Technical Bulletin #18-006
February 2018 / 2017 OFC
2017 Ohio Fire Code Emergency Evacuation Drill
Requirements for School
Referenced Codes and Standards: R.C. ยง 3737.73
OAC 1301:7-7-4; OFC Rule 4
As the 2018-2019 school year is quickly approaching, it is important to know and
understand current emergency evacuation drill requirements contained in the Ohio Fire Code
(OFC). Please take a moment to review the following summary of OFC requirements regarding
fire and tornado drills that must be conducted in educational occupancies. For a full review of all
fire drill requirements, please see Ohio Revised Code section 3737.73 and Rule 4 of the OFC,
particularly sections 403 through 406 and section 408. The full text of these provisions can be
found at the bottom of this memo.
โข One Emergency Evacuation Drill (a drill or rapid dismissal or a fire drill) must be conducted
during the first ten days of the new school year. (OFC ยง 403.5.1)
โข For schools that have a smoke detector or a sprinkler system in all classroom buildings, at
least six Emergency Evacuation Drills must be conducted during the school year. (Ohio
Revised Code (R.C.) ยง 3737.73(A); OFC ยง 405.1.1(iii))
โข For schools that do not have a smoke detector or a sprinkler system in all classroom buildings,
at least nine Emergency Evacuation Drills must be conducted during the school year. (R.C. ยง
3737.73(F); OFC ยง 405.1.1(iv))
โข A โRecord of Emergency Evacuation Drillsโ must be submitted to the State Fire Marshal twice
a year: at the middle point and again at the end of a schoolโs operation each school year.
(OFC ยง 405.1.2) See the โRecord of Emergency Evacuation Drillsโ form and instructions
below.
โข If a public or private school or educational institution does not currently have smoke detectors
or a sprinkler system in all classroom buildings of the school and must conduct at least nine
drills or rapid dismissals during the school year, those drills or rapid dismissals may be
combined with the three โschool safety drillsโ
1
that must also be conducted. However, at least
one drill conducted must provide pupils with instruction in the procedures to follow in situations
1
โSchool safety drillsโ must be conducted in conjunction with and reported to law enforcement officials. (R.C. ยง 3737.73(D)).
School officials should contact their legal counsel and/or their local law enforcement officials to ensure compliance with all
applicable school safety drill requirements under Ohio law.
where pupils must be secured in the school building rather than rapidly evacuated. (R.C. ยง
3737.73(F))
โข At least one Emergency Evacuation Drill or one โschool safety drillโ must be conducted during
each month of the school year. A drill or rapid dismissal may be conducted during the same
month as a โschool safety drill.โ (R.C. ยง 3737.73(E); OFC ยง 405.1.1(ii)))
โข In conjunction with Emergency Evacuation Drills, students must also be given instruction
regarding precautions to be taken in the event of a tornado alert or warning. (R.C. ยง
3737.73(B))
โข At least one tornado drill must be conducted during each month of tornado season (April 1 โ
July 31) that the school is in session. (OFC ยง 408.2(d))
This Technical Bulletin is intended only as an informational tool and provides only a summary of drill requirements.
Affected individuals and code enforcement officials should consult their legal advisor to determine specific
requirements, their applicability, and courses of action that should be taken to ensure compliance with all applicable
requirements and standards.
Record of Emergency Evacuation Drills โ Instructions
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
๏พ One Emergency Evacuation Drill (a drill or rapid dismissal) shall be conducted during the first ten days of the
new school year. (Ohio Fire Code (OFC) 403.5.1)
๏พ For schools that have a smoke detector or a sprinkler system in all classroom buildings, at least six Emergency
Evacuation Drills shall be conducted during the school year. (Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) 3737.73(A))
๏พ For schools that do not have a smoke detector or a sprinkler system in all classroom buildings, at least nine
Emergency Evacuation Drills (drills or rapid dismissals) shall be conducted during the school year. (R.C.
3737.73(F))
o For schools that must conduct nine drills or rapid dismissals, those drills or rapid dismissals may be
combined with the required school safety drills* that must also be conducted. However, at least one
of the school safety drills* must provide pupils with instruction in the procedures to follow in situations
where pupils must be secured in the school building rather than rapidly evacuated. (R.C. 3737.73 (F))
๏พ At least one Emergency Evacuation Drill (a drill or rapid dismissal) or one school safety drill* shall be conducted
during each month of the school year. A drill or rapid dismissal may be conducted during the same month as
a school safety drill.* (R.C. 3737.73(E))
๏พ Each schoolโs Record of Emergency Evacuation Drills shall be submitted to the State Fire Marshal twice a year:
at the middle point of each school year and again at the end of each school year. (OFC 405.1.2)
๏พ Where a fire alarm system is provided, emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating the fire alarm
system. (OFC 405.7)
The laws/rules regarding Emergency Evacuation Drills can be found at the following links:
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3737.73 and http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/st/oh/st
TORNADO DRILLS
๏พ Tornado drills shall be conducted at least once a month whenever school is in session during the tornado
season. (OFC 408.2(d))
๏พ The โtornado seasonโ in accordance with the Ohio Fire Code is the period from the first (1
st
) day of April to the
last day of July. (OFC 408.2(d))
๏พ In conjunction with Emergency Evacuation Drills (drills or rapid dismissals), students shall be instructed
regarding the precautions to be taken in the event of a tornado alert or warning. (R.C. 3737.73(B))
๏ช School safety drills must be conducted in conjunction with and reported to law enforcement officials. (R.C.
3737.73(D)). School officials should contact their legal counsel and/or their local law enforcement officials to
ensure compliance with all applicable school safety drill requirements under R.C. section 3737.73(D).
Record of Emergency Evacuation Drills
Each schoolโs Record of Emergency Evacuation Drills shall be submitted to the State Fire Marshal twice a year:
at the middle point of each school year and again at the end of each school year. (See OFC 405.1.22)
Facility Name
First Day of School
Address
Last Day of School
City/State/Zip
Principal
Fire Department
EMERGENCY EVACUATION DRILLS
Month
Date/Time
Person
conducting
evacuation
No. of
staff
members
on duty
No. of
occupants
evacuated
Special
conditions
simulated
Problems
encountered
Weather
conditions
Time to
complete
evacuation
TORNADO DRILLS
Month
Date/Time
Time to complete
No. evacuated to shelter
locations
Weather
Signature of Responsible
Person:__________________________________________________Date:______________________
Revised 8/2018
R.C. 3737 Fire Marshal; Fire Safety
Sec. 3737.73 Prohibition against failure to instruct pupils in fire
drills and tornado safety precautions.
(A) No principal or person in charge of a public or private school
or educational institution having an average daily attendance
of twenty or more pupils, and no person in charge of any
children's home or orphanage housing twenty or more minor
persons, shall willfully neglect to instruct and train such
children by means of drills or rapid dismissals, so that such
children in a sudden emergency may leave the building in
the shortest possible time without confusion. Except as
provided for in division (F) of this section, the principal or
person in charge of a school or educational institution shall
conduct drills or rapid dismissals at least six times during the
school year, pursuant to division (E) of this section, which
shall be at the times and frequency prescribed in rules
adopted by the fire marshal. The principal or person in
charge of a children's home or orphanage shall conduct drills
or rapid dismissals at least once each month while the home
is in operation. In the case of schools, no principal or person
in charge of a school shall willfully neglect to keep the doors
and exits of such building unlocked during school hours. The
fire marshal may order the immediate installation of
necessary fire gongs or signals in such schools, institutions,
or children's homes and enforce this division and divisions
(B) , (C)(3), and (F) of this section.
(B) In conjunction with the drills or rapid dismissals required by
division (A) or (F) of this section, whichever is applicable,
principals or persons in charge of public or private primary
and secondary schools, or educational institutions, shall
instruct pupils in safety precautions to be taken in case of a
tornado alert or warning. Such principals or persons in
charge of such schools or institutions shall designate, in
accordance with standards prescribed by the fire marshal,
appropriate locations to be used to shelter pupils in case of a
tornado, tornado alert, or warning.
