Assisted Living Communities: Changes & Challenges November 20, 2014 Central Georgia Technical...

Assisted Living Communities:Assisted Living Communities:Changes & ChallengesChanges & Challenges

November 20, 2014November 20, 2014Central Georgia Technical Central Georgia Technical

CollegeCollegeMacon, GAMacon, GA

Law of Unintended Law of Unintended ConsequencesConsequences

SB 178 was created and passed into Law in January of 2012 to SB 178 was created and passed into Law in January of 2012 to amend Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia amend Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Legislation required the State Fire Marshal’s Office Annotated. Legislation required the State Fire Marshal’s Office to review and inspect the newly created Assisted Living to review and inspect the newly created Assisted Living Communities under Limited Healthcare designation due to the Communities under Limited Healthcare designation due to the nature of the residents cared for.nature of the residents cared for.

22


Being mandated to review and inspect Assisted Living Communities as Being mandated to review and inspect Assisted Living Communities as Limited Healthcare presented a number of challenges to both the Industry Limited Healthcare presented a number of challenges to both the Industry as well as the State Fire Marshal’s Office. It soon became apparent that as well as the State Fire Marshal’s Office. It soon became apparent that many providers would not be able to change licensure to an Assisted many providers would not be able to change licensure to an Assisted Living. This lead to the creation of Chapters 34 and 35 in the current Living. This lead to the creation of Chapters 34 and 35 in the current OCGA 120-3-3, adopted January 30, 2014. Previously these chapters OCGA 120-3-3, adopted January 30, 2014. Previously these chapters were reserved in the LSC.were reserved in the LSC.

33


The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office soon began a series of The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office soon began a series of meetings, code analysis and research of how other states have meetings, code analysis and research of how other states have approached this unique problem. After several months and approached this unique problem. After several months and numerous meetings, a solution began to emerge that was numerous meetings, a solution began to emerge that was acceptable to the Industry as a whole while maintaining the acceptable to the Industry as a whole while maintaining the safety of the residents being served by the Industry.safety of the residents being served by the Industry.

44

55

JurisdictionJurisdiction

Although Assisted Living Communities are reviewed under Although Assisted Living Communities are reviewed under Chapters 34 and 35 of the 2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, as Chapters 34 and 35 of the 2012 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, as modified by OCGA 120-3-3, SB 178 designates Assisted Living modified by OCGA 120-3-3, SB 178 designates Assisted Living Communities as Limited Healthcare, and therefore remains a Communities as Limited Healthcare, and therefore remains a State Jurisdiction. State Jurisdiction. All inspections and plan reviews must come All inspections and plan reviews must come through the State Fire Marshal’s Office.through the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

66

JurisdictionJurisdiction

This does not mean a local jurisdiction cannot enter upon the This does not mean a local jurisdiction cannot enter upon the premises. Just as with Healthcare facilities, if any issues or premises. Just as with Healthcare facilities, if any issues or concerns are found, forward those to the State Fire Marshal’s concerns are found, forward those to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.Office.

77

New and Existing FacilitiesNew and Existing Facilities

New Facilities are held to more stringent requirements, primarily New Facilities are held to more stringent requirements, primarily construction type limitations and sprinkler requirements.construction type limitations and sprinkler requirements.

Existing Facilities (existing Personal Care Homes conversions) Existing Facilities (existing Personal Care Homes conversions) are less stringent in requirements but concessions were made.are less stringent in requirements but concessions were made.

Construction type/number of stories limitationsConstruction type/number of stories limitations

Sprinkler requirements NFPA13R with modifications Sprinkler requirements NFPA13R with modifications vs an NFPA 13 systemvs an NFPA 13 system

Not all existing facilities will qualify.Not all existing facilities will qualify.

88

Does a Facility Qualify for Does a Facility Qualify for Conversion?Conversion?

Not all facilities will qualify to convert to an Assisted Living Not all facilities will qualify to convert to an Assisted Living Community. The three biggest challenges are:Community. The three biggest challenges are:

* Construction Type/Number of Stories* Construction Type/Number of Stories

* Sprinkler System* Sprinkler System

NFPA13R with modificationsNFPA13R with modifications

* Financial Constraints* Financial Constraints

99

Table 35.1.6 Number of Stories - See Note b

Construction Type SprinkleredSee Note a

1 2 3 4 5-6 >6-12

Type I (442) c d YesNo

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

Type I (332) c d YesNo

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

Type II(222) c d YesNo

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

XN.P.

