1. (1) The facility must follow the provisions of the 2000 Edition of the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, (LSC). A copy of this publication can be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Quality Assurance Division, Licensure Bureau, 2401 Colonial Drive, P.O. Box 202953, Helena MT 59620-2953.

2. (2) The 2000 Edition of the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, (LSC), has the following requirements for special locking arrangements for a secured SCSF unit. LSC 5- 2.1.6 .1 states:

   1. (a) In buildings protected throughout by an approved supervised automatic fire detection system or approved supervised automatic sprinkler system and when permitted by chapters 8 through 30, doors in low or ordinary hazard areas, as defined by LSC 4-2.2, may be equipped with approved, listed, locking devices which shall:

      1. (i) unlock upon actuation of an approved supervised automatic fire detection system or approved supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with LSC 7-6 or 7-7; and
      2. (ii) unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or locking mechanism; and

      3. (iii) initiate an irreversible process which will release the lock within 15 seconds whenever a force of not more than 15 pounds (67N) is continuously applied, for a period of not more than three seconds to the release device required in LSC 5-2.1.5.3. Relocking of such doors shall be by manual means only. Operation of the release device shall activate a signal in the vicinity of the door for assuring those attempting to exit that the system is functional. Exception to this subsection: The authority having jurisdiction may approve a delay not to exceed 30 seconds provided that reasonable life safety is assured pursuant to LSC 5-2.1.6.2. A sign shall be provided on the door adjacent to the release device which reads:

         PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS

         DOOR CAN BE OPENED IN 15 SECONDS

         1. (A) Sign letters shall be at least one inch (2.5cm) high and one eighth inch (0.3cm) wide stroke.

3. (3) The department shall grant an SCSF exception to the LSC code - Special Locking Arrangements, based on an equivalency for the automatically releasing, panic hardware required by LSC 5- 2.1.6 .1. All of the following conditions shall apply to granting the exception:

   1. (a) the use of mechanical locks, such as dead bolt, is not permitted. All locks used must be electromagnetically controlled;
   2. (b) all secured doors in the unit must have a manual electronic key pad which must release the door after entry of the proper code sequence;

   3. (c) all locks on all secured doors must automatically release upon any of the following conditions:

      1. (i) the actuation of the approved supervised automatic fire alarm system;
      2. (ii) the actuation of an approved supervised automatic sprinkler system;
      3. (iii) loss of the public utility power controlling locks; and
      4. (iv) a staff accessible switch at the staff station which is capable of releasing all doors.

Authorizing statute(s): 50-5-103, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 50-5-103, MCA

History: NEW, 2008 MAR p. 1993, Eff. 9/12/08.