Md. Code Regs. 12.02.05.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 12.02.05.03 - Fire Plan Elements

The Commissioner shall ensure that:

A. Each warden develops a procedure to establish a fire plan in conjunction with the fire marshal of the locality.

B. Each warden appoints a fire safety officer who has completed a qualified fire safety program.

C. Each fire plan includes the following elements:

(1) Inspection by the fire safety officer of the institution on a monthly basis with required documentation sent to the warden and the Division headquarters.

(2) Annual review and revision as needed.

(3) Availability of the plan to staff.

(4) Posting of the fire plan in designated areas.

(5) Establishment of teams to conduct fire fighting, evacuation, security, and first aid.

(6) Fire stations for individual extinguishers.

(7) Teams for each extinguishing device.

(8) Conduct of quarterly fire drills which meet the following criteria:

(a) Under varying conditions;

(b) On a staggered basis;

(c) On random days;

(d) At random times; and

(e) On all shifts.

(9) Evacuation procedure associated with the conduct of a fire drill which considers security requirements and public safety.

(10) Establishment of an ongoing relationship with the local fire department to ensure:

(a) Understanding of community emergency service capabilities by institutional administration and staff; and

(b) Ongoing communication and coordination.

(11) Provision for good housekeeping standards within the institution.

(12) Requirement for constant vigilance by staff to detect and eliminate fire hazards.

(13) Development of a master list of each institutional fire extinguisher which includes the following provisions:

(a) Monitoring extinguisher charge levels;

(b) Recharging or filling of an extinguisher; and

(c) Replacement of an extinguisher which is being repaired with a fully charged, operational extinguisher.

(14) Testing of each alarm system by the fire safety officer on a quarterly basis with requirement for maintenance of appropriate documentation.

(15) Immediate notification of any fire of significance to Division headquarters. When the fire department is summoned to an institution, the warden or designee shall ensure that Division headquarters' personnel are notified according to the following:

(a) The Deputy Commissioner during normal business hours; or

(b) The Division duty officer during hours other than those set for normal business.

(16) Establishment of a contingency plan, coordinated with all participants, for transferring inmates to alternate facilities under emergency conditions.

(17) Mandatory training requirements for each employee to ensure understanding of the fire safety plan.

(18) Establishment of a list of support agencies which shall be reviewed and updated annually.

D. Each employee acknowledges awareness of the institution fire plan for the employee's place of employment.

E. When a fire occurs within an institution and the estimate of damage exceeds $1,000, the warden submits a written report to the Division fire safety officer within 5 working days.

F. Each inmate is made aware of the institution's fire response plan for inmates.

Md. Code Regs. 12.02.05.03