(C)(1) The fire marshal or the fire marshal's designee shall
annually inspect each school, institution, home, or
orphanage subject to division (A) or (F) of this section to
determine compliance with the applicable division, and each
school or institution subject to division (B) of this section to
ascertain whether the locations comply with the standards
prescribed under that division. Nothing in this section shall
require a school or institution to construct or improve a
facility or location for use as a shelter area.
(2) The fire marshal or the fire marshal's designee shall issue
a warning to any person found in violation of division
(A) , (B), or (F) of this section. The warning shall
indicate the specific violation and a date by which such
violation shall be corrected.
(3) No person shall fail to correct violations by the date
indicated on a warning issued under division (C)(2) of
this section.
(D)(1)(a) The principal or person in charge of each public or
private school or educational institution shall conduct
school safety drills at least three times during the school
year, pursuant to division (E) of this section, to provide
pupils with instruction in the procedures to follow in
situations where pupils must be secured in the school
building or rapidly evacuated in response to a threat to
the school involving an act of terrorism; a person
possessing a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance, as
defined in section 2923.11 of the Revised Code, on
school property; or other act of violence. At least one
safety drill shall include a scenario where pupils must
be secured in the school building rather than rapidly
evacuated.
Each safety drill shall be conducted in conjunction with
the police chief or other similar chief law enforcement
officer, or designee, of the municipal corporation,
township, or township or joint police district in which
the school or institution is located, or, in absence of any
such person, the county sheriff of the county, or
designee, in which the school or institution is located.
(b) In addition to the three safety drills described
in division (D)(1)(a) of this section, the principal
or person in charge shall conduct a theoretical
school safety drill at least once during the school
year to provide all faculty and staff employed by
the school or institution with instruction in the
procedures to follow in such situations. The
theoretical drill does not need to include student
participation and may be conducted at the annual
training session required by division (D)(3) of this
section.
(c) All safety drills required under division (D) of
this section shall be conducted pursuant to the
district's or school's emergency management plan
adopted under section 3313.536 of the Revised
Code.
(2)(a) The principal or person in charge of each public
or private school or educational institution shall
provide to the police chief or other similar chief
law enforcement officer of the municipal
corporation, township, or township or joint police
district in which the school or institution is
located, or, in absence of any such person, the
county sheriff of the county in which the school or
institution is located advance written notice of
each school safety drill required under division
(D)(1) of this section and shall keep a written
record of the date and time of each drill conducted.
The advance notice shall be provided not later than
seventy-two hours prior to the date the drill will be
conducted and shall include the date and time the
drill will be conducted and the address of the
school or educational institution. The notice shall
be provided by mail, facsimile, or electronic
submission.
(b) Not later than the fifth day of December each
year , the principal or person in charge of each
public or private school or educational institution
shall provide written certification by mail,
facsimile, or electronic submission of the date and
time each school safety drill required under
division (D)(1) of this section was conducted
during the previous school year, as well as the date
and time each drill will be conducted during the
current school year, to the police chief or other
similar chief law enforcement officer of the
municipal corporation, township, or township or
joint police district in which the school or
institution is located, or, in the absence of any such
person, the county sheriff of the county in which
the school or institution is located. If such
certification is not provided, the principal or
person in charge of the school or institution shall
be considered to have failed to meet this
requirement and shall be subject to division (D)(4)
of this section.
(3) The principal or person in charge of each public or
private school or educational institution shall hold
annual training sessions for employees of the school or
institution regarding the conduct of school safety drills.
(4) The police chief or other similar chief law enforcement
officer of a municipal corporation, township, or
township or joint police district, or, in the absence of
any such person, the county sheriff shall issue a
warning to any person found in violation of division
(D)(1) of this section. Each warning issued for a
violation of division (D)(1) of this section shall require
the principal or person in charge of the school or
institution to correct the violation by conducting a
school safety drill not later than the thirtieth day after
the date the warning is issued. The violation shall not
be considered corrected unless, not later than forty days
after the date the warning is issued, the principal or
person in charge of the school or institution provides
written certification of the date and time this drill was
conducted, as well as the date and time each remaining
drill will be conducted during the current school year,
to the police chief or other similar chief law
enforcement officer or county sheriff who issued the
warning.
(5) No person shall fail to correct violations by the date
indicated on a warning issued under division (D)(4) of
this section.
(E) The principal or person in charge of each public or private
school or educational institution shall conduct at least one
drill or rapid dismissal required under division (A) or (F) of
this section, whichever is applicable, or one school safety
drill required under division (D) of this section during each
month of the school year. However, the principal or person
in charge may determine the exact date and time that each
drill will be conducted. A drill or rapid dismissal under
division (A) or (F) of this section may be conducted during
the same month as a school safety drill under division (D) of
this section.
(F) If a public or private school or educational institution does not
currently have smoke detectors, as defined in section
3781.104 of the Revised Code, or a sprinkler system in all
classroom buildings of the school, the principal or person in
charge of the school or educational institution shall conduct
drills or rapid dismissals at least nine times during the school
year, pursuant to division (E) of this section, which shall be
at the times and frequency prescribed in rules adopted by the
fire marshal. At the discretion of the principal or person in
charge of the school or institution, drills conducted under
this division may be combined with drills conducted under
division (D) of this section, so long as at least one drill
conducted under that division provides pupils with
instruction in the procedures to follow in situations where
pupils must be secured in the school building rather than
rapidly evacuated.
OAC 1301:7-7-4 Emergency Planning and
Preparedness
Sec. 401 General
401.1 Scope. Reporting of emergencies, coordination with
emergency response forces, emergency plans, and
procedures for managing or responding to emergencies shall
comply with the provisions of this paragraph.
Exception: Firms that have approved on-premises fire-
fighting organizations and that are in compliance with
approved procedures for fire reporting.
401.2 Approval. Where required by this code, fire safety
plans, emergency procedures and employee training
programs shall be approved by the fire code official.
401.3 Emergency responder notification. Notification of
emergency responders shall be in accordance with
paragraphs (A)(3)(a)(401.3.1) to (A)(3)(c)(401.3.3) of this
rule.
401.3.1 Fire events. In the event an unwanted fire occurs
on a property, the owner or occupant shall immediately
report such condition to the fire department.
401.3.2 Alarm activations. Upon activation of a fire
alarm signal, employees or staff shall immediately notify
the fire department.
401.3.3 Delayed notification. A person shall not, by
verbal or written directive, require any delay in the
reporting of a fire to the fire department.
401.4 Required plan implementation. In the event an
unwanted fire is detected in a building or a fire alarm
activates, the emergency plan shall be implemented.
401.5 Making false report. A person shall not give, signal
or transmit a false alarm.
401.6 Emergency evacuation drills. The sounding of a fire
alarm signal and the carrying out of an emergency
evacuation drill in accordance with the provisions of
paragraph (E)(405) of this rule shall be allowed.
401.7 Unplanned evacuation. Evacuations made necessary
by the unplanned activation of a fire alarm system or by any
other emergency shall not be substituted for a required
evacuation drill.
401.8 Interference with fire department operations. It
shall be unlawful to interfere with, attempt to interfere with,
conspire to interfere with, obstruct or restrict the mobility of
or block the path of travel of a fire department emergency
vehicle in any way, or to interfere with, attempt to interfere
with, conspire to interfere with, obstruct or hamper any fire
department operation.
Sec. 402 Definitions
402.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in rule
1301:7-7-02 of the Administrative Code.
โEmergency evacuation drill.โ
โLockdown.โ
402.2 Terms used for this rule. The following word takes
on exclusive meaning as used in this rule pursuant to section
3781.104 of the Revised Code.
โSmoke detector.โ A readily removable device, sensitive
to either visible or invisible particles of combustion or
both, which automatically detects any fire condition and
broadcasts locally a signal or alarm.