Type II(111) c d YesNo

XN.P.

XN.P.

XeN.P.

XeN.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

Type II(000) a YesNo

XN.P.

XN.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

Type III(211) a YesNo

XN.P.

XN.P.

XeN.P.

XeN.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

Type III(200) a YesNo

XN.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

Type IV(2HH) a YesNo

XN.P.

XN.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

Type V(111)See note a or e

YesNo

XaN.P.

XaN.P.

XeN.P.

XeN.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

Type V(000) a YesNo

XaN.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

N.P.N.P.

35.1.6 Minimum Construction Requirements. Assisted living community facilities shall be limited to the building construction types specified in Table 35.1.6 (see 8.2.1), based on the number of stories in height as defined in 4.6.3.

X = Permitted if sprinklered as required by 33.3.3.5 unless otherwise noted.NP = Not permitted.a Building shall be protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with 35.3.5, and the interior walls are covered with lath and plaster or materials providing a 15-minute thermal barrier. (See requirements of 35.3.5).b See requirements of 4.6.3.c See requirements of 35.1.6.2.1.d See requirements of 35.1.6.2.2.e See requirements of 35.1.6.5.

1010

DefinitionsDefinitions

Previously, Personal Care, Assisted Living and Residential Board Previously, Personal Care, Assisted Living and Residential Board and Care were reviewed under Chapters 32 and 33 of the 2000 and Care were reviewed under Chapters 32 and 33 of the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code.edition of the Life Safety Code.

SB178 creates and clearly defines Assisted Living Communities.SB178 creates and clearly defines Assisted Living Communities.

Assisted Living Communities are defined as 25 or more beds Assisted Living Communities are defined as 25 or more beds with residents who are capable of with residents who are capable of assisted self-preservationassisted self-preservation, with , with the intention to allow the resident to age in place.the intention to allow the resident to age in place.


120-3-3-.03(4) 120-3-3-.03(4) Assisted Living Community (ALC) means facility serving 25 Assisted Living Community (ALC) means facility serving 25 residents or more that is licensed by the Georgia Department of Community residents or more that is licensed by the Georgia Department of Community Health and meets the requirements of an existing health care occupancy found Health and meets the requirements of an existing health care occupancy found in Chapter 19 of the in Chapter 19 of the Life Safety Code Life Safety Code or the requirements established in or the requirements established in Chapter 34 or 35 of the Chapter 34 or 35 of the Life Safety Code Life Safety Code as may be applicable for new or as may be applicable for new or existing facilities.existing facilities.

1111


120-3-3-.03(5) 120-3-3-.03(5) Assisted self-preservation as applied to an Assisted Living Assisted self-preservation as applied to an Assisted Living Community (ALC) means the capacity of a resident to be evacuated from an Community (ALC) means the capacity of a resident to be evacuated from an assisted living community to a designated point of safety and within an assisted living community to a designated point of safety and within an established period of time as determined by the Office of the Safety Fire established period of time as determined by the Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner. Assisted self-preservation is a function of all of the following: Commissioner. Assisted self-preservation is a function of all of the following: (A) the condition of the individual; (B) the assistance that is available to be (A) the condition of the individual; (B) the assistance that is available to be provided to the individual by the staff of the assisted living community, and provided to the individual by the staff of the assisted living community, and (C) the construction of the building in which the assisted living community is (C) the construction of the building in which the assisted living community is housed, including whether such building meets the safety requirements housed, including whether such building meets the safety requirements applicable to an existing Health Care Occupancy or an Assisted Living applicable to an existing Health Care Occupancy or an Assisted Living Community as established by Chapter 34 or 35of NFPA 101, Community as established by Chapter 34 or 35of NFPA 101, Life Safety Life Safety CodeCode, as may be applicable respectively to a new or existing facility, and other , as may be applicable respectively to a new or existing facility, and other safety to life provisions as adopted by the Rules and regulations of the Safety safety to life provisions as adopted by the Rules and regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner.” (Also see the definition for “Self-Preservation”)Fire Commissioner.” (Also see the definition for “Self-Preservation”)

1212


120-3-3-.120-3-3-. (24) (24) Self-Preservation, except as defined in NFPA 101, Self-Preservation, except as defined in NFPA 101, Life Safety Life Safety Code Code for day-care occupancies, means the ability to respond to an emergency for day-care occupancies, means the ability to respond to an emergency condition, whether caused by fire or otherwise, and escape the emergency condition, whether caused by fire or otherwise, and escape the emergency without physical, hands-on assistance from staff. The resident may move from without physical, hands-on assistance from staff. The resident may move from place to place by walking, either unaided or aided by prosthesis, brace, cane, place to place by walking, either unaided or aided by prosthesis, brace, cane, crutches, walker or handrails, or by propelling a wheelchair.crutches, walker or handrails, or by propelling a wheelchair.

