[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
For the purpose of these regulations, nursing
homes, rest homes and boarding homes for the aged are those buildings
primarily used for the lodging and boarding of three or more persons
who are in need of skilled nursing care or who, by reason of age,
illness, disease, injury, convalescence or physical or mental infirmity,
are unable to provide for their own needs and safety; any home, institution,
hotel or other residential facility or accommodation that holds itself
out, advertises or otherwise in any form or manner represents that
it is a facility for the aging, senior citizens, or elderly citizens
or which is in fact a home, institution, hotel, facility or accommodation
wherein the guests, tenants, patrons or other inhabitants are 55 years
of age or more shall be deemed a private proprietary home for adults.
A.
All institutional buildings for the care of our ill
and aged, whether old or new construction, in addition to the requirements
of other governmental agencies, must comply with the following minimum
requirements:
(1)
Buildings shall be structurally sound and maintained
in general good order and condition.
(2)
Two or more approved exits shall be provided from
each occupied floor and basement and located as remote from each other
as practicable, as directed by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief
Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(3)
Exit doors shall have no locks preventing opening
from the inside and, when deemed necessary by the Bureau of Fire Prevention,
Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors, shall
open outward and be equipped with panic hardware. There shall be no
obstructions at any exit door.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(4)
Exits shall be equipped with signs of eight-inch letters,
lighted at all times by a keyless socket, and where not visible from
all occupied portions of the building, additional similarly lighted
directional signs shall be provided.
(5)
Where fire escapes are provided as a means of egress,
they shall be constructed of incombustible material, approved by the
Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy
Fire Inspectors, maintained free of rust and disrepair and free of
snow and, wherever practicable, shall be erected at a right angle
to the building.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(6)
All glazed openings under or adjacent to fire passageways
or fire escapes shall be protected with one-fourth-inch wire glass
to effect a minimum degree of safety for exterior means of egress.
(7)
All halls and stairways, including those to the cellar
and attic, shall be enclosed with approved, fire-resistive partitions
and with self-closing, rated fire doors.
(8)
Fire doors must be closed at all times. The use of
fusible link devices is not permitted.
(9)
Where the layout of hallways is circuitous or is of
such length as to justify, in the opinion of the Bureau of Fire Prevention,
Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors, a fire-retarded
dividing partition, the same shall be installed.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(10)
Corridor fire-cutoff doors must be kept closed
at all times, unless held open by an automatic release device approved
by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant
or Deputy Fire Inspectors. Automatic release devices consist of, but
are not limited to, those which are activated by a smoke detection
system, heat detection system, sprinkler alarm, fire alarm pull box
or power failure.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(11)
In all converted existing buildings of Type
3, 4 or 5 construction, New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and
Building Code, the basement or cellar ceiling shall be fire retarded
with wire lath and cement plaster, half-inch fire board with sealed
seams or other approved surface fire retardant providing a minimum
of one hour's resistance to fire.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(a)
Fire-retardant materials, either brushed or
sprayed, must be an approved Class A fire-retardant coating, as defined
in Pamphlet No. 703, Chapter 2, of the Standards of the National Fire
Protection Association.
(b)
Any such fire-retardant material shall have
a flame spread and smoke development classification of not more than
25, as defined in such standards.
(c)
Where fire-retarding materials are used, a notarized
statement shall be furnished to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief
Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors by the owner
or administrative head, said statement confirming that the fire-retarding
material has been applied in conformance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(12)
All vertical openings shall be effectively fire
stopped.
(13)
The manner in which heating and air conditioning
shall be provided is subject to the approval of the Building Inspector.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(14)
No electrical appliance producing heat shall
be used, except pressing irons, which shall be equipped with a signal
light which will remain lit when current is on, toasters and such
other appliances as may be approved for use with service quarters.
(15)
No space heater of any type shall be used.
(16)
Inspection shall be done by the New York Board
of Fire Underwriters or such other agency as is designated by the
Director of Building, Planning and Zoning.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(17)
Only lamp cords bearing Underwriters' Laboratories
labels, not exceeding eight feet in length, shall be used, and such
cords shall be replaced when worn or damaged.
(18)
No lighting, other than electric, shall be provided.
(19)
Automatic emergency lighting shall be installed
in all existing structures to provide adequate light in halls, corridors,
stairs, dining rooms, recreation rooms, chapels and such other areas
and for such other services as may be required by the Bureau of Fire
Prevention, Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(20)
In all new buildings or future converted structures,
automatic emergency generators shall be installed in compliance with
the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and shall
adequately provide power to supply emergency lighting and for such
other services as may be required by the Bureau of Fire Prevention,
Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(21)
Kitchens.
(a)
Kitchens and serving pantries must be cut off
from the remainder of the premises with fire-resistive walls and ceilings
of a two-hour minimum rating in new construction or a one-hour minimum
rating for existing construction.
(b)
Door openings between kitchens and/or pantries
and the dining rooms they serve shall be protected by Underwriters'
Laboratories labeled Class B self-closing fire doors and assemblies
in new construction or Class C in existing construction.
(c)
Serving counter openings must be protected by
automatic two-hour rated self-closing doors in new construction or
one-hour rated in existing construction.
(d)
If kitchens and pantries are protected by an
automatic sprinkler system, fire-resistance rating of walls and ceilings
may be reduced to one hour and doors to Class C in new construction.
(e)
View panels will be permitted in fire doors,
provided that they are protected by one-fourth-inch clear wire glass
of not more than 100 square inches in area.
(22)
Range hoods.
(a)
Hoods equal to the length and breadth of the
ranges and cooking equipment shall be provided. They shall be not
more than seven feet above the floor and shall not be within 18 inches
of any combustible material. They shall be provided with filters.
(b)
Hoods shall be provided with mechanical exhaust
ducts, which shall be connected to an independent chimney or stack,
insulated from contact with combustible material and terminating above
the roof.
(c)
Exhaust ducts must be provided with an adequate
number of access doors for easy inspection and cleaning.
(d)
Hoods, ducts, chimneys and stacks must be cleaned
as often as may be necessary, but not less than twice a year. A record
shall be kept available for the Inspector, showing date of cleaning
and by whom cleaned.
(e)
Hoods, ducts, chimneys and stacks shall be equipped
with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system. Where deep fryers
are used, they shall also be so protected. Automatic extinguishing
systems must also be provided with a manual device for activating
the same. All systems must meet the requirements of the New York Rating
Organization and the National Fire Protection Association, in addition
to the requirements of the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
(f)
Gas for cooking equipment shall be provided
with an automatic shutoff device activated by the extinguishing system.
Such shutoff device must be designed so that it can only be reset
manually. Such automatic shutoff devices shall also be provided for
deep fat fryers but not for the electric range.
(g)
Electric wiring under hoods shall be in conduit,
and all fixtures shall be of a vapor-proof type.
(h)
Plans for automatic extinguishing systems and
shutoff devices must be submitted to the Chief Fire Inspector for
approval prior to installation.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(23)
Smoking shall be permitted only under strict
supervision.
(24)
At least one attendant shall be maintained,
awake and alert at all hours of the day and night, who shall make
regular and frequent rounds of the building to ensure the prompt detection
of fire.
(25)
Capacity shall be limited to the number of patients,
inmates or guests determined by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief
Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(26)
An ambulatory patient shall be considered as
one who, without aid, is physically and mentally capable of walking
a normal path to safety, including the ascent and descent of stairs.
(27)
Ambulatory patients may be on all floors above
grade if the building is of Type 1 or 2 construction, as defined in
the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, and
built expressly for the purpose of being operated as a nursing home,
rest home or boarding home for the aged. In buildings of Type 3, 4
or 5 construction, as defined in the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention
and Building Code, ambulatory patients or guests may be on the first
or second floor only.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(28)
Nonambulatory and helpless patients are restricted
to the first floor only, unless the building is Type 1 or Type 2 construction.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(29)
Halls, aisles, stairways and areas adjacent
to exits shall be free of obstruction at all times.
(30)
Storage must be maintained in a neat and orderly
manner and must be confined to essential materials. Where the same
constitutes a hazard, in the opinion of the Chief Fire Inspector,
a fire-resistive enclosure must be provided.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(31)
There shall be no storage of flammable liquids
in the building, except those needed for patient treatment stored
in such places and in such quantities as may be authorized by the
Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy
Fire Inspectors.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(32)
Oxygen storage rooms must be of fire-resistive
construction with adequate ventilation directly to the exterior. All
lighting fixtures and switches must be of the approved explosion-proof
type for those locations.
(33)
No gasoline power mowers, tractors or other
gasoline-driven equipment shall be stored in any part of a nursing
home, rest home or boarding home for the aged.
(34)
All curtains and drapes must be flame-proofed
and a certificate furnished to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief
Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(35)
Fire alarm pull stations shall be installed
throughout the buildings with annunciator panels in areas of twenty-four-hour
supervision and shall have a reasonable and distinctive signal audible
throughout the building. Said system must be supervised closed circuit
and provided with a trouble bell to be located in an area of twenty-four-hour
supervision.
(36)
Fire alarm and detection systems shall be provided
with emergency standby power.
(37)
Coded fire alarm systems shall be provided where
deemed necessary by the Chief Fire Inspector.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(38)
Gas meters and regulating equipment must be
located on the exterior of the building.
(39)
The telephone number of the Fire Department
shall be prominently posted over all telephones, and all personnel
shall be instructed to immediately call the Fire Department upon discovery
of smoke or fire, regardless of the apparent extent or significance.
(40)
Fire extinguishers, as may be required by the
Chief Fire Inspector, shall be provided, properly hung and maintained
as directed.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(41)
All extinguishers shall be serviced annually
and bear a tag showing the date and name of the person rendering the
service.
(42)
Tests of systems.
(a)
Plans shall be formulated for the protection
of the occupants in the event of fire and for their evacuation in
an emergency, and all employees shall be instructed as to their duties
under such plan. A log book shall be maintained containing certified
monthly recordings of the following tests:
(b)
All of the tests may be made on the same date
but must be certified by separate signed entries. Failure to comply
will constitute a violation upon the owner.
(43)
Wherever unusual or extraordinary conditions
exist which constitute a fire hazard endangering occupants, such conditions
shall be corrected in a manner satisfactory to the Bureau of Fire
Prevention, Chief Fire Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
(44)
All new or renovation work shall have noncombustible wall and ceiling surfaces. All existing combustible wall and ceiling surfaces must be fire retarded to the specifications of Subsection A(11).
(45)
Plans for all new or renovation work shall be
submitted to the office of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Chief Fire
Inspector or Assistant or Deputy Fire Inspectors for approval prior
to construction and other agencies which may have jurisdiction.
[Amended 2-6-2012 by L.L.
No. 2-2012]
