Rule 5122-31-10 | Safety.
(A) As used in this rule:
(1) "Rules of the board of building standards" means the rules adopted by the board of building standards in accordance with Chapter 3781. of the Revised Code including the Ohio building and Ohio residential construction codes.
(2) "State fire code" means the state fire code adopted in accordance with section 3737.82 of the Revised Code.
(3) "Fire code official" has the same meaning as specified in the state fire code.
(B) Each recovery housing residence is to be constructed, occupied, altered, maintained, repaired, and used in accordance with the rules of the board of building standards and the state fire code.
(C) Each recovery housing residence is to have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors that are installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the rules of the board of board of building standards, as well as the state fire code.
(D) Each recovery housing residence is to have fire extinguishers that meet both of the following criteria:
(1) Are installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the rules of the board of building standards and the state fire code; and
(2) Are located on each floor of the residence in areas near bedrooms and in areas specified by a fire code official.
In the event fire extinguishers are not on each floor and the time of day prohibits their purchase, staff is to remain awake and on duty twenty-four hours a day until detectors and extinguishers can be purchased and installed.
(E) Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are to be visually inspected and manually tested by the operator as required by the state fire code.
(F) Each recovery housing residence is to have installed appropriate alarms, lights, other safety devices and supports, or emergency equipment as may be mandated by a certified state or local fire official and/or the department in order to meet the needs of residents with disabling conditions.
(G) All stairways, hallways, inclines, ramps, open porches, elevators, fire escapes, exits, and doorways are to be well-lit and free of debris and obstructions. If requested by a resident, night lights will be provided in the residence in appropriate places as determined by the operator.
(H) Windows, screens, ceilings, walls, and floors are to be in adequate repair.
(I) Each recovery housing residence will have written emergency evacuation plan drawings showing routes to exits. The evacuation plan is to be legible, explained to each resident, and posted, at a minimum, on each floor in highly visible locations.
(J) Each recovery housing residence will hold and provide documentation of an evacuation drill at least quarterly on each shift for all staff and residents. Drills are to be conducted at different and varying times of day and night and utilize different exit routes.
(K) Each recovery housing residence will establish a disaster plan appropriate to the residence's location, which includes contingencies for such items as the loss of utility service or the immediate evacuation of residents. The residence is to determine and document the obligations for training and disaster drills based on the residence's disaster plan, except fire evacuation drills, and provide training and drills accordingly.
(L) A recovery housing residence with nine or more ambulatory residents is to have a combined smoke detector and fire alarm system. The fire alarm system is to be installed in accordance with the rules of the board of building standards and the state fire code. Such systems will include approved bells, sirens, or horns, lights for hearing impaired residents, if served, and manual fire alarm boxes. All smoke detectors are to be interconnected with the fire alarm system. Smoke detection devices are to be located in the immediate vicinity but outside of all bedrooms. Two independent means of exit are to be provided for each occupied floor and occupied cellar level. The two independent means of exit are to be approved by the fire code official. The residence is to maintain and test the alarm system in accordance with state fire code and have documentation of testing.
(M) A recovery housing residence in which one or more of the residents is non-ambulatory is to have smoke detectors, a fire alarm, and two independent means of exit for each occupied floor and cellar. The two independent means of exist are to be approved by the fire code official.
(N) The telephone numbers of the fire department, police department, and other emergency numbers (e.g., 9-1-1 and 9-8-8) are to be prominently displayed within a common area of the residence.
(O) First aid supplies are to be readily available in the recovery housing residence and, in applicable, each vehicle used to transport residents. Supplies are to be accessible to all adult residents and staff.
(P) All disinfectants, poisons, pesticides, and/or other substances defined as hazardous in Chapter 3716. of the Revised Code are to be correctly labeled, placed in proper containers, and stored separately from food products.
(Q) All exterior and interior steps and floor coverings are to be kept in good repair and maintained to avoid falls and other injuries.
(R) All interior and exterior door handles and locks are to be kept in good repair so they can be readily and easily operated.
(S) Residents are not to be locked out of a recovery housing residence. If the residence is locked during any portion of the twenty-four hour day, each resident is to be provided with a working key or staff is to be immediately available on the premises to open the door for any resident.
(T) All lockable doors are to be capable of being opened without delay from the inside without the use of a key, special knowledge or effort, such as by standard operation of a door with a handle or knob, installation of panic bars, release of a dead bolt, etc. At no time may a resident be locked in any room in the residence.
(U) No explosives, pyrotechnics, firearms, chemical weapons, or other similar weapons or substances are to be maintained or available in a recovery housing residence or on its premises. No household member is to bear any firearm, chemical weapon, or other weapon or similar device while such individual is on the premises of the residence. Nothing in this paragraph may be construed as prohibiting law enforcement authorities from bearing arms in conjunction with their official capacity.
(V) Outdoor areas that are potentially hazardous to residents are to be reasonably safeguarded considering the functioning level of the residents. Such areas include water areas (e.g., lakes, ponds, swimming pools); cliffs and caves; open pits and wells; and heavily traveled roads. Playground equipment is to be anchored securely.
(W) No smoking or vaping is permitted inany interior room or other interior space of the residence.
(X) All workshop or outdoor power equipment is to be maintained and operated in a safe manner. Outdoor power equipment is to be stored in locations outside of the structure, or an attached garage, as approved by a fire code official.
(Y) A portable heater may be used if all of the following are the case:
(1) The portable heater is not the primary heat source for the recovery housing residence;
(2) The portable heater is plugged directly into a receptacle and is not plugged into an extension cord;
(3) The portable heater has been approved by the underwriter's laboratory and the fire code official; and
(4) Use of portable heaters is not barred by any local ordinance or the state fire code.
(Z) Pets or domestic animals, in or on the premises of a recovery housing residence, are to be kept in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with state and/or local laws.
(AA) Interior and exterior stairways accessible to children are to be protected by child safety gates or doors according to the child's age and functioning level.
(BB) Any bathtub or shower in the home that is used by residents is to have bathroom surfaces appropriate to the residents, such as non-skid surfacing and handrails or grab bars.
(CC) There are to be no combustible items stored within three feet of heat sources.
(DD) All stairways, inclines, ramps, and open porches are to have hand railings installed in accordance with the rules of the board of building standards.
(EE) The recovery housing residence is not to utilize extension cords and flexible cords in the following manners: as a substitute for permanent wiring; affixed to structures; extended through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings; with evidence of environmental damage; with evidence of physical impact; or with the use of multiple plug adapters, such as cube adapters, unfused plug strips, or any other device that does not comply with the national fire protection association standard referenced in the state fire code.
Last updated August 12, 2026 at 3:07 PM
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