1313

1414

Why Healthcare?Why Healthcare?

Assisted Self-Preservation Assisted Self-Preservation – this is what drives the Healthcare – this is what drives the Healthcare Designation. Self-preservation is the act of an individual being Designation. Self-preservation is the act of an individual being able to independently evacuate a building or to a point of safety able to independently evacuate a building or to a point of safety without assistance from others. With assisted self-preservation, without assistance from others. With assisted self-preservation, evacuation time is even more critical.evacuation time is even more critical.

1515

Evacuation and Fire Evacuation and Fire DrillsDrills

Prompt Evacuation – Achieved in 3 minutes or less, night or day.Prompt Evacuation – Achieved in 3 minutes or less, night or day.

Slow Evacuation – Achieved in more than 3 but in not less than 13 Slow Evacuation – Achieved in more than 3 but in not less than 13 minutes, night or day.minutes, night or day.

Impractical Evacuation – Achieved in more than 13 minutes, night or day.Impractical Evacuation – Achieved in more than 13 minutes, night or day.

(Above definition as modified by OCGA 120-3-3).(Above definition as modified by OCGA 120-3-3).

1616

Evacuation and Fire DrillsEvacuation and Fire Drills

The The CodeCode does require for any facility or individual that cannot does require for any facility or individual that cannot be effectively evacuated in 13 minutes or less to provide be effectively evacuated in 13 minutes or less to provide additional, dedicated staff for those residents. additional, dedicated staff for those residents.

1717

Evacuation and Fire DrillsEvacuation and Fire DrillsEmergency Egress and Relocation Drills shall be conducted no Emergency Egress and Relocation Drills shall be conducted no less than once per quarter per shift at alternating times. One total less than once per quarter per shift at alternating times. One total building evacuation a year is required, other drills may include building evacuation a year is required, other drills may include evacuation to a evacuation to a Point of SafetyPoint of Safety. .

Drills may be announced before handDrills may be announced before hand

Record keeping of all drills is required.Record keeping of all drills is required.

1818

Evacuation and Fire DrillsEvacuation and Fire Drills

Point of Safety Point of Safety refers to a location such as exterior door, rated refers to a location such as exterior door, rated stairwell, or opposite side of a one-hour rated smoke barrier wall. stairwell, or opposite side of a one-hour rated smoke barrier wall. Considered a Healthcare Occupancy, ALCs are a Considered a Healthcare Occupancy, ALCs are a Defend In Defend In Place Place facility.facility.

1919

EgressEgress

35.2.3.3 35.2.3.3 The width of corridors serving an occupant load of 50 or The width of corridors serving an occupant load of 50 or more in facilities having prompt or slow evacuation capability, more in facilities having prompt or slow evacuation capability, and all facilities having impractical evacuation capability, shall and all facilities having impractical evacuation capability, shall be sufficient for the occupant load served but shall be not less be sufficient for the occupant load served but shall be not less than 60 in. (1525 mm).than 60 in. (1525 mm).

35.2.3.4 35.2.3.4 The width of corridors serving an occupant load of less The width of corridors serving an occupant load of less than 50 in facilities having prompt or slow evacuation capability than 50 in facilities having prompt or slow evacuation capability shall be not less than 44 in. (1120 mm).shall be not less than 44 in. (1120 mm).

2020

EgressEgress

35.2.5.2 Dead-end Corridors. 35.2.5.2 Dead-end Corridors. Dead-end corridors shall not Dead-end corridors shall not exceed 35 ft. (15 m).exceed 35 ft. (15 m).

(30 ft. for new construction)(30 ft. for new construction)

35.2.5.3 Common Path. 35.2.5.3 Common Path. Common paths of travel shall not Common paths of travel shall not exceed 110 ft. (35.5 m).exceed 110 ft. (35.5 m).


