Section 406.APPENDIX E   List of Items for Fire Safety Inspection

The Department shall notify the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) of the name and address of a day care home licensure initial applicant. The following list of items shall be inspected by OSFM, or by a Department or supervising agency licensing representative trained by OSFM to conduct fire safety inspections for license renewal or annual monitoring visits:

1.         The paths of escape including doors and escape windows from the home are kept operable and clear from obstruction (see Section 406.8(a)(22)(A))

2.         Smoke detectors are provided on each level of the home (including basements and second floors even if they are not used for child care) and in any room where children are allowed to nap or sleep (see Section 406.8(a)(4)(A))

3.         All smoke detectors are less than 10 years old and functioning properly (detected by pushing the test button)

4.         Locks and deadbolts on exit doors are operable without the use of a key, tool or special knowledge to open the door from inside the home to exit to the outside (see Section 406.8(a)(22)(F)

5.         Occupants shall be able to escape the home without having to activate more than 2 releasing devices (e.g., door knobs, deadbolts, thumb-turn lock) on any exit door (see Section 406.8(a)(22)(F)

6.         Bathroom doors shall be able to be opened by a caregiver from outside the room if necessary (see Section 406.8(a)(22)(D))

7.         Closet doors shall be able to open from inside the closet without the use of a key (see Section 406.8(a)(22)(E))

8.         Paths of escape from the home shall have operable lighting if needed (light bulbs are in place and functioning) (see Section 406.8(a)(22)(C))

9.         Protective covers for all electrical receptacles are provided in areas used by children (see Section 406.8(a)(3))

10.       Heating sources in spaces occupied by children is separated by partitions, screens, or other means to protect children from hot surfaces and open flames (see Section 406.8(a)(8))

11.       Carbon monoxide detectors are installed and operable in areas occupied by children (see Section 406.8(a)(5))

Operating Requirements (renewal and subsequent monitoring visits

12.       There is a comprehensive written fire emergency response plan in the home (see Section 406.8(a)(18))

13.       There are monthly tornado and fire drills conducted by the caregiver with participation by children (see Section 406.8(a)(19) and (20)

14.       Monthly basic fire safety inspections of the home are conducted by the caregiver or staff members in the home (see Section 406.8(a)(24))

15.       Daily fire safety inspections are done by the caregiver to ensure that escape paths are clear and exit doors and escape windows are operable (see Section 406.8(a)(23))

16.       Corridors are clear of clothing and personal effects (see Section 406.8(a)(22)(A))

17.       Flammable and combustible artwork and teaching materials attached directly to the walls are limited to no more than 20% of the wall area (see Section 406.8(a)(11)) and

18.        Caregivers are awake and alert when children are present in the home (see Section 406.9(s)

(Source:  Amended at 34 Ill. Reg. 18358, effective December 15, 2010)