South Carolina
Community Residential Care Facilities
Division of Health Facilities Construction
Office of Fire and Life Safety
Introductions
Who is the AHJ (Authority Having
Jurisdiction)?
Who Moved My Cheese?
Spencer Johnson, MD
I MOVED YOUR CHEESE AND
ATE IT!!!!!!!!
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT
IT?
Author: Shawn Stickle
Health Regulation
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Stefanie Corbett
John Boozer
Elie Macaron, Chief Architect
New DHFC Staff
DIVISION OF HEALTH FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION
Contacts
Upstate - Walter Stellpflug
- (803)422-7570 {Mobile} - Abbeville,
Anderson, Edgefield, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry,
Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union
Midlands - Shawn Stickle - (803) 545-4215 {Office} - Cherokee, Chester, Fairfield,
Lancaster, Lexington, Richland, York
Pee Dee - Graham Cormack - (803) 727-3576 {Mobile} - Chesterfield, Clarendon,
Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Marion, Marlboro,
Sumter, Williamsburg
Low Country - Elie Macaron - (843) 442-8179 {Mobile} - Aiken, Allendale,
Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester,
Hampton, Jasper, Orangeburg
Regulation 61-84
!!!!!VERY IMPORTANT!!!!!
When construction, renovation, or alteration is contemplated to existing
licensed buildings, the facility must do all of the following:
• Determine whether or not the project is required to have approval
from the DHFC. Projects that require notification to, and approval from,
the DHFC include new construction or projects with changes to the
physical plant of a licensed facility which has an effect on: the
function, use or accessibility of an area; structural integrity;
active and passive fire safety systems (including kitchen
equipment such as exhaust hoods or equipment required to be
under the said hood); door, wall and ceiling system
assemblies; exit corridors; and projects pertaining to any life
safety systems. Cost has no bearing on whether or not a review is
needed. When in doubt, please contact the DHFC for guidance
DHFC Guidelines Manual
Take a look……
How to get there…
http://www.scdhec.gov/health/constr/index.htm
Cant remember? Type DHEC construction into a
search engine.
Architect or Design Professional?
• SC 40-3-290 of the South Carolina
statutes governing the practice of
architecture
• All institutional buildings, regardless of
size, require the services of an architect
for additions, alterations and
upfits/renovations
2012 I codes?
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IFC 1103.9 Carbon monoxide alarms. Existing Group I or R occupancies located in a building
containing a fuel-burning appliance or a building which has an attached garage shall be equipped
with single-station carbon monoxide alarms. The carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed as
complying with UL 2034, and be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 720 and the
manufacturer’s instructions. An open parking garage, as defined in the International Building Code,
or an enclosed parking garage ventilated in accordance with Section 404 of the International
Mechanical Code shall not be deemed to be an attached garage.
Exception: Sleeping units or dwelling units which do not themselves contain a fuel-burning
appliance or have an attached garage, but which are located in a building with a fuel burning
appliance or an attached garage, need not be equipped with single-station carbon monoxide alarms
provided that:
 1. The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story above or below any
story that contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage;
 2. The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation shafts to
any room containing a fuel-burning appliance or to an attached garage; and
 3. The building is provided with a common area carbon monoxide alarm system.
Fire Drills
[B] INCAPABLE OF SELF-PRESERVATION. Persons because of age, physical limitations,
mental limitations, chemical dependency, or medical treatment cannot respond as an individual
to an emergency situation.
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61-84: 2202. D. Facilities that house four or more residents who may require
physical assistance to exit the building shall be fully sprinklered in accordance with
NFPA 13.
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61-84: 2301.G. Those residents that may require physical or verbal assistance to
exit the building shall not be located above or below the floor of exit discharge.
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IFC 1104.2 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall
not be used as a component of a required means of egress.
Exceptions:
1. Elevators used as an accessible means of egress where allowed by Section 1007.4.
2. Previously approved escalators and moving walks in existing buildings.
2012 I-Codes
IFC 404.3.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:
1. Emergency egress or escape routes and whether evacuation of the building is to be complete or, where
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approved, by selected floors or areas only.
2. Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating.
3. Procedures for assisted rescue for persons unable to use the general means of egress unassisted.
4. Procedures for accounting for employees and occupants after evacuation has been completed.
5. Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.
6. The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.
7. The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or
designated emergency response organization.
8. Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of
duties under the plan.