2121

Travel Distance to ExitsTravel Distance to Exits

35.2.6 Travel Distance to Exits.35.2.6 Travel Distance to Exits.

35.2.6.1 35.2.6.1 Travel distance from any point within a room, suite, or Travel distance from any point within a room, suite, or living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 75 ft. (23 m) in living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 75 ft. (23 m) in buildings not protected throughout by an approved automatic buildings not protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 35.3.5.sprinkler system in accordance with 35.3.5.

35.2.6.2 35.2.6.2 Travel distance from any point within a room, suite, or Travel distance from any point within a room, suite, or living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 125 ft. (38 m) in living unit to a corridor door shall not exceed 125 ft. (38 m) in buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 35.3.5.sprinkler system in accordance with 35.3.5.

2222

Travel Distance to ExitsTravel Distance to Exits

35.2.6.3 35.2.6.3 Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the nearest exit shall be in accordance with 35.2.6.3.1or 35.2.6.3.2nearest exit shall be in accordance with 35.2.6.3.1or 35.2.6.3.2

35.2.6.3.1 35.2.6.3.1 Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the Travel distance from the corridor door of any room to the nearest exit, measured in accordance with Section 7.6, shall not exceed nearest exit, measured in accordance with Section 7.6, shall not exceed 200 ft. (61 m).200 ft. (61 m).


35.2.6.3.2 35.2.6.3.2 Travel distance to exits shall not exceed 200 ft. (61 m) for Travel distance to exits shall not exceed 200 ft. (61 m) for exterior ways of exit access arranged in accordance with 7.5.3.exterior ways of exit access arranged in accordance with 7.5.3.


2323

Corridor/Sleeping Room Corridor/Sleeping Room SeparationSeparation

35.3.6.1.1 35.3.6.1.1 Sleeping rooms shall be separated from corridors, Sleeping rooms shall be separated from corridors, living areas, kitchens and all other areas by walls having a living areas, kitchens and all other areas by walls having a minimum 1/2-hour fire resistance rating.minimum 1/2-hour fire resistance rating.

35.3.6.1.3 35.3.6.1.3 Rooms or spaces, other than sleeping rooms and Rooms or spaces, other than sleeping rooms and hazardous areas, shall be separated from corridors by smoke hazardous areas, shall be separated from corridors by smoke partitions in accordance with Section 8.4, and the provisions of partitions in accordance with Section 8.4, and the provisions of 8.4.3.5 shall not apply.8.4.3.5 shall not apply.

2424

Corridor/Sleeping Room Corridor/Sleeping Room SeparationSeparation

35.3.6.4.1 35.3.6.4.1 Doors shall have a minimum 20-minute fire protection Doors shall have a minimum 20-minute fire protection rating.rating.

35.3.6.4.2 35.3.6.4.2 Solid-bonded wood-core doors of not less than 1 3/4 Solid-bonded wood-core doors of not less than 1 3/4 in. (44 mm) thickness shall be permitted to continue in use.in. (44 mm) thickness shall be permitted to continue in use.

(No fire rating required, but must resist passage of smoke (No fire rating required, but must resist passage of smoke in new construction)in new construction)

35.3.6.5.1 35.3.6.5.1 Door-closing devices shall not be required on doors in Door-closing devices shall not be required on doors in corridor wall openings, other than those serving exit enclosures, corridor wall openings, other than those serving exit enclosures, smoke barriers, enclosures of vertical openings, and hazardous smoke barriers, enclosures of vertical openings, and hazardous areas.areas.

2525

Subdivision of Building SpacesSubdivision of Building Spaces

Every sleeping room floor shall be divided into 2 smoke Every sleeping room floor shall be divided into 2 smoke compartments of approximately the same size.compartments of approximately the same size.

Each smoke compartment shall not exceed 22,500 ftEach smoke compartment shall not exceed 22,500 ft22

Smoke barriers shall not be required in facilities with prompt or Smoke barriers shall not be required in facilities with prompt or slow evacuation capabilities where each sleeping room has slow evacuation capabilities where each sleeping room has access to an exterior exit.access to an exterior exit.

2626


Every sleeping room floor shall be divided into 2 smoke Every sleeping room floor shall be divided into 2 smoke compartments of approximately the same size.compartments of approximately the same size.

Each smoke compartment shall not exceed 22,500 ftEach smoke compartment shall not exceed 22,500 ft22

Smoke barriers shall not be required in facilities with prompt or Smoke barriers shall not be required in facilities with prompt or slow evacuation capabilities where each sleeping room has slow evacuation capabilities where each sleeping room has access to an exterior exit.access to an exterior exit.