Sec. 403 Emergency preparedness requirements
403.1 General. In addition to the requirements of paragraph
(A)(401) of this rule, occupancies, uses and outdoor
locations shall comply with the emergency preparedness
requirements set forth in paragraphs (C)(2)(403.2) to
(C)(12)(c)(iii)(403.12.3.3) of this rule. Where a fire safety
and evacuation plan is required by paragraphs (C)(2)(403.2)
to (C)(11)(d)(403.11.4) of this rule, evacuation drills shall be
in accordance with paragraph (E)(405) of this rule and
employee training shall be in accordance with paragraph
(F)(406) of this rule.
403.2 Group A occupancies. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall be prepared and maintained for Group A
occupancies, other than those occupancies used exclusively
for purposes of religious worship with an occupant load less
than 2,000, and for buildings containing both a Group A
occupancy and an atrium. Group A occupancies shall
comply with paragraphs (C)(2)(a)(403.2.1) to
(C)(2)(d)(403.2.4) of this rule.
403.2.1 Seating plan. In addition to the requirements of
paragraph (D)(2)(404.2) of this rule, the fire safety and
evacuation plans for assembly occupancies shall include a
detailed seating plan, occupant load and occupant load
limit. Deviations from the approved plans shall be allowed
provided the occupant load limit for the occupancy is not
exceeded and the aisles and exit accessways remain
unobstructed.
403.2.2 Announcements. In theaters, motion picture
theaters, auditoriums and similar assembly occupancies in
Group A used for noncontinuous programs, an audible
announcement shall be made not more than 10 minutes
prior to the start of each program to notify the occupants
of the location of the exits to be used in the event of a fire
or other emergency.
Exception: In motion picture theaters, the
announcement is allowed to be projected upon the
screen in a manner approved by the fire code official.
403.2.3 Fire watch personnel. Fire watch personnel shall
be provided where required by paragraph
(C)(12)(a)(403.12.1) of this rule.
403.2.4 Crowd managers. Crowd managers shall be
provided where required by paragraph
(C)(12)(c)(403.12.3) of this rule.
403.3 Ambulatory care facilities. Ambulatory care
facilities shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs
(C)(3)(a)(403.3.1) to (C)(3)(c)(403.3.3) of this rule as well
as (A)(401) and (D)(404) to (F)(406) of this rule.
403.3.1 Fire evacuation plan. The fire safety and
evacuation plan required by paragraph (D)(404) of this
rule shall include a description of special staff actions.
This shall include procedures for stabilizing patients in a
defend-in-place response, staged evacuation, or full
evacuation in conjunction with the entire building if part
of a multitenant facility.
403.3.2 Fire safety plan. A copy of the plan shall be
maintained at the facility at all times. The plan shall
include all of the following in addition to the requirements
of paragraph (D)(404) of this rule:
(i) Locations of patients who are rendered incapable
of self-preservation.
(ii) Maximum number of patients rendered incapable
of self-preservation.
(iii) Area and extent of each ambulatory care facility.
(iv) Location of adjacent smoke compartments or
refuge areas, where required.
(v) Path of travel to adjacent smoke compartments.
(vi) Location of any special locking, delayed egress or
access control arrangements.
403.3.3 Staff training. Employees shall be periodically
instructed and kept informed of their duties and
responsibilities under the plan. Records of instruction
shall be maintained. Such instruction shall be reviewed by
the staff not less than every two months. A copy of the
plan shall be readily available at all times within the
facility.
403.3.4 Emergency evacuation drills. Emergency
evacuation drills shall comply with paragraph (E)(405) of
this rule. Emergency evacuation drills shall be conducted
not less than four times per year.
Exception: The movement of patients to safe areas or
to the exterior of the building is not required.
403.4 Group B occupancies. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall be prepared and maintained for buildings
containing a Group B occupancy where the Group B
occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or
more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
exit discharge and for buildings having an ambulatory care
facility.
403.5 Group E occupancies. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall be prepared and maintained for Group E
occupancies and for buildings containing both a Group E
occupancy and an atrium. Group E occupancies shall comply
with paragraphs (C)(5)(a)(403.5.1) to (C)(5)(c)(403.5.3) of
this rule.
403.5.1 First emergency evacuation drill. The first
emergency evacuation drill of each school year shall be
conducted within 10 days of the beginning of classes.
403.5.2 Time of day. Emergency evacuation drills shall
be conducted at different hours of the day or evening,
during the changing of classes, when the school is at
assembly, during the recess or gymnastic periods, or
during other times to avoid distinction between drills and
actual fires.
403.5.3 Assembly points. Outdoor assembly areas shall
be designated and shall be located a safe distance from the
building being evacuated so as to avoid interference with
fire department operations. The assembly areas shall be
arranged to keep each class separate to provide
accountability of all individuals.
403.6 Group F occupancies. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall be prepared and maintained in buildings
containing a Group F occupancy where the Group F
occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or
more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
exit discharge.
403.7 Group H-5 occupancies. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall be prepared and maintained for Group H
occupancies.
403.7.1 Group H-5 occupancies. Group H-5 occupancies
shall comply with paragraphs (C)(7)(a)(i)(403.7.1.1) to
(C)(7)(a)(iv)(403.7.1.4) of this rule.
403.7.1.1 Plans and diagrams. In addition to the
requirements of paragraph (D)(404) and paragraph
(G)(6)(407.6) of this rule, plans and diagrams shall be
maintained in approved locations indicating the
approximate plan for each area, the amount and type of
HPM stored, handled and used, locations of shutoff
valves for HPM supply piping, emergency telephone
locations and locations of exits.
403.7.1.2 Plan updating. The plans and diagrams
required by paragraphs (D)(404), C)(7)(a)(i)(403.7.1.1)
and (G)(6)(407.6) of this rule shall be maintained up to
date and the fire code official and fire department shall
be informed of all major changes.
403.7.1.3 Emergency response team. Responsible
persons shall be designated as an on-site emergency
response team and trained to be liaison personnel for
the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire
department in preplanning emergency responses,
identifying locations where HPM is stored, handled and
used, and be familiar with the chemical nature of such
material. An adequate number of personnel for each
work shift shall be designated.
403.7.1.4 Emergency drills. Emergency drills of the
on-site emergency response team shall be conducted on
a regular basis but not less than once every three
months. Records of drills conducted shall be
maintained.
403.8 Group I-1 occupancies. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall be prepared and maintained for Group I
occupancies. Group I occupancies shall comply with
paragraphs (C)(8)(a)(403.8.1) to (C)(8)(c)(iv)(403.8.3.4) of
this rule.
403.8.1 Group I-1 occupancies. Group I-1 occupancies
shall comply with paragraphs (C)(8)(a)(i)(403.8.1.1) to
(C)(8)(a)(vii)(403.8.1.7) of this rule.
403.8.1.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire
safety and evacuation plan required by paragraph
(D)(404) of this rule shall include special employee
actions including fire protection procedures necessary
for residents and shall be amended or revised upon
admission of any resident with unusual needs.
403.8.1.1.1 Fire evacuation plan. The fire
evacuation plan required by paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall include a description of special staff
actions. In addition to the requirements of paragraph
(D)(404) of this rule, plans in Group I-1 Condition 2
occupancies shall include procedures for evacuation
through a refuge area in an adjacent smoke
compartment and then to an exterior assembly point.
403.8.1.1.2 Fire safety plans. A copy of the fire
safety plan shall be maintained at the facility at all
times. Plans shall include the following in addition to
the requirements of paragraph (D)(404) of this rule:
(i) Location and number of resident sleeping
rooms.
(ii) Location of special locking or egress control
arrangements.
403.8.1.2 Employee training. Employees shall be
periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties
and responsibilities under the plan. Such instruction
shall be reviewed by employees at intervals not
exceeding two months. A copy of the plan shall be
readily available at all times within the facility.
403.8.1.3 Resident training. Residents capable of
assisting in their own evacuation shall be trained in the
proper actions to take in the event of a fire. In Group I-
1 Condition 2 occupancies, training shall include
evacuation through an adjacent smoke compartment
and then to an exterior assembly point. The training
shall include actions to take if the primary escape route
is blocked. Where the resident is given rehabilitation or
habilitation training, methods of fire prevention and
actions to take in the event of a fire shall be a part of the
rehabilitation training program. Residents shall be
trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent
their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so
without additional personal risk.
403.8.1.4 Drill frequency. In addition to the
evacuation drills required in paragraph (E)(2)(405.2) of
this rule, employees shall participate in drills an
additional two times a year on each shift. Twelve drills
shall be conducted in the first year of operation. Drills
are not required to comply with the time requirements
of paragraph (E)(4)(405.4) of this rule.
403.8.1.5 Drill times. Drill times are not required to
comply with paragraph (E)(4)(405.4) of this rule.
403.8.1.6 Resident participation in drills. Emergency
evacuation drills shall involve the actual evacuation of
residents to a selected assembly point and shall provide
residents with experience in exiting through all required
exits. All required exits shall be used during emergency
evacuation drills.
403.8.1.7 Emergency evacuation drill deferral. In
severe climates, the fire code official shall have the
authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill
frequency specified in paragraph (E)(2)(405.2) of this
rule.
403.8.2 Group I-2 occupancies. Group I-2 occupancies
shall comply with paragraphs (C)(8)(b)(i)(403.8.2.1) to
(C)(8)(b)(iii)(403.8.2.3) of this rule as well as (A)(401)
and (D)(404) to (F)(406) of this rule.
403.8.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. The fire safety and
evacuation plans required by paragraph (D)(404) of this
rule shall include a description of special staff actions.
Plans shall include all of the following in addition to the
requirements of paragraph (D)(404) of this rule.
(a) Procedures for evacuation for patients with
needs for containment or restraint and post-
evacuation containment, where present.
(b) A written plan for maintenance of the means of
egress.
(c) Procedure for a defend-in-place strategy.
(d) Procedures for a full-floor or building
evacuation, where necessary.
403.8.2.2 Fire safety plans. A copy of the plan shall be
maintained at the facility at all times. Plans shall
include all of the following in addition to the
requirements of paragraph (D)(404) of this rule:
(a) Location and number of patient sleeping rooms
and operating rooms.
(b) Location of adjacent smoke compartments or
refuge areas.
(c) Path of travel to adjacent smoke compartments.
(d) Location of special locking, delayed egress or
access control arrangements.
(e) Location of elevators utilized for patient
movement in accordance with the fire safety
plan, where provided.
403.8.2.3 Emergency evacuation drills. Emergency
evacuation drills shall comply with paragraph (E)(405)
of this rule.
Exceptions:
1. The movement of patients to safe areas or to
the exterior of the building is not required.
2. Where emergency evacuation drills are
conducted after visiting hours or where
patients or residents are expected to be
asleep, a coded announcement shall be an
acceptable alternative to audible alarms.
403.8.3 Group I-3 occupancies. Group I-3 occupancies
shall comply with paragraphs (C)(8)(c)(i)(403.8.3.1) to
(C)(8)(c)(iv)(403.8.3.4) of this rule.
403.8.3.1 Employee training. Employees shall be
instructed in the proper use of portable fire
extinguishers and other manual fire suppression
equipment. Training of new employees shall be
provided promptly upon entrance to duty. Refresher
training shall be provided not less than annually.
403.8.3.2 Employee staffing. Group I-3 occupancies
shall be provided with 24-hour staffing. An employee
shall be within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm)
horizontal distance of the access door of each resident
housing area. In Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as
defined in rule 1301:7-7-02 of the Administrative
Code, the arrangement shall be such that the employee
involved can start release of locks necessary for
emergency evacuation or rescue and initiate other
necessary emergency actions within 2 minutes of an
alarm.
Exception: An employee shall not be required to be
within three floors or 300 feet (91 440 mm)
horizontal distance of the access door of each
resident housing areas in areas in which all locks are
unlocked remotely and automatically in accordance
with section 408.4 of the building code as listed in
rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.
403.8.3.3 Notification. Provisions shall be made for
residents in Group I-3 Conditions 3, 4 and 5, as defined
in rule 1301:7-7-02 of the Administrative Code, to
readily notify an employee of an emergency.
403.8.3.4 Keys. Keys necessary for unlocking doors
installed in a means of egress shall be individually
identifiable by both touch and sight.
403.9 Group M occupancies. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of
this rule shall be prepared and maintained for buildings
containing a Group M occupancy where the Group M
occupancy has an occupant load of 500 or more persons or
more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
exit discharge and for buildings containing both a Group M
occupancy and an atrium.
403.10 Group R occupancies. Group R occupancies shall
comply with paragraphs (C)(10)(a)(403.10.1) to
(C)(10)(c)(vi)(403.10.3.6) of this rule.
403.10.1 Group R-1 occupancies. An approved fire
safety and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph
(D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for
Group R-1 occupancies. Group R-1 occupancies shall
comply with paragraphs (C)(10)(a)(i)(403.10.1.1) to
(C)(10)(a)(iii)(403.10.1.3) of this rule.
403.10.1.1 Evacuation diagrams. A diagram depicting
two evacuation routes shall be posted on or
immediately adjacent to every required egress door
from each hotel or motel sleeping unit.
403.10.1.2 Emergency duties. Upon discovery of a fire
or suspected fire, hotel and motel employees shall
perform the following duties:
(a) Activate the fire alarm system, where provided.
(b) Notify the public fire department.
(c) Take other action as previously instructed.
403.10.1.3 Fire safety and evacuation instructions.
Information shall be provided in the fire safety and
evacuation plan required by paragraph (D)(404) of this
rule to allow guests to decide whether to evacuate to the
outside, evacuate to an area of refuge, remain in place,
or any combination of the three.
403.10.2 Group R-2 occupancies. Group R-2
occupancies shall comply with paragraphs
(C)(10)(b)(i)(403.10.2.1) to (C)(10)(b)(iii)(403.10.2.3) of
this rule.
403.10.2.1 College and university buildings. An
approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance
with paragraph (D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared
and maintained for Group R-2 college and university
buildings. Group R-2 college and university buildings
shall comply with paragraphs
(C)(10)(b)(i)(a)(403.10.2.1.1) and
(C)(10)(b)(i)(b)(403.10.2.1.2) of this rule.
403.10.2.1.1 First emergency evacuation drill. The
first emergency evacuation drill of each school year
shall be conducted within 10 days of the beginning
of classes.
403.10.2.1.2 Time of day. Emergency evacuation
drills shall be conducted at different hours of the day
or evening, during the changing of classes, when
school is at assembly, during recess or gymnastic
periods or during other times to avoid distinction
between drills and actual fires. One required drill
shall be held during hours after sunset or before
sunrise.
403.10.2.2 Emergency guide. Fire emergency guides
shall be provided for Group R-2 occupancies. Guide
contents, maintenance and distribution shall comply
with paragraphs (C)(10)(b)(ii)(a)(403.10.2.2.1) to
(C)(10)(b)(ii)(c)(403.10.2.2.3) of this rule.
403.10.2.2.1 Guide contents. A fire emergency
guide shall describe the location, function and use of
fire protection equipment and appliances accessible
to residents, including fire alarm systems, smoke
alarms, and portable fire extinguishers. Guides shall
include an emergency evacuation plan for each
dwelling unit.
403.10.2.2.2 Emergency guide maintenance.
Emergency guides shall be reviewed and approved
by the fire code official.
403.10.2.2.3 Emergency guide distribution. A
copy of the emergency guide shall be given to each
tenant prior to initial occupancy.
403.10.2.3 Evacuation diagrams dormitories. A
diagram depicting two evacuation routes shall be
posted on or immediately adjacent to every required
egress door from each dormitory sleeping unit.
Evacuation diagrams shall be reviewed and updated as
needed to maintain accuracy.
