Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s

Working with Your Local Fire Authority

Douglas Pancake, AIA Douglas Pancake Architects Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

1

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s

Topics of Discussion • The “Old Code”

– Assisted Living Facilities (RCFE, R-2.1) – Problem areas – Bedridden in existing facilities – Construction requirements

• New Building Code

(January 1, 2008) – Assisted Living Facilities (I-1) – Bedridden – Construction requirements – Additions, upgrades, remodeling Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

2

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s

• What is the State doing to help with resolving issues?

– SFM Residential Care Advisory Committee – Information Bulletins – Code Interpretations – Partnering with State and Local Agencies

• How does the fire service work?

– How can a relationship be built – Differences in opinions……never!

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

3

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s

“Old Code”

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

4

Statue vs. Code

(Not necessarily the same thing)

AND… The Health and Safety Code

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

5

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

6

Statue and Code

(Not necessarily the same thing)

AND… The Health and Safety Code

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

7

6 or Fewer Ambulatory, Non-Ambulatory or Bedridden

• 2001 CBC Occupancies: – R-2.1.1

– R-2.2,1 – R-2.3.1

– R-6.1.1

– R-6.2.1

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM • 2007 CBC Occupancies: – R-3.1

Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

8

More than 6 Non-Ambulatory or Bedridden

• 2001 CBC Occupancies: – R-2.1

– R-2.3

– R-6.1

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM • 2007 CBC Occupancies: – I-1.1

Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

10

The definition for R-2.1 is as follows:

CBC, SECTION 310.1 - Group R Occupancies Defined. Group R Occupancies shall be: [For SFM] Division 2.1. Residentially-based, licensed facilities accommodating more than six nonambulatory clients. This division may include ambulatory clients.

Licensing categories that may use this classification include, but are not limited to: Adult Residential Facilities, Congregate Living Health Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, Group Homes and

Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill.

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

11

Statue and Code

(Not necessarily the same thing) The 2001 CBC defines Nonambulatory Persons as follows:

(For SFM) NONAMBULATORY PERSONS are persons unable to leave a building unassisted

under emergency conditions. It includes, but is not limited to, persons who depend on mechanical aids such as crutches, walkers and wheelchairs and any person who is unable to physically and mentally respond to a sensory signal approved by the State Fire Marshal or an oral instruction relating to fire danger.

The determination of ambulatory or nonambulatory status of persons with developmental disabilities shall be made by the Director of Social Services or his or her designated representative, in consultation with the Director of Developmental Services or his or her designated representative. The determination of ambulatory or nonambulatory status of all other disabled persons placed after January 1, 1984, who are not developmentally disabled shall be made by the Director of Social Services or his or her designated representative.

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

12

Statue and Code

(Not necessarily the same thing) The 2001 CBC defines Bedridden Persons as follows:

(For SFM) BEDRIDDEN PERSON means a person confined to a bed, requiring assistance in turning or unable to independently transfer to and from bed, and unable to leave a building unassisted under emergency conditions.

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

13

Statue and Code

(Not necessarily the same thing)

CBC, SECTION 308.1 - Group I Occupancies Defined.

Group I Occupancies shall be: Division 1.1. … Hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes with nonambulatory patients [for SFM] where medical care is provided, or homes with nonambulatory guests where medical care is provided, and similar buildings (each accommodating more that five patients [for SFM] six patients).

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

14

Statue and Code

(Not necessarily the same thing)

HSC, SECTION 1569.72

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), bedridden persons may be admitted to, and

remain in, residential care facilities for the elderly that secure and maintain an appropriate fire

clearance. A fire clearance shall be issued to a facility in which a bedridden person resides if either of the following conditions are met: (1) The fire safety requirements are met. (2) Alternative methods of protection are approved.

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

15

Nonambulatory on the Second Floor

Building standards specifically for two story RCFE’s are described in HSC 13131.5 (b) and are further codified in the 2001 CBC. If the building design and construction meets or exceeds these minimum standards listed below, fire clearance should be provided. Minimum Standards required by the HSC are as follows:

HSC, SECTION 13131.5 (b)

All of the following building standards shall apply to any two-story building housing nonambulatory persons on a second floor, which is operated as a residential care facility for the elderly and licensed to care for more than six persons: The entire building shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved fully automatic fire extinguishing system, designed and installed in accordance with Section 2-3801 (d) of Chapter 2-38 Part of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

The entire building shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved and listed automatic fire alarm system. The entire building shall be of at least Type V one-hour fire resistive construction, as described in Chapter 2-22 of Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

A building with individual floor areas over 6,000 square feet per floor shall have an approved smoke barrier dividing the floor approximately in half, without regard to whether direct exiting is available from each dwelling unit.

The entire building shall have at least two sets of enclosed stairways.

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

16

Nonambulatory on the Third Floor

HSC 13131.5 dictates the construction type for these buildings. (c) All of the following building standards shall apply to any multi-story building

housing nonambulatory persons on the third, fourth, or fifth floor

, which is operated as a residential care facility for the elderly and licensed to care for more than six persons: (1) The entire building, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 13113, shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved fully automatic fire extinguishing system, designed and installed in accordance with Section 2-3801(d) of Chapter 2-38 of Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

(2) The entire building shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved and listed automatic fire alarm system.

(3) The entire building shall be of

Type II fire resistive construction

, as described in Chapter 2-19 of Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.

(4) A building with individual floor areas over 6,000 square feet per floor shall have an approved smoke barrier dividing the floor approximately in half, without regard to whether direct exiting is available from each dwelling unit.

(5) The entire building shall have at least two sets of enclosed stairways.

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

17

R-2.1 Construction Requirements More than 6 non-ambulatory

• Fire Rated Construction • Two Stories in Type V, 1-hr Construction • Smoke Barriers (if > 6,000 sq. ft.) • Rated Corridors • Fire Sprinkler System • Manual & Automatic Fire Alarm System • Exit Signs • Tactile Egress signage • Emergency Illumination • Ramps • Fire Extinguishers Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

18

R-2.1.1 -- Construction Requirements 6 or less nonambulatory

• Limited to two stories, Type V, NR • Non Rated Construction • Smoke Barrier Walls (if > 6,000 sq. ft.) • Hallways • Manual Pull Station • Smoke Alarms • Exit Signs • Ramps • Fire Extinguisher Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

19

Office of the State Fire Marshal Is Helping !

• SFM Residential Care Advisory Committee – – – – – – OSFM DSS CALA Aging Services of California Providers Architects Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

20

Office of the State Fire Marshal Code Interperetations

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

21

Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s

Thank You

Douglas Pancake, AIA Douglas Pancake Architects Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM Aging Services of California 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

The New Shade of Gray

22