Shall manually test all fire detection devices or systems at least once every thirty days, demonstrating the system is operable and maintain a written record of the testing with the facility’s fire drill logs.

If the fire detection device or system cannot be tested monthly, the facility is required to:

• Have the fire detection device or system tested annually by a fire safety professional.
• Obtain written documentation of the annual test results demonstrating the system is operable, on the Fire Safety Professional’s letterhead; and
• Maintain written documentation of annual test results, with the facility’s fire drill logs.

FCCH with interconnected smoke detection devices shall maintain, with their fire drill logs, proof of purchase, including the date of purchase of the interconnected fire detection device or system.

• Have a smoke detector on each floor and in the basement;
• Smoke detector(s) powered by a non-replaceable lithium battery which meets applicable Underwriters Laboratory standards and has a minimum 10-year limited warranty commencing with the date of purchase
• Alarm is audible to persons in the indoor child care space with all intervening doors closed;
• Maintain, proof of purchases and date of purchase of all smoke detectors in the home with the fire drill logs
• Have an operable, portable fire extinguisher rated for Class B Fires in the kitchen and other cooking areas; and
• Meet the exiting requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290 (relating to family child care homes) and 34 Pa. Code Ch. 56 (relating to small group habitation).

FCCH with non-interconnected smoke detection devices shall meet the following requirements:

• Have a smoke detector on each floor and in the basement;
• Smoke detector(s) powered by a non-replaceable lithium battery which meets applicable Underwriters Laboratory standards and has a minimum 10-year limited warranty commencing with the date of purchase;
• Alarm is audible to persons in the indoor child care space with all intervening doors closed;
• Maintain, proof of purchases and date of purchase of all smoke detectors in the home with the fire drill logs;
• Have an operable, portable fire extinguisher rated for Class B Fires in the kitchen and other cooking areas; and
• Meet the exiting requirements for an R-3 occupancy and licensure under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290 (relating to family child care homes) and 34 Pa. Code Ch. 56 (relating to small group habitation).

 NOTE: OCDEL has updated the fire drill log with appropriate sections for documenting fire drills and testing of the fire detection device or system monthly. See Appendix 1.

If the certified family child care home is not in compliance with any of these requirements, an OCDEL certification representative will issue a citation. If the home does not have an operable fire detection system, smoke detection system, and/or fire extinguisher, the regional manager will determine if a complaint should be made to the building code official to determine compliance with Act 62 and any other applicable requirements.

Shall manually test all fire detection devices or systems at least once every thirty days, demonstrating the system is operable and maintain a written record of the testing with the facility’s fire drill logs.

If the fire detection device or system cannot be tested monthly, the facility is required to:

• Have the fire detection device or system tested annually by a fire safety
• Obtain written documentation of the annual test results demonstrating the system is operable, on the Fire Safety Professional’s letterhead; and
• Maintain written documentation of annual test results, with the facility’s fire drill logs
• Have a fire detection device or system that is operable and properly maintained at all times in compliance with the act of April 27, 1927 (P.L.465, No.299), referred to as the “Fire and Panic Act,” the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the “Pennsylvania Construction Code Act,” and applicable regulations;
• Have a valid certificate of occupancy; and
• Maintain proof of purchase of an interconnected fire detection device or system (where applicable), in accordance with 62 P.S. 1016(c)(3).

NOTE: OCDEL has updated the fire drill log