408.10.3 Group R-4 occupancies. An approved fire
safety and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph
(D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for
Group R-4 occupancies. Group R-4 occupancies shall
comply with paragraphs (C)(10)(c)(i) (403.10.3.1) to
(C)(10)(c)(vi)(403.10.3.6) of this rule.
403.10.3.1 Fire safety and evacuation plan. The fire
safety and evacuation plan required by paragraph
(D)(404) of this rule shall include special employee
actions, including fire protection procedures necessary
for residents, and shall be amended or revised upon
admission of a resident with unusual needs.
403.10.3.1.1 Fire safety plans. A copy of the plan
shall be maintained at the facility at all times. Plans
shall include the following in addition to the
requirements of paragraph (D)(404) of this rule:
(i) Location and number of resident sleeping
rooms.
(ii) Location of special locking or egress control
arrangements.
403.10.3.2 Employee training. Employees shall be
periodically instructed and kept informed of their duties
and responsibilities under the plan. Records of
instruction shall be maintained. Such instruction shall
be reviewed by the employees at intervals not
exceeding two months. A copy of the plan shall be
readily available at all times within the facility.
403.10.3.3 Resident training. Residents capable of
assisting in their own evacuation shall be trained in the
proper actions to take in the event of a fire. The training
shall include actions to take if the primary escape route
is blocked. Where the resident is given rehabilitation or
habilitation training, methods of fire prevention and
actions to take in the event of a fire shall be a part of the
rehabilitation training program. Residents shall be
trained to assist each other in case of fire to the extent
their physical and mental abilities permit them to do so
without additional personal risk.
403.10.3.4 Drill frequency. In addition to the
evacuation drills required in paragraph (E)(2)(405.2) of
this rule, employees shall participate in drills an
additional two times a year on each shift. Twelve drills
with all occupants shall be conducted in the first year of
operation.
403.10.3.5 Drill times. Drill times are not required to
comply with paragraph (E)(4)(405.4) of this rule.
403.10.3.6 Resident participation in drills.
Emergency evacuation drills shall involve the actual
evacuation of residents to a selected assembly point and
shall provide residents with experience in exiting
through all required exits. All required exits shall be
used during emergency evacuation drills.
Exception: Actual exiting from emergency escape
and rescue windows shall not be required. Opening
the emergency escape and rescue window and
signaling for help shall be an acceptable alternative.
403.11 Special uses. Special uses shall be in accordance
with paragraphs (C)(11)(a)(403.11.1) to
(C)(11)(d)(403.11.4) of this rule.
403.11.1 Covered and open mall buildings. Covered
and open mall buildings shall comply with the
requirements of paragraphs (C)(11)(a)(i)(403.11.1.1) to
(C)(11)(a)(vi)(403.11.1.6) of this rule.
403.11.1.1 Malls and mall buildings exceeding
50,000 square feet. An approved fire safety and
evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph (D)(404)
of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for
covered malls exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645 m2)
in aggregate floor area and for open mall buildings
exceeding 50,0000 square feet (4645 m2) in aggregate
area within the perimeter line.
403.11.1.2 Lease plan. In addition to the requirements
of paragraph (D)(2)(b)(404.2.2) of this rule, a lease plan
that includes the following information shall be
prepared for each covered and open mall building:
(a) Each occupancy, including identification of
tenant.
(b) Exits from each tenant space.
(c) Fire protection features, including the
following:
(i) Fire department connections.
(ii) Fire command center.
(iii) Smoke management system controls.
(iv) Elevators, elevator machine rooms and
controls.
(v) Hose valves outlets.
(vi) Sprinkler and standpipe control valves.
(vii) Automatic fire-extinguishing system
areas.
(viii)Automatic fire detector zones.
(ix) Fire barriers.
403.11.1.3 Lease plan approval. The lease plan shall
be submitted to the fire code official for approval, and
shall be maintained on site for immediate reference by
responding fire service personnel.
403.11.1.4 Lease plan revisions. The lease plans shall
be revised annually or as often as necessary to keep
them current. Modifications or changes in tenants or
occupancies shall not be made without prior approval
of the fire code official and building official.
403.11.1.5 Tenant identification. Tenant
identification shall be provided for secondary exits
from occupied tenant spaces that lead to an exit corridor
or directly to the exterior of the building. Tenant
identification shall be posted on the exterior side of the
exit or exit access door and shall identify the business
name and address using plainly legible letters and
numbers that contrast with their background.
Exception: Tenant identification is not required for
anchor stores.
403.11.1.6 Unoccupied tenant spaces. The fire safety
and evacuation plan shall provide for compliance with
the requirements for unoccupied tenant spaces in
paragraph (K)(311) of rule 1301:7-7-03 of the
Administrative Code.
403.11.2 High-rise buildings. An approved fire safety
and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph
(D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for
high-rise buildings.
403.11.3 Underground buildings. An approved fire
safety and evacuation plan in accordance with paragraph
(D)(404) of this rule shall be prepared and maintained for
underground buildings.
403.11.4 Buildings using occupant evacuation
elevators. In buildings using occupant evacuation
elevators in accordance with Section 3008 of the building
code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative
Code, the fire safety and evacuation plan and the training
required by paragraphs (D)(404) and (F)(406) of this rule,
respectively, shall incorporate specific procedures for the
occupants using such elevators.
403.12 Special requirements for public safety. Special
requirements for public safety shall be in accordance with
paragraphs (C)(12)(a)(403.12.1) to
(C)(12)(c)(iii)(403.12.3.3) of this rule.
403.12.1 Fire watch personnel. Where, in the opinion of
the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a
place of assembly or any other place where people
congregate, because of the number of persons, or the
nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or
activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall provide one or
more fire watch personnel, as required and approved. Fire
watch personnel shall comply with paragraphs
(C)(12)(a)(i)(403.12.1.1) and (C)(12)(a)(ii)(403.12.1.2)
of this rule.
403.12.1.1 Duty times. Fire watch personnel shall
remain on duty while places requiring a fire watch are
open to the public, or when an activity requiring a fire
watch is being conducted.
403.12.1.2 Duties. On-duty fire watch personnel shall
have the following responsibilities:
(a) Keep diligent watch for fires, obstructions to
means of egress and other hazards.
(b) Take prompt measures for remediation of
hazards and extinguishment of fires that occur.
(c) Take prompt measures to assist in the evacuation
of the public from the structures.
403.12.2 Public safety plan for gatherings. Where the
fire code official determines that an indoor or outdoor
gathering of persons has an adverse impact on public
safety through diminished access to buildings, structures,
fire hydrants and fire apparatus access roads or where
such gatherings adversely affect public safety services of
any kind, the fire code official shall have the authority to
order the development of or prescribe a public safety plan
that provides an approved level of public safety and
addresses the following items:
(i) Emergency vehicle ingress and egress.
(ii) Fire protection.
(iii) Emergency egress or escape routes.
(iv) Emergency medical services.
(v) Public assembly areas.
(vi) The directing of both attendees and vehicles
including the parking of vehicles.
(vii) Vendor and food concession distribution.
(viii) The need for the presence of law enforcement.
(ix) The need for fire and emergency medical
services personnel.
403.12.3 Crowd managers for gatherings exceeding
1,000 people. Where facilities or events involve a
gathering of more than 1,000 people, crowd managers
shall be provided in accordance with paragraphs
(C)(12)(c)(i)(403.12.3.1) to (C)(12)(c)(iii)(403.12.3.3) of
this rule.
403.12.3.1 Number of crowd managers. The
minimum number of crowd managers shall be
established at a ratio of one crowd manager for every
250 persons.
Exception: Where approved by the fire code official,
the number of crowd managers shall be permitted to
be reduced where the facility is equipped throughout
with an approved automatic sprinkler system or
based upon the nature of the event.
403.12.3.2 Training. Training for crowd managers
shall be approved.
403.12.3.3 Duties. The duties of crowd managers shall
include, not be limited to:
(a) Conduct an inspection of the area of
responsibility and identify and address any
egress barriers.
(b) Conduct an inspection of the area of
responsibility to identify and mitigate any fire
hazards.
(c) Verify compliance with all permit conditions,
including those governing pyrotechnics and
other special effects.
(d) Direct and assist the event attendees in
evacuation during an emergency.
(e) Assist emergency response personnel where
requested.
(f) Other duties required by the fire code official.
(g) Other duties as specified in the fire safety plan.
403.12.4 Apparatus access at carnivals, fairs, and
amusement buildings. At all events subject to or
permitted in accordance with paragraph
(E)(6)(b)(105.6.2) or (E)(6)(d)(105.6.4) of rule 1301:7-7-
01 of the Administrative Code, no parking, vehicle,
vendor, concession apparatus, booth, or any other
obstruction shall be arranged or maintain in any manner
that blocks the unobstructed access of emergency
response vehicles to the permitted premises or in any
manner that blocks the emergency response vehicles from
accessing all portions of the permitted premises. The
determination of access necessary shall be based upon the
size and turning radius of the equipment and vehicles of
the permitting entity or authority.
Sec. 404 Fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans
404.1 General. Where required by paragraph (C)(403) of
this rule, fire safety, evacuation and lockdown plans shall
comply with paragraphs (D)(2)(404.2) to (D)(4)(a)(404.4.1)
of this rule.
404.2 Contents. Fire safety and evacuation plan contents
shall be in accordance with paragraphs (D)(2)(a)(404.2.1)
and (D)(2)(b)(404.2.2) of this rule.
404.2.1 Fire evacuation plans. Fire evacuation plans
shall include the following:
(i) Emergency egress or escape routes and whether
evacuation of the building is to be complete by
selected floors or areas only or with a defend-in-
place response.
(ii) Procedures for employees who must remain to
operate critical equipment before evacuating.
(iii) Procedures for the use of elevators to evacuate the
building where occupant evacuation elevators
complying with Section 3008 of the building code
as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative
Code are provided.
(iv) Procedures for assisted rescue for persons unable
to use the general means of egress unassisted.
(v) Procedures for accounting for employees and
occupants after evacuation has been completed.
(vi) Identification and assignment of personnel
responsible for rescue or emergency medical aid.
(vii) The preferred and any alternative means of
notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.
(viii) The preferred and any alternative means of
reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire
department or designated emergency response
organization.
(ix) Identification and assignment of personnel who
can be contacted for further information or
explanation of duties under the plan.
(x) A description of the emergency voice/alarm
communication system alert tone and
preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.
404.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include
the following:
(i) The procedure for reporting a fire or other
emergency.
(ii) The life safety strategy including the following:
(a) Procedures for notifying occupants,
including areas with a private mode alarm
system.
(b) Procedures for occupants under a defend-in-
place response, including the type, location,
and operating instructions of temporary door
locking devices, if any. However, this
paragraph shall not be construed to give the
fire code official authority to approve or
prohibit the use of any temporary door
locking device approved and used in
conformance with the rules developed by the
Ohio Board of Building Standards.
(c) Procedures for evacuating occupants,
including those who need evacuation
assistance.
(iii) Site plans indicating the following:
(a) The occupancy assembly point.
(b) The locations of fire hydrants.
(c) The normal routes of fire department vehicle
access.
(iv) Floor plans identifying the locations of the
following:
(a) Exits.
(b) Primary evacuation routes.
(c) Secondary evacuation routes.
(d) Accessible egress routes.
(i) Areas of refuge.
(ii) Exterior areas for assisted rescue.
(e) Refuge areas associated with smoke barriers
and horizontal exits.
(f) Manual fire alarm boxes.
(g) Portable fire extinguishers.
(h) Occupant-use hose stations.
(i) Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
(j) Automated defibrillator devices.
(v) A list of major fire hazards associated with the
normal use and occupancy of the premises,
including maintenance and housekeeping
procedures.
(vi) Identification and assignment of personnel
responsible for maintenance of systems and
equipment installed to prevent or control fires.
(vii) Identification and assignment of personnel
responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and
controlling fuel hazard sources.
404.2.3 Lockdown plans. Where facilities develop a
lockdown plan, the lockdown plan shall be in accordance
with paragraphs (D)(2)(c)(i)(404.2.3.1)
to(D)(2)(c)(iii)(404.2.3.3) of this rule.
404.2.3.1 Lockdown plan contents. Lockdown plans
shall be approved by the fire code official and shall
include the following:
(a) Initiation. The plan shall include instructions for
reporting an emergency that requires a
lockdown.
(b) Accountability. The plan shall include
accountability procedures for staff to report the
presence or absence of occupants.
(c) Recall. The plan shall include a prearranged
signal for returning to normal activity.
(d) Communication and coordination. The plan
shall include an approved means of two-way
communication between a central location and
each secured area.
404.2.3.2 Training frequency. The training frequency
shall be included in the lockdown plan. The lockdown
drills shall not substitute for any of the fire and
evacuation drills required in paragraph (E)(2)(405.2) of
this rule.
404.2.3.3 Lockdown notification. The method of
notifying building occupants of a lockdown shall be
included in the plan. The method of notification shall
be separate and distinct from the fire alarm signal.
404.3 Maintenance. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall
be reviewed or updated annually or as necessitated by
changes in staff assignments, occupancy or the physical
arrangement of the building.
404.4 Availability. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be
available in the workplace for reference and review by
employees, and copies shall be furnished to the fire code
official for review upon request.
404.4.1 Distribution. The fire safety and evacuation
plans shall be distributed to the tenants and building
service employees by the owner or the ownerโs agent.
Tenants shall distribute to their employees applicable
parts of the fire safety plan affecting the employeesโ
actions in the event of a fire or other emergency.
404.4.2 An evacuation plan indicating the primary and
secondary emergency evacuation routes, and including
proper occupant-to-building orientation, shall be
permanently and conspicuously posted at the main exit
door inside of each room accessible to all persons in all
educational occupancies. The plan shall not be obscured
from view by any materials.
Sec. 405 Emergency evacuation drills
405.1 General. Emergency evacuation drills complying
with paragraphs (E)(2)(405.2) to (E)(9)(405.9) of this rule
shall be conducted not less than annually where fire safety
and evacuation plans are required by paragraph (C)(403) of
this rule or where required by the fire code official. Drills
shall be designed in cooperation with the local authorities.
405.1.1 Schools and childrenโs homes. A principal or
person in charge of a public or private school or
educational institution having an average daily attendance
of twenty or more pupils or a person in charge of any
childrenโs home or orphanage housing twenty or more
minor persons shall instruct and train such children by
means of drills or rapid dismissals so that such children in
a sudden emergency may leave the building in the shortest
possible time without confusion. Such drills or rapid
dismissals shall be conducted in accordance with the
following:
(i) All drills or rapid dismissals shall be conducted at
the times and frequencies prescribed in this rule.
(ii) The principal or person in charge of a public or
private school or educational institution having an
average daily attendance of twenty or more pupils
shall conduct not less than one drill or rapid
dismissal during each month of the school year as
required by and in accordance with section
3737.73 (E) of the Revised Code.
(iii) The principal or person in charge of a school or
educational institution that has smoke detectors or
a sprinkler system in all classroom buildings of the
school or educational institution shall conduct a
drill or rapid dismissal not less than six times
during the school year.
(iv) The principal or person in charge of a school or
educational institution that does not have smoke
detectors or a sprinkler system in all classroom
buildings of the school or educational institution
shall conduct a drill or rapid dismissal not less than
nine times during the school year.
(v) The principal or person in charge of a childrenโs
home or orphanage shall conduct drills or rapid
dismissals at least once each month while the
home is in operation as required by and in
accordance with section 3737.73 (A) of the
Revised Code.
A drill or rapid dismissal conducted pursuant to
this paragraph shall not be conducted in such a
manner that the evacuation of students is in
conjunction with the dismissal of students for the
day.