2727


35.3.7.3 35.3.7.3 The travel distance from any point to reach a door in the The travel distance from any point to reach a door in the required smoke barrier shall be limited to a distance of 200 ft. (61 m).required smoke barrier shall be limited to a distance of 200 ft. (61 m).

2828


Existing facilities of construction Type II(111), Type III(211)or Existing facilities of construction Type II(111), Type III(211)or Type V(111) shall prohibit residents who require assistance for Type V(111) shall prohibit residents who require assistance for preservation to first and second stories unless facility is equipped preservation to first and second stories unless facility is equipped with combination of smoke barrier and horizontal exit on the with combination of smoke barrier and horizontal exit on the third and fourth floors; or, protected throughout by an approved third and fourth floors; or, protected throughout by an approved automatic, supervised NFPA 13 sprinkler system with quick automatic, supervised NFPA 13 sprinkler system with quick response or residential heads.response or residential heads.

2929

Sprinkler CoverageSprinkler Coverage

New Facilities require full NFPA 13 Sprinkler System.New Facilities require full NFPA 13 Sprinkler System.

Existing Facilities (conversions) require NFPA 13R system Existing Facilities (conversions) require NFPA 13R system as modified (Sprinkler coverage in all restrooms and closets as modified (Sprinkler coverage in all restrooms and closets regardless of their size).regardless of their size).

Non-sprinkled attics (NFPA 13R systems for existing facilities) Non-sprinkled attics (NFPA 13R systems for existing facilities) shall be provided with heat detection, connected to fire alarm shall be provided with heat detection, connected to fire alarm control panel and emergency forces notification.control panel and emergency forces notification.

3030

Smoke DetectionSmoke Detection

Each resident sleeping room shall be Each resident sleeping room shall be provided with smoke detection, hardwired provided with smoke detection, hardwired to the building’s electrical system.to the building’s electrical system.

Where approved by the AHJ, existing battery operated smoke Where approved by the AHJ, existing battery operated smoke alarms may be allowed to remain with acceptable record keeping, alarms may be allowed to remain with acceptable record keeping, testing, maintenance and battery replacement.testing, maintenance and battery replacement.

Existing battery powered smoke alarms, when replaced or Existing battery powered smoke alarms, when replaced or installed on or after Jan. 1, 2014, shall be non-replaceable, non-installed on or after Jan. 1, 2014, shall be non-replaceable, non-removable, tamper resistant and shall be powered for a minimum removable, tamper resistant and shall be powered for a minimum of 10 years.of 10 years.

3131

How to Get StartedHow to Get Started

To determine a facilities’ qualification, contact the Georgia State To determine a facilities’ qualification, contact the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office. ALL requests must be in writing. Fire Marshal’s Office. ALL requests must be in writing.

Go to Go to http://oci.ga.gov/ExternalResources/Forms/AllForms/GID-http://oci.ga.gov/ExternalResources/Forms/AllForms/GID-342-SF.pdf342-SF.pdf

Or Fax request to 678-717-5877. Or Fax request to 678-717-5877.

Allow 21 working days to Allow 21 working days to scheduleschedule inspection. We also strongly inspection. We also strongly recommend retaining the services of a registered architect or recommend retaining the services of a registered architect or engineer prior to requesting inspection. engineer prior to requesting inspection.

3232

Contact InformationContact InformationMailing Address:Mailing Address:– State Fire Marshal’s OfficeState Fire Marshal’s Office

2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive2 Martin Luther King Jr. DriveSuite 920, West TowerSuite 920, West TowerAtlanta, Georgia 30334Atlanta, Georgia 30334

www.gainsurance.orgwww.gainsurance.org

Engineering/InspectionsEngineering/Inspections– Telephone (404) 656-7087Telephone (404) 656-7087– FAX (678) 717-5877FAX (678) 717-5877– E-mail [email protected] [email protected]

Allen LaBerteauxAllen LaBerteaux– Telephone (404) 617-6653Telephone (404) 617-6653– [email protected]@sfm.ga.gov

Assisted Living Communities: Changes & Challenges November 20, 2014 Central Georgia Technical...

Documents

Transcript of Assisted Living Communities: Changes & Challenges November 20, 2014 Central Georgia Technical...