Section 400.1943. Exit and escape requirements for each floor level used by children.

Rule 43. (1) All child care homes shall  have    at    least      2    remotely located exits for every floor level occupied by children.

(2)    At least 1 exit from each floor level shall provide   a     direct,    safe means of unobstructed travel to the outside at street or ground level.

(3)    A window may be used as a second exit if it   complies    with    all       of the following provisions:

(a)   Is accessible to children and caregiving staff.

(b)   Is clearly identified.

(c)   Can be readily opened.

(d)    Is  of a size and design to allow  for  the evacuation of   all        children and caregiving staff.

(4)    If a level of a home that is above the second floor is  used  for children in care, then the building shall be of 1-hour-fire-resistive construction and shall have 2 stairways to ground level. At least 1 of the required stairways and all other vertical openings  shall   be    enclosed by,  at   a    minimum,  1-hour-fire-resistive  construction to   provide   a protected  means   of  egress direct to the outside at ground level.

(5)   All exits shall be unobstructed and accessible at all times.

(6)   The means of egress shall be  adequately   lit  at  all     times    that children are in

care.

(7)    Doors located in a required path of escape must be    readily    openable from the

side of egress without the use of a key or special knowledge.Double cylinder locks, key-operated locks, and similar  devices  are  not allowed  on any door in a required path of escape.

(8)   Interior door hardware shall be designed to allow opening from the outside during an emergency if locked.

(9)    All closet door latches shall be such that children can open  the door from inside the closet.

(10)    A room or space, including an attic, that is accessible only by a ladder or folding stairway or through a trapdoor  shall  not  be   used    by children in care.

(11)   Only steps and platforms shall be used to access a basement window exit and shall be permanently secured to the wall or floor. Ladders  shall not be used as a means for exiting.

(12)   An emergency escape window to the outside is required for basements approved for child  use  after  January  1,  2006.   The  following provisions shall apply:

(a)   The total unobstructed window area for egress must be at least 5 square feet. Both of the following shall apply:

(i)   The unobstructed opening shall be at least 20 inches wide.

(ii)    The unobstructed opening shall be at least 24 inches high.

(b)   The bottom of the opening shall be 44 inches, or less, above the floor.

(c)    If the sill height is below grade, then it shall open into a window well with at least 9 square feet of area, 3 feet in length and width. The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape window to be    fully opened.

If the well depth is over 44 inches, then it shall have approved  permanently affixed steps.

History: 2005 AACS; 2009 AACS.