Section 400.8530. Hazard Areas.

Rule 530. (1) Hazard areas shall be separated from the parts of the building used as a center in the following manner:

(a)      In centers licensed before June 4, 1980, areas used for the storage of combustibles and other hazard areas will continue to be approved if they are enclosed with a minimum ¾-hour fire resistive construction and doorways to the areas are protected with a minimum 1¾-inch flush solid core wood or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors equipped with approved self-closing devices and positive latching hardware.

(b)   In centers licensed between June 4, 1980 and July 1, 2000, the following shall apply:

(i)   Where the area used for the storage of combustibles exceeds 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, openings in the separation shall be protected with a minimum of 1-hour or “B” labeled fire door and frame assembly, including an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware.

(ii)   Where the area used for the storage of combustibles does not exceed 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum ¾-hour fire resistance rating, all door openings shall be protected by minimum 1¾-inch flush solid core wood doors or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors hung in substantial frames and equipped with approved self-closing devices and positive latching hardware.

(c)   In centers licensed after July 1, 2000, the following shall apply:

(i)   Where the area used for the storage of combustibles exceeds 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating, openings in the separation shall be protected with a minimum of 1-hour or “B” labeled fire door and frame assembly, including an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware.

(ii)   Where the area used for the storage of combustibles does not exceed 100 square feet, by construction having a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating. All door openings shall be protected by minimum 1¾ inch flush solid core wood doors or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors in substantial frames and equipped with approved self-closing devices and positive latching hardware.

(2)   Where a kitchen with commercial cooking equipment exposes a required means of egress or child use area, it shall be separated from the remainder of the building with minimum 1-hour fire resistive construction including a minimum of 1-hour or “B” labeled fire door and frame assemblies in all common openings. Kitchens having commercial cooking equipment protected by an approved automatic kitchen hood suppression system are exempt from this requirement.

(3)   The use of an incinerator is prohibited.

(4)   Heating shall be by a central heating plant or an approved permanently installed electrical heating system. If heating is provided by a central heating plant and located on the same floor that is used for child occupancy, it shall be installed in an enclosure providing not less than a 1-hour fire-resistive separation, including a minimum of 1-hour or “B” labeled fire door and frame assembly equipped with an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware in any interior door opening. Door openings for heat plant enclosures not located on the same floor that is used for child occupancy may have 1¾-inch flush solid wood core doors or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors having positive latching hardware and an approved self-closing device. Air for proper combustion, a minimum of 1 square inch per 4,000 BTUs input, shall be provided directly from the outside through a permanently opened louver or metal duct.

(5)   In centers licensed before December 7, 2006, a properly installed heating plant located in a basement which is not used for child occupancy does not require additional protection where there is a qualified fire separation and with at least a 1¾-inch flush solid core wood doors or 20-minute labeled fire-rated doors hung in a substantial frame and equipped with an approved self-closing device and positive latching hardware in all stairway openings.

(6)   Any fuel-fired water heater or other similar equipment shall be located according to subrule (4) or (5) of this rule, as applicable.

(7)   Where electric heating is used, it shall be underwriters’ laboratories, inc. listed, permanent, fixed-type electrical heating such as recognized panel or baseboard fixed- type. Electric heating which complies with this requirement may be installed in any location.

(8)    Auxiliary heating units, such as portable combustion or electrical types, are prohibited.

(9)   The center shall not store flammable materials, including fuels, pressurized cans, cleaning fluids and supplies, polishes, and matches, in heat plant enclosures. These items may be stored outside of child use areas in metal cabinets or storage facilities accessible only to authorized personnel.

(10)   The center shall not store combustible materials within the central heating plant or fuel-fired water heater rooms or in basements containing fuel-fired heating equipment, without a proper fire separation.

(11)    The center shall not permit flammable gases, gasoline, or gasoline-powered equipment in the part of a building which is used as a center or in other parts of the

building from which there is a door, window, or other opening into the center, unless that part of the building is separated from the remainder of the building by minimum 2-hour fire resistive construction.

(12)   If commercial-type laundry equipment is installed, then the equipment shall be enclosed to provide a 1-hour resistance to fire, including a minimum of 1-hour or “B” labeled fire door and frame assembly in an interior door opening which would expose the center.

(13)   Dryer vents shall be metal and vented completely to the exterior.

(14)      Fire dampers shall not be required in ¾-hour and 1-hour fire-resistive enclosures.

(15)   All appliances and equipment in the center shall be installed and maintained in accordance with their manufacturer’s specifications.

(16)   Centers shall be kept free of all conditions that constitute fire safety hazards.

History: 2013 AACS.