Section 29.1861. Requirements for new and existing mobile and transportable unit health care structures.

(1) This section applies to new and existing mobile and transportable unit health care structures.

(2)     New and existing mobile and transportable unit health care structures shall be in compliance with all of the following provisions:

(a)     If a dock seal-type connector is utilized between the mobile or transportable unit and the health care facility, then the dock seal manufacturer's specifications shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction for review and approval. The maximum length of a dock seal connector is 10 feet (3 meters).

(b)     If conventional building construction is used for the connecting link between the unit and the health care facility, compliance, as applicable, with section 18.1.6.4 or

19.1.6.4 of the code is required.

(c)       A unit shall be located not less than 10 feet (3 meters) from any unprotected building opening. Building openings include doors, windows, and louvers. A unit shall be located not less than 20 feet (6.1 meters) from a patient sleeping room window unless permitted by the department of community health bureau of health systems.

(d)   The unit shall be protected throughout by an approved fire suppression system that is installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements, applicable national fire protection association standards, and is in compliance with the act.

Exception: Existing units that do not have a fire suppression system may continue in use.  Any major renovation to an existing unit shall require compliance with subsection

(d)    of this rule. Major renovation includes replacement of diagnostic or treatment equipment or changes to the interior of the unit that affects more than 50% of the square footage area of the unit.

(e)     At least one portable fire extinguisher that is installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the national fire protection association standard no. 10, 2010 edition, entitled "Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers," as adopted in chapter 2 of the life safety code, adopted in R 29.1802, shall be provided in the control room or other staffed location within the unit.

(f)    The administration of the health care facility shall provide a written plan and training to staff assigned to work in the unit that includes evacuation of patients, securing and separating the unit from the health care facility in the case of a fire or other emergency, and notification of appropriate emergency personnel. The written plan and documentation of training shall be made available to the authority having jurisdiction upon request.

(g)      If the mobile or transportable unit is shared with other health care facilities, a fire pull station shall be installed in the docking area of each of the shared health care facilities. The pull station shall initiate the health care facility fire alarm system.

(h)     If an overhead door is used for patient access between the unit and the building, then a side-hinged, swinging-type door that is a minimum 41.5 inches (105 centimeters) in clear width shall be provided on the unit.

Exception no. 1: If patients are transported onto the unit on a stretcher that is 28 inches (71.1 centimeters) or less in width, then a side-hinged door that is a minimum of 32 inches (81 centimeters) in clear width shall be permitted.

Exception no. 2: Existing swinging door installations that are less than 41.5 inches (105 centimeters) in clear width may continue to be used subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

(i)     Interior finish materials shall be a minimum class C as defined in section 10.2 of the code.

History: 2001 AACS; 2009 AACS; 2014 AACS.