In conjunction with the drills or rapid dismissals
required in this paragraph, the principal or person
in charge of a public or private primary or
secondary school or educational institution shall
instruct pupils in safety precautions to be taken in
case of a tornado alert or warning and shall
designate an appropriate location or locations to be
used to shelter pupils in case of a tornado, tornado
alert, or warning in accordance with paragraph
(D)(408) of this rule.
405.1.2 Records. While school is in operation, the person
responsible for conducting fire drills pursuant to section
3737.73 of the Revised Code shall file a copy of the fire
drill records containing the information required under
paragraph (E)(5)(405.5) of this rule and other information
required by the state fire marshal for inspection
verification with the state fire marshal. When required by
the fire code official, such fire drill records shall also be
submitted to the firefighting agency having jurisdiction
that conducts inspections of the subject facility. Such fire
drill records shall be submitted at the middle point and
again at the end of the school year. The โschool yearโ
includes any time during which the average daily
attendance comprises twenty or more pupils.
405.1.3 Intent to conduct inspections of emergency
evacuation drill records. Pursuant to section 3737.73 (C)
of the Revised Code, any duly constituted fire department
of a political subdivision of this state may become the
designee of the state fire marshal for the purposes of
annually conducting inspections of schools, educational
institutions, childrenโs home, or orphanage to determine
compliance with this paragraph and sections 3737.73 (A),
(B), (E), or (F) of the Revised Code.
To become the state fire marshalโs designee, the fire
department shall file a written notice with the state fire
marshal of the departmentโs intent to conduct inspections
of schools, educational institutions, childrenโs homes or
orphanages. Such written notice shall identify each
school, educational institution or childrenโs home that the
fire department intends to inspect specifically by name
and address. Notice shall be submitted to the state fire
marshal on or before the first day of August of each
calendar year.
Any fire department that files a written notice with the
state fire marshal of its intent to conduct inspections and
becomes the state fire marshalโs designee shall remain the
state fire marshalโs designee and shall conduct inspections
for the purposes of determining compliance with this
paragraph and with section 3737.73 of the Revised Code
until such time as the department notifies the state fire
marshal that it will no longer conduct such inspections.
Such notice shall be in writing and shall identify each
school, educational institution, childrenโs home, or
orphanage specifically by name and address and shall
clearly state that the department will no longer inspect.
The notice shall be submitted to the state fire marshal at
least 30 days prior to the time that the department
discontinues its inspection program.
Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit a fire
code officialโs authority to conduct an inspection of a
school for the purposes of determining compliance with
this code.
405.1.3.1 Inspections. After filing a notice in
accordance with paragraph (E)(1)(c)(405.1.3) of this
rule, a fire department shall thereafter conduct
inspections in accordance with the following:
405.1.3.1.1 School or educational institution. The
fire department shall annually inspect a school or
educational institution for the purpose of
determining whether or not the principal or person in
charge of the school or educational institution has, in
accordance with paragraph (E)(1)(a)(405.1.1) of this
rule and section 3737.73 of the Revised Code,
conducted drills or rapid dismissals, has instructed
pupils in safety precautions to be taken in case of a
tornado alert or warning, and has designated an
appropriate location to be used to shelter pupils in
case of a tornado, tornado alert, or warning.
405.1.3.1.2 Childrenโs home or orphanage. The
fire department shall annually inspect a childrenโs
home or orphanage for the purpose of determining
whether or not the principal or person in charge of
the childrenโs home or orphanage has conducted
drills or rapid dismissals in accordance with
paragraph (E)(1)(a)(405.1.1) of this rule and section
3737.73 of the Revised Code.
Upon inspection and a determination that the school,
educational institution, childrenโs home, or
orphanage has not complied with the provisions of
this paragraph or the provision of section 3737.73 of
the Revised Code, the state fire marshalโs designee
shall issue a written warning to the principal or
person in charge of the school, educational
institution or childrenโs home. The warning shall
indicate the specific violation and the date by which
the violation shall be corrected.
405.1.3.2 Jurisdiction. For the purpose of this
paragraph, the fire agency having jurisdiction shall be
the state fire marshal or any such duly constituted fire
department of a political subdivision having filed the
written notice of intent to conduct inspections in
accordance with this paragraph.
405.2 Frequency. Required emergency evacuation drills
shall be held at the intervals specified in Table 405.2 of this
rule or more frequently where necessary to familiarize all
occupants with the drill procedure.
Table 405.2
Fire and evacuation drill frequency and participation
Group or occupancy
Frequency
Participation
Group A
Quarterly
Employees
Group B
b
Annually
All occupants
Group B
b,c
(Ambulatory care facilities)
Annually
Employees
Group B
b
(Clinic, outpatient)
Annually
Employees
Group E
Monthly
a
All occupants
Group F
Annually
Employees
Group I-1
Semiannually on each shift
All occupants
Group I-2
Quarterly on each shift
a
Employees
Group I-3
Quarterly on each shift
a
Employees
Group I-4
Monthly on each shift
a
All occupants
Group R-1
Quarterly on each shift
Employees
Group R-2
d
Four annually
All occupants
Group R-4
Semiannually on each shift
a
All occupants
a. In severe climates, the fire code official shall have the authority to modify the emergency evacuation drill frequency.
b. Emergency evacuation drills are required in Group B buildings having an occupant load of 500 or more persons or more than 100 persons
above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.
c. Emergency evacuation drills are required in ambulatory care facilities in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(403.3) of this rule.
d. Emergency evacuation drills in Group R-2 college and university buildings shall be in accordance with paragraph (C)(10)(b)(i)(403.10.2.1 of this
rule. Other Group R-2 occupancies shall be in accordance with paragraph (C)(10)(b)(ii)(403.10.2.2) of this rule.
405.3 Leadership. Responsibility for the planning and
conduct of drills shall be assigned to competent persons
designated to exercise leadership.
405.4 Time. Drills shall be held at unexpected times and
under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions
that occur in case of fire.
405.5 Record keeping. Records shall be maintained of
required emergency evacuation drills and include the
following information:
(a) Identity of the person conducting the drill.
(b) Date and time of the drill.
(c) Notification method used.
(d) Employees on duty and participating.
(e) Number of occupants evacuated.
(f) Special conditions simulated.
(g) Problems encountered.
(h) Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated.
(i) Time required to accomplish complete evacuation.
405.6 Notification. Where required by the fire code official,
prior notification of emergency evacuation drills shall be
given to the fire code official.
405.7 Initiation. Where a fire alarm system is provided,
emergency evacuation drills shall be initiated by activating
the fire alarm system.
405.8 Accountability. As building occupants arrive at the
assembly point, efforts shall be made to determine if all
occupants have been successfully evacuated or have been
accounted for.
405.9 Recall and reentry. An electrically or mechanically
operated signal used to recall occupants after an evacuation
shall be separate and distinct from the signal used to initiate
the evacuation. The recall signal initiation means shall be
manually operated and under the control of the person in
charge of the premises or the official in charge of the
incident. Persons shall not reenter the premises until
authorized to do so by the official in charge.
Sec. 406 Employee training and response procedures
406.1 General. Where fire safety and evacuation plans are
required by paragraph (C)(403) of this rule, employees shall
be trained in the fire emergency procedures based on plans
prepared in accordance with paragraph (D)(404) of this rule.
406.2 Frequency. Employees shall receive training in the
contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and their duties
as part of new employee orientation and not less than
annually thereafter. Records of training shall be maintained.
406.3 Employee training program. Employees shall be
trained in fire prevention, evacuation and fire safety in
accordance with paragraphs (F)(3)(a)(406.3.1) to
(F)(3)(d)(406.3.4) of this rule.
406.3.1 Fire prevention training. Employees shall be
apprised of the fire hazards of the materials and processes
to which they are exposed. Each employee shall be
instructed in the proper procedures for preventing fires in
the conduct of their assigned duties.
406.3.2 Evacuation training. Employees shall be
familiarized with the fire alarm and evacuation signals,
their assigned duties in the event of an alarm or
emergency, evacuation routes, areas of refuge, exterior
assembly areas and procedures for evacuation.
406.3.3 Fire safety training. Employees assigned fire-
fighting duties shall be trained to know the locations and
proper use of portable fire extinguishers or other manual
fire-fighting equipment and the protective clothing or
equipment required for its safe and proper use.
406.3.4 Emergency lockdown training. Where a facility
has a lockdown plan, employees shall be trained on their
assigned duties and procedures in the event of an
emergency lockdown.
Sec. 407 Hazard communication
407.1 General. The provisions of paragraphs (G)(2)(407.2)
to (G)(7)(407.7) of this rule shall be applicable where
hazardous materials subject to permits under paragraph
(A)(5)(5001.5) of rule 1301:7-7-50 of the Administrative
Code are located on the premises or where required by the
fire code official.
407.2 Material Safety Data Sheets. Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials shall be either
readily available on the premises as a paper copy, or where
approved, shall be permitted to be readily retrievable by
electronic access.
407.3 Identification. Individual containers of hazardous
materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or labeled in
accordance with applicable federal regulations. Buildings,
rooms and spaces containing hazardous materials shall be
identified by hazard warning signs in accordance with
paragraph (C)(5)(5003.5) of rule 1301:7-7-50 of the
Administrative Code.
407.4 Training. Persons responsible for the operation of
areas in which hazardous materials are stored, dispensed,
handled or used shall be familiar with the chemical nature of
the materials and the appropriate mitigating actions
necessary in the event of a fire, leak or spill. Responsible
persons shall be designated and trained to be liaison
personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the
fire department in preplanning emergency responses and
identification of the locations where hazardous materials are
located, and shall have access to Material Safety Data Sheets
and be knowledgeable in the site emergency response
procedures.
407.5 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement. Where
required by the fire code official, each application for a
permit shall include a Hazardous Materials Inventory
Statement (HMIS) in accordance with paragraph
(A)(5)(b)(5001.5.2) of rule 1301:7-7-50 of the
Administrative Code.
407.6 Hazardous Materials Management Plan. Where
required by the fire code official, each application for a
permit shall include a Hazardous Materials Management
Plan (HMMP) in accordance with paragraph
(A)(5)(a)(5001.5.1) of rule 1301:7-7-50 of the
Administrative Code. The fire code official is authorized to
accept a similar plan required by other regulations.
407.7 Facility closure plans. The permit holder or applicant
shall submit to the fire code official a facility closure plan in
accordance with paragraph (A)(6)(c)(5001.6.3) of rule
1301:7-7-50 of the Administrative Code to terminate
storage, dispensing, handling or use of hazardous materials.
Sec. 408 Tornado shelters in schools
408.1 Pursuant to section 3737.73 of the Revised Code,
principals or persons in charge of public or private primary
and secondary schools or educational institutions having an
average daily attendance of twenty or more pupils shall
designate appropriate locations in their respective facilities
to be used to shelter pupils in case of a tornado, tornado alert,
or tornado warning. The designation of such locations shall
be in accordance with the standards prescribed by the fire
marshal, as set forth herein. However, nothing in these rules
shall be construed as requiring a school or institution to
construct or improve a facility or area thereof for use as a
tornado shelter, or to install a tornado alarm system.
408.2 Specific safety requirement.
(a) The fire alarm system shall not be used to alert building
occupants of a tornado, tornado alert, or tornado
warning.
(b) The principal or person in charge of the school shall
submit a clear, comprehensive, detailed, and legible
drawing to the local fire code official, showing the
building floor plan(s) and designated tornado shelter
area(s). Each room or area shown on the plan shall be
clearly indicated as to its particular use.
(c) The drawing required by paragraph (H)(2)(b)(408.2) of
this rule, shall be submitted to the local fire code
official for his information. A copy shall be maintained
in the office of each school, for examination by the state
fire marshal or local fire code official.
(d) Tornado drills shall be conducted at least once a month
whenever school is in session during the tornado
season. For the purpose of this rule, "tornado season" is
the period from the first day of April to the last day of
July. A record of such drills shall be maintained in the
office of each school for examination by the fire code
official.
(e) The occupants of modular classroom facilities shall be
moved out of such facilities and to the designated
tornado shelter area(s) in the event of a tornado, tornado
alert, or tornado warning.
(f) Each local fire code official conducting the annual
inspection of each school or institution shall be
designated pursuant to division (C) of section 3737.73
of the Revised Code to verify compliance with the
tornado safety provisions of this rule.
408.3 Standards for shelter designation.
It is recommended that the designation of areas to be used as
tornado shelters be in accordance with the following criteria:
(a) Whenever possible, designate areas which are
located below ground level, in the core of the
building, in rooms or spaces with short ceiling spans,
and on the leeward side. The farther the area is below
ground level, the greater the protection. In any event,
the area should be on the lowest floor, in the center
of the building, and in a corridor or small room.
(b) First aid kits and supplies should be in or close to the
tornado shelter area(s).
(c) Avoid walls of glass, windows, skylights, and areas
containing trophy cases or other fixtures of glass.
(d) Avoid load-bearing walls and exterior walls,
especially those on the windward side or facing the
south, southwest, or west.
(e) Avoid corridors which are not baffled with a wall or
walls and that open to the south, southwest, or west.
(f) Avoid an area with only one exit, unless overriding
considerations should prevail.
(g) Avoid rooms or areas which are locked, since they
may not be readily accessible during an emergency.
(h) Avoid, absolutely, chimneys and the use of cars,
buses, and modular classroom buildings.
(i) Avoid rooms or spaces with long ceiling spans, that
are opposite openings or doorways that lead into
rooms with windows in exterior walls, or that are
within the unprotected, falling radius of higher
building components.
408.4 General considerations.
Every building is different and contains some vulnerable
elements that cannot be counted upon to withstand a tornado.
Portions of buildings that contain one or more of these
elements should be avoided wherever possible.
(a) Windows, skylights, and other components of glass,
should be avoided. Glass is no match for tornado
force winds and usually breaks into many jagged
pieces which are blown into interior spaces from the
windward side. Acrylic or poly carbonate plastics
are more resistant to impact than glass, but large
panes will pop out. Tempered glass will shatter into
thousands of cube-like pieces that will be propelled
by the winds like shrapnel. Windows at the ends of
corridors, particularly those facing south, southwest,
and west, are very dangerous. They will probably be
blown down the corridor in a wind tunnel effect.
(b) Windward side walls, which usually are on the south
and west, receive the full strength of the winds.
It is assumed that windows on these sides will
be broken and blown into the rooms on the
windward side. This often results in increased
air pressure, which aids in raising the roof.
(c) Wind tunnels occur in unprotected corridors
facing the oncoming winds, which usually
come from the south or west. Openings facing
these directions allow the winds to penetrate
into interior spaces. The winds apparently
occupy almost the entire volume of such a wind
tunnel, as debris marks have been found to
cover the full height of the walls. If entrances
are baffled with a solid massive wall, this effect
is much less serious.
(d) Lightweight roofs such as steel deck plate,
wood planks, or plywood will usually be lifted
up by the wind and partially carried away, with
some roof debris falling below.
(e) Heavier roofs, especially precast concrete
planks, may lift up and move slightly and then
fall, but not always returning to their original
support location. If the support has collapsed,
the heavy roof may fall into the area below.
(f) Long-span rooms almost always have high
ceilings. The exterior walls are usually higher
than the typical one-story wall. Often these
walls, especially those with southern or western
exposures, will collapse into the long span. If
they are load-bearing walls, the roof will cave
in on the area also. Avoid rooms such as gyms,
auditoriums and cafeterias.
(g) Load-bearing walls are the sole support for
floors or roofs above. If winds cause the
supporting walls to fail, part or all of the roof or
floors above will collapse. The most dangerous
locations in a building are usually along the
south and west sides, and at all corners.
(h) Masonry construction is not immune to wall
collapse. Most masonry walls are not vertically
reinforced, and can fail when high horizontal
forces occur, such as those caused by winds.
