Florida Regulations 69A-58.0084: Seclusion Time Out Rooms
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
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(1) Egress. Secured seclusion time-out rooms, when provided, shall be equipped with doors which allow egress at all times in the event of an emergency.
(2) Locking devices.
(a) Locking devices on secured seclusion time-out rooms are permitted only when such room is in full compliance with the criteria in this rule.
(b) An electro-magnetic locking device is the only approved device to secure a secured seclusion time-out room. The lock shall remain engaged only when the human hand is in contact with it placing pressure on it.
1. Upon release of pressure, the door shall unlock. The locking device shall be designed, and shall be operated, so that it cannot be engaged by leverage of an inanimate object or in any manner except by constant human contact.
2. The push button shall be recessed from the face of the unit housing, or in some other way designed to prevent taping or wedging the button in the engaged mode.
3. The device shall have an interface with the fire alarm system and shall automatically release and disengage upon activation of the fire alarm. The locking device shall automatically release and disengage in the event of power failure.
4. A timer shall not be used on the locking device.
(3) Door Requirements. The door shall have only a push panel exposed on the interior of the room. A vision panel shall be provided in the door, and it shall be no larger than 12” x 12” (144” square inches). The view panel shall consist of clear one-quarter inch (1/4″) thick unbreakable plastic panel, flush with the face of the door on the inside. The view panel shall be positioned in the door to allow a staff member to continuously keep the student under observation. The view panel shall not be covered with any material.
(4) Finishes and materials. The ceiling, floor, and walls must be free of any loose, torn or potentially hazardous materials. All surfaces must be kept smooth and free of any hooks, outlets, switches or similar items. Construction materials shall meet all applicable provisions of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Florida Building Code. Each secured seclusion time-out room must be identified with a permanently mounted room number.
(5) All secured seclusion time-out rooms must have natural or mechanical ventilation.
(6) The division and the local fire official are permitted to conduct unannounced inspections of all secured seclusion time-out rooms to ensure compliance with this rule chapter. A written record of each inspection must be made and a copy of same must be provided to the school administrator or designee.
(7) During each unannounced inspection, the division or the local fire official is permitted to inspect secured seclusion time-out rooms, interview staff, and review staff development activities to ensure compliance with this rule chapter.
(8) If during any firesafety inspection a secured seclusion time-out room is found in violation of this rule chapter, the board fire official or the local fire official shall immediately report the deficiency to the division in accordance with sections 1013.12(2)(d) or 1013.12(7), F.S., and the secured seclusion time-out room shall be immediately withdrawn from use.
Rulemaking Authority 633.104(1), (7), 1013.12(1) FS. Law Implemented 633.104(7), 633.206, 633.208, 1013.12, 1013.371, 1013.38 FS. History-New 11-26-06, Amended 11-4-12.
(a) Locking devices on secured seclusion time-out rooms are permitted only when such room is in full compliance with the criteria in this rule.
(b) An electro-magnetic locking device is the only approved device to secure a secured seclusion time-out room. The lock shall remain engaged only when the human hand is in contact with it placing pressure on it.
1. Upon release of pressure, the door shall unlock. The locking device shall be designed, and shall be operated, so that it cannot be engaged by leverage of an inanimate object or in any manner except by constant human contact.
2. The push button shall be recessed from the face of the unit housing, or in some other way designed to prevent taping or wedging the button in the engaged mode.
3. The device shall have an interface with the fire alarm system and shall automatically release and disengage upon activation of the fire alarm. The locking device shall automatically release and disengage in the event of power failure.
4. A timer shall not be used on the locking device.
(3) Door Requirements. The door shall have only a push panel exposed on the interior of the room. A vision panel shall be provided in the door, and it shall be no larger than 12” x 12” (144” square inches). The view panel shall consist of clear one-quarter inch (1/4″) thick unbreakable plastic panel, flush with the face of the door on the inside. The view panel shall be positioned in the door to allow a staff member to continuously keep the student under observation. The view panel shall not be covered with any material.
(4) Finishes and materials. The ceiling, floor, and walls must be free of any loose, torn or potentially hazardous materials. All surfaces must be kept smooth and free of any hooks, outlets, switches or similar items. Construction materials shall meet all applicable provisions of the Florida Fire Prevention Code and the Florida Building Code. Each secured seclusion time-out room must be identified with a permanently mounted room number.
(5) All secured seclusion time-out rooms must have natural or mechanical ventilation.
(6) The division and the local fire official are permitted to conduct unannounced inspections of all secured seclusion time-out rooms to ensure compliance with this rule chapter. A written record of each inspection must be made and a copy of same must be provided to the school administrator or designee.
(7) During each unannounced inspection, the division or the local fire official is permitted to inspect secured seclusion time-out rooms, interview staff, and review staff development activities to ensure compliance with this rule chapter.
(8) If during any firesafety inspection a secured seclusion time-out room is found in violation of this rule chapter, the board fire official or the local fire official shall immediately report the deficiency to the division in accordance with sections 1013.12(2)(d) or 1013.12(7), F.S., and the secured seclusion time-out room shall be immediately withdrawn from use.
Rulemaking Authority 633.104(1), (7), 1013.12(1) FS. Law Implemented 633.104(7), 633.206, 633.208, 1013.12, 1013.371, 1013.38 FS. History-New 11-26-06, Amended 11-4-12.