Perf-Based Stds, Adult Corr. Inst. 5th ed March 2020

Part 3: Institutional Operations

5-ACI-3B-02 (Ref. 4-4212)

(MANDATORY) Written policy, procedure, and practice provide for a com- prehensive and thorough monthly inspection of the institution by a qualified fire and safety officer for compliance with safety and fire prevention standards. There is a weekly fire and safety inspection of the institution by a qualified de- partmental staff member. Comment : The qualified departmental staff member who conducts the weekly in- spections may be an institutional staff member who has received training in and is familiar with the safety and sanitation requirements of the jurisdiction. At a minimum, it is expected that the safety/sanitation specialist will provide on-the- job training regarding applicable regulations and inspections, including the use of checklists and the methods of documentation. Process Indicators : Documentation of qualifications of fire and safety officer. In- spection reports and documentation of action taken to address identified deficien- cies. Local and/or state inspection reports. (MANDATORY) Specifications for the selection and purchase of facility fur- nishings indicate the fire safety performance requirements of the materials selected. Comment : Furnishings, mattresses, cushions, or other items of foamed plastics or foamed rubber (for example, polyurethane, polystyrene) can pose a severe hazard due to high smoke production, rapid burning once ignited, and high heat release. Such materials should be subjected to careful fire safety evaluation before purchase or use. All polyurethane should be removed from living areas unless its use is approved in writing by the fire authority having jurisdiction. The fire authority should consider the flammability and toxicity characteristics of the products being evaluated. Facility furnishings include draperies, curtains, furniture, mattresses and bedding, upholstered or cushioned furniture, wastebaskets, decorations, and similar materi- als that can burn. “Furnishings” applies to all living quarters. The standard requires that specifications be known, if available, at the time of selection; there are no standards mandating knowledge of fire performance characteristics of furnishings in the facility prior to implementation of the policy relating to this standard. Protocols : Written policy and procedure. Internal inspection forms.

5-ACI-3B-03 (Ref. 4-4213)

Protocols : Written policy and procedure. Facility plans/specifications.

Process Indicators : Specifications for all furnishings. Records of approval by ex- ternal authority.

90 Adult Correctional Institutions, Fifth Edition