SECTION 553.213. Means of Escape Requirements for a New Small Type A Assisted Living Facility

(a) The provisions of NFPA 101, Chapter 7, Means of Egress, do not apply to a new small Type A assisted living facility, unless explicitly referenced by this section or by NFPA 101, Chapter 32, New Residential Board and Care Occupancies.

(b) A new small Type A assisted living facility must meet the requirements of 32.2.2, Means of Escape, in NFPA 101, Chapter 32, New Residential Board and Care Occupancies, except as described in this section.

(c) A new small Type A assisted living facility must ensure doors meet the requirements of 32.2.2.5, Doors, in NFPA 101, Chapter 32, New Residential Board and Care Occupancies, and the additional requirements of this section. A resident room door is not otherwise required to meet the requirements for doors in 32.2.3.6, Construction of Corridor Walls, in NFPA 101, Chapter 32, New Residential Board and Care Occupancies.

(1) A resident room door in a new small Type A assisted living facility must latch in its frame to resist the passage of smoke.

(2) In a new small Type A assisted living facility comprised of buildings that contain living units with independent cooking equipment within the living unit, a door between the living unit and a corridor or hallway must:

(A) be self-closing or automatic-closing; and

(B) latch in its frame to resist the passage of smoke.

(3) A resident room door or living unit door must not be arranged to prevent the occupant from closing the door.

(d) A new small Type A assisted living facility providing spaces for use by residents on floors other than the ground floor must provide at least two separate approved stairs.

(1) A stair used as means of escape must meet the requirements of 32.2.2.6, Stairs, in NFPA 101, Chapter 32, New Residential Board and Care Occupancies.

(2) Each stair must be arranged and located so that it is not necessary to go through another room, including a bedroom or bathroom, to reach the stair.

(3) Each stair must be provided with handrails.

(4) Each stair must be provided with normal lighting according to the requirements of §553.218 of this division (relating to Electrical Requirements for a New Small Type A Assisted Living Facility).

Source Note: The provisions of this §553.213 adopted to be effective August 31, 2021, 46 TexReg 5189