9. A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice
messages, where provided.
2012 I-Codes
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404.3.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:
1. The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
2. The life safety strategy and procedures for notifying, relocating or evacuating occupants, including
occupants who need assistance.
3. Site plans indicating the following:
3.1. The occupancy assembly point.
3.2. The locations of fire hydrants.
3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.
4. Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:
4.1. Exits.
4.2. Primary evacuation routes.
4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.
4.4. Accessible egress routes.
4.5. Areas of refuge.
4.6. Exterior areas for assisted rescue.
4.7. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4.8. Portable fire extinguishers.
4.9. Occupant-use hose stations.
4.10. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
5. A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the
premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.
2012 I-Codes
405.4 Time. Drills shall be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual
conditions that occur in case of fire.
If fire and emergency drills are a routine planned occurrence, they will not simulate actual reaction to an
emergency but will provide an inaccurate and most likely optimistic outcome; therefore, the drills need to
occur at random. Quarterly for I-1 on each shift
405.5 Record keeping. Records shall be maintained of required emergency evacuation drills and include the
following information:
1. Identity of the person conducting the drill.
2. Date and time of the drill.
3. Notification method used.
4. Staff members on duty and participating.
5. Number of occupants evacuated.
6. Special conditions simulated.
7. Problems encountered.
8. Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.
9. Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.
DHFC Office of Fire & Life Safety
Region 1 - Michael Locklear (803) 545-4217 - Abbeville, Aiken,
Anderson, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens,
McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and
York Counties.
Region 2 - David Moody (803) 545-4314 - Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell,
Beaufort, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Hampton, Jasper,
Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Marlboro, Richland, and Sumter
Counties.
Region 3 - Todd McAlhany (803) 545- 4422 - Bamberg, Berkeley,
Charleston, Clarendon, Colleton, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Horry,
Marion, Orangeburg, and Williamsburg Counties.
“Fire & Life Safety is no bull” Michael Locklear
Assisted Living fires in SC
Not if…..when?
37 reported 2012 in SC
1. Katie Jane Nursing Home, Warrenton, MO, February 17, 1957, 72 killed vs. total of 149 patients.
2. Golden Age Nursing Home, Fitchville, OH, November 23, 1963, 63 killed vs. total of 84 patients.
3. Nursing home, Largo, FL, March 29, 1953, 33 killed, including 32 patients vs. total of 45.
4. Harmer House Convalescent Home, Marietta, OH, January 9, 1970, 31 killed vs. total of 46 patients.
5. Nursing home (intermediate care type), Chicago, IL, January 30, 1976, 24 killed vs. total of 83 patients.
6. Convalescent home, Hoquiam, WA (may not have been a nursing home), January 30, 1951, 21 killed vs. total of 29
patients.
7. Nursing home, Hillsboro, MO, October 31, 1952, 20 killed vs. total of 70 patients.
8. Nursing home, Hartford, CT, February 26, 2003, 16 killed vs. total of 148 patients.
9. Nursing Home, Nashville, TN, September 2003, 16 killed, 16 critical, 116 residents
DECORATIONS?
1.Use only flame proof holiday decorations
2. Ensure that each employee knows how to initiate an alarm without delay,
should he or she detect a fire. Stress the importance of notifying the fire
department and ensuring that your Fire/Smoke Detection Equipment operates
properly.
3. With added emphasis, instruct employees on night shifts and weekends to be
alert for smoke and fire.
4. Emphasize Pre-planning: If evacuation of patients/residents is required, could
your staff do it?
Decorations?
5.Ensure that all corridors and exits are clear of any obstructions, such as furniture,
decorations, wheelchairs, etc.
6. Emphasize your "No Smoking" regulations. Be alert for patients/residents
smoking in bed or other areas where smoking may be prohibited.
7.Ensure that all fire extinguishers and extinguishing systems are in good working
order.
8.The International Fire Code prohibits live cut trees in health care facilities. Artificial
trees listed as Flame Retardant by UL are approved. If lights are used, they must be
UL listed and of the cool lamp variety. (December is the most dangerous month for
electrical fires. Fifty percent more fires occur in December than any other month in
the year.)
Decorations?
9. Do not use electrical lights on aluminum or other metal trees.
10. Carefully inspect all electrical decorations to ensure the wiring and other parts
are in good condition.
