabinet or container immediately upon entry to the facility.

11)         Emergency Lighting

An emergency lighting source shall be available in the event of a primary power failure.

12)         Showers

Shower floors and tubs shall have safety strips or other non-skid devices applied to prevent slipping.

13)         Poisonous Compounds

All poisonous compounds shall be kept in a locked steel cabinet.  Such substances shall not be stored in the kitchen or food storage areas.

14)         State of Illinois Regulations

In addition to these standards, the adherence to the rules and regulations of the Division of Fire Prevention, State of Illinois, is required.  Fire evacuation plans will be posted in areas frequented by youths.

(Source:  Amended at 12 Ill. Reg. 12405, effective October 1, 1988)