501 KAR 3:070. Safety; emergency procedures.

      RELATES TO: KRS 441.045, 441.055

      STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 196.035, 197.020, 441.055

      NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 441.055(1) requires the Department of Corrections to promulgate administrative regulations establishing minimum standards for jails that house state prisoners. This administrative regulation establishes safety and emergency procedures to be followed in local full-service jails.

      Section 1. Policy and Procedure. (1) Each jail shall have a written policy and procedure that shall specify fire prevention administrative regulations and practices to ensure the safety of prisoners, visitors, and staff. The policy shall include:

      (a) Provision for a fire emergency planning session for staff at least quarterly;

      (b) Written documentation of the fire planning session including evacuation, fire drills, and other procedures covered during the session;

      (c) A fire safety inspection by the department at least once a year;

      (d) Inspection and testing of fire protection equipment by a qualified person at least annually with visual inspections by staff monthly;

      (e) All county jails that elect to house state prisoners shall be deemed nonsmoking facilities; and.

      (f) An evacuation plan coordinated with local fire officials and approved by the Department of Corrections.

      (2) Each jail shall have written policy and procedures for emergency situations including:

      (a) Escape;

      (b) Hostage taking;

      (c) Riot;

      (d) Food poisoning;

      (e) Civil disturbance in the community;

      (f) Natural disaster;

      (g) Suicide;

      (h) Other death and disorder; and

      (i) Mass evacuation disaster plan.

      Section 2. Physical Plant. (1) Each jail shall comply with the Kentucky Building Code, incorporated by reference in 815 KAR 7:120. An existing jail for which approval has been granted may continue without change, except if a significant alteration, addition or change of occupancy occurs.

      (2) Each exit shall be:

      (a) Distinctly and permanently marked;

      (b) Visible at all times;

      (c) Kept clear; and

      (d) Maintained in usable condition.

      (3) Each jail shall have equipment necessary to maintain essential lights, power, and communications in an emergency situation.

      (4) In each area where a prisoner may be confined, there shall be an emergency smoke control system activated by smoke detectors and operated by emergency power. Inspection and testing of the smoke control system shall be conducted by a qualified person at least annually.

      (5) Each jail shall have an approved fire alarm and smoke detection system.

      (6) Each direct supervision area shall have an approved fire-suppression system. (9 Ky.R. 1073; eff. 4-6-83; Am. 13 Ky.R. 686; eff. 11-11-86; 26 Ky.R. 162; 27 Ky.R. 83; eff. 7-17-2000; 31 Ky.R. 1555; 1795; eff. 5-26-05; 34 Ky.R. 1181; 1963; eff. 3-7-2008.)