11. Request your local fire department to conduct a fire safety inspection
immediately and follow their recommendations. Remember that the city or county in
which you operate may have additional requirements or restrictions on the use or
display of Christmas trees and decorations.
Why is this important?
Frequent Violations
• Todd McAlhany
• Michael Locklear
• Alan Moody
Inspection Documentation
Annual inspection reports
Electrical inspection 61-84-2501.B
HVAC inspection 61-84-2601.B
Fire Alarm System 61-84-2203.H
Sprinkler System 61-84-1502.A NFPA 25
Hood Suppression System 61-84-1502
NFPA 96 (Every six months)
Deficiencies to any fire protection system
shall be corrected
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers shall be serviced
annually.
Extinguishers shall be check monthly.
FIRE DRILLS
61-84-1504 REQUIRES FIRE DRILLS TO
BE CONDUCTED AT LEAST QUARTERLY
FOR EACH SHIFT
Fire Drill report should include:
• The date, time, shift.
• A description & evaluation of the drill
• The names of staff members and
residents that participated in the drill
Emergency Electric Service 61-84-2507
Exit signs 61-84-2506
Check monthly for proper operation
Is anything wrong?
Anything Wrong?
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61-84 2301 A. Exits,
corridors, stairs,
ramps and smoke
partitions shall be
provided, installed
and maintained with
the provisions of
NFPA 101 and the
SBC.
NFPA 101 7.5.1.1 Exits
shall be located and
exit access shall be
arranged
so that exits are
readily accessible
at all times
NFPA 101
7.2.1.6.1 Delayed-Egress Locks. (d) * On the door adjacent to the release
device, there shall be a readily visible, durable sign in letters not less
than 1 in. (2.5 cm) high and not less than 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) in stroke width
on a contrasting background that reads as follows:
PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS
Delayed Egress
Delayed egress doors shall be properly
labeled.
Correct Delayed Egress Sign
Means of egress
shall be readily
distinguishable
from adjacent
construction and
easily
recognizable as
doors.
61-84 2207.C. Unvented gas logs are not allowed. Gas logs
shall be vented to the outside. Gas fireplaces shall have a
remote gas shutoff within the room and not
inside the fireplace.
61-84 2207 B. No portable electric or unvented
fuel heaters shall be permitted in the facility.
61-84 2207 B. No portable electric or
unvented fuel heaters shall be permitted in
the facility.
61-84 2601.D No HVAC supply or return grill shall be
installed within three feet of a smoke detector.
NFPA 72 29.8.3.4 Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall
not be installed within a 36” path of forced air systems or
the blade tip of a ceiling fan.
61-84 2201 A. Fire Extinguishers shall be sized, located, installed and
maintained in accordance with NFPA 10
IFC 906.6 Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or
obscured from view.
IFC 703.2 Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked or
obstructed or otherwise made inoperable.
IFC 703.2.3 Swinging fire doors shall close from the full open position
and latch automatically
61-84 2705 J. All
resident room doors
shall be solid core:
facilities Licensed for six
beds or more shall have
20 minute doors with
closures.
NFPA 80 1-6.1* Only
labeled fire doors shall
be used.
2-4.1.2* A closing
device shall be installed
on every fire door.
2-4.1.4* All closing
mechanisms shall be
adjusted to overcome
the resistance of the
latch mechanism so that
positive
latching is achieved on
each door operation.
Fire Department Connection Sign
Surge Protectors
UL 1449
5.2.1.1.1* Sprinklers shall not show signs of leakage; shall be free of
corrosion, foreign materials, paint, and physical damage; and shall be
installed in the correct orientation (e.g., upright, pendent, or sidewall).
5.2.1.1.3* Any sprinkler that has been installed in the incorrect orientation
shall be replaced.
5.2.1.1.4 Any sprinkler shall be replaced that has signs of leakage; is
painted, other than by the sprinkler manufacturer, corroded, damaged, or
loaded; or is in the improper orientation.
NFPA 25 5.2.2.2
Sprinkler piping
shall not be
subjected to
external loads
by materials either
resting on the pipe
or hung from the
pipe.
NFPA 96 10.2.3* Automatic
fire-extinguishing systems
shall comply with standard UL
300, Standard for Fire Testing
of Fire Extinguishing Systems
for Protection of Restaurant
Cooking Areas, or other
equivalent.
Anything
wrong?
Type?
QUESTIONS?