1. Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s Working with Your Local Fire Authority
Douglas Pancake, AIA
Douglas Pancake Architects
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

2. Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s Topics of Discussion
The “Old Code”
Assisted Living Facilities (RCFE, R-2.1)
Problem areas
Bedridden in existing facilities
Construction requirements
New Building Code (January 1, 2008)
Assisted Living Facilities (I-1)
Bedridden
Additions, upgrades, remodeling
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

3. Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
What is the State doing to help with resolving issues?
SFM Residential Care Advisory Committee
Information Bulletins
Code Interpretations
Partnering with State and Local Agencies
How does the fire service work?
How can a relationship be built
Differences in opinions……never!
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

4. Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s “Old Code”
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

5. AND… The Health and Safety Code
Statue vs. Code (Not necessarily the same thing)
AND… The Health and Safety Code
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

6. Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

7. AND… The Health and Safety Code
Statue and Code (Not necessarily the same thing)
AND… The Health and Safety Code
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

8. 6 or Fewer Ambulatory, Non-Ambulatory or Bedridden
2001 CBC Occupancies:
R-2.1.1
R-2.2,1
R-2.3.1
R-6.1.1
R-6.2.1
2007 CBC Occupancies:
R-3.1
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

9. More than 6 Ambulatory Persons (may include up to 6 non-ambulatory or bedridden)
2001 CBC Occupancies:
R-2.2
R-6.2
2007 CBC Occupancies:
R-4
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

10. More than 6 Non-Ambulatory or Bedridden
2001 CBC Occupancies:
R-2.1
R-2.3
R-6.1
2007 CBC Occupancies:
I-1.1
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

11. The definition for R-2.1 is as follows:
CBC, SECTION Group R Occupancies Defined. Group R Occupancies shall be:
[For SFM] Division Residentially-based, licensed facilities accommodating more than six nonambulatory clients. This division may include ambulatory clients.
Licensing categories that may use this classification include, but are not limited to: Adult Residential Facilities, Congregate Living Health Facilities, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, Group Homes and Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill.
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

12. Statue and Code (Not necessarily the same thing)
The 2001 CBC defines Nonambulatory Persons as follows:
(For SFM) NONAMBULATORY PERSONS are persons unable to leave a building unassisted under emergency conditions. It includes, but is not limited to, persons who depend on mechanical aids such as crutches, walkers and wheelchairs and any person who is unable to physically and mentally respond to a sensory signal approved by the State Fire Marshal or an oral instruction relating to fire danger.
The determination of ambulatory or nonambulatory status of persons with developmental disabilities shall be made by the Director of Social Services or his or her designated representative, in consultation with the Director of Developmental Services or his or her designated representative. The determination of ambulatory or nonambulatory status of all other disabled persons placed after January 1, 1984, who are not developmentally disabled shall be made by the Director of Social Services or his or her designated representative.
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

13. Statue and Code (Not necessarily the same thing)
The 2001 CBC defines Bedridden Persons as follows:
(For SFM) BEDRIDDEN PERSON means a person confined to a bed, requiring assistance in turning or unable to independently transfer to and from bed, and unable to leave a building unassisted under emergency conditions.
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

14. Statue and Code (Not necessarily the same thing)
CBC, SECTION Group I Occupancies Defined.
Group I Occupancies shall be:
Division … Hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes with nonambulatory patients [for SFM] where medical care is provided, or homes with nonambulatory guests where medical care is provided, and similar buildings (each accommodating more that five patients [for SFM] six patients).
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

15. Statue and Code (Not necessarily the same thing)
HSC, SECTION
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), bedridden persons may be admitted to, and remain in, residential care facilities for the elderly that secure and maintain an appropriate fire clearance. A fire clearance shall be issued to a facility in which a bedridden person resides if either of the following conditions are met:
(1) The fire safety requirements are met.
(2) Alternative methods of protection are approved.
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

16. Nonambulatory on the Second Floor
Building standards specifically for two story RCFE’s are described in HSC (b) and are further codified in the 2001 CBC. If the building design and construction meets or exceeds these minimum standards listed below, fire clearance should be provided.
Minimum Standards required by the HSC are as follows:
HSC, SECTION (b)
All of the following building standards shall apply to any two-story building housing nonambulatory persons on a second floor, which is operated as a residential care facility for the elderly and licensed to care for more than six persons:
The entire building shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved fully automatic fire extinguishing system, designed and installed in accordance with Section (d) of Chapter 2-38 Part of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
The entire building shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved and listed automatic fire alarm system.
The entire building shall be of at least Type V one-hour fire resistive construction, as described in Chapter 2-22 of Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
A building with individual floor areas over 6,000 square feet per floor shall have an approved smoke barrier dividing the floor approximately in half, without regard to whether direct exiting is available from each dwelling unit.
The entire building shall have at least two sets of enclosed stairways.
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

17. Nonambulatory on the Third Floor
HSC dictates the construction type for these buildings.
(c)  All of the following building standards shall apply to any multi-story building housing nonambulatory persons on the third, fourth, or fifth floor, which is operated as a residential care facility for the elderly and licensed to care for more than six persons:
(1)  The entire building, unless otherwise exempt pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 13113, shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved fully automatic fire extinguishing system, designed and installed in accordance with Section (d) of Chapter 2-38 of Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(2)  The entire building shall have installed a State Fire Marshal approved and listed automatic fire alarm system.
(3)  The entire building shall be of Type II fire resistive construction, as described in Chapter 2-19 of Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
(4)  A building with individual floor areas over 6,000 square feet per floor shall have an approved smoke barrier dividing the floor approximately in half, without regard to whether direct exiting is available from each dwelling unit.
(5)  The entire building shall have at least two sets of enclosed stairways.
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

18. R-2.1 Construction Requirements More than 6 non-ambulatory
Fire Rated Construction
Two Stories in Type V, 1-hr Construction
Smoke Barriers (if > 6,000 sq. ft.)
Rated Corridors
Fire Sprinkler System
Manual & Automatic Fire Alarm System
Exit Signs
Tactile Egress signage
Emergency Illumination
Ramps
Fire Extinguishers
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

19. R-2.1.1 -- Construction Requirements 6 or less nonambulatory
Limited to two stories, Type V, NR
Non Rated Construction
Smoke Barrier Walls (if > 6,000 sq. ft.)
Hallways
Manual Pull Station
Smoke Alarms
Exit Signs
Ramps
Fire Extinguisher
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

20. Office of the State Fire Marshal Is Helping !
SFM Residential Care Advisory Committee
OSFM
DSS
CALA
Aging Services of California
Providers
Architects
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

21. Office of the State Fire Marshal Code Interperetations
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition

22. Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s Thank You
Douglas Pancake, AIA
Douglas Pancake Architects
Bedridden Code Issues in RCFE’s
May 6, 2008, 10:30 AM
Aging Services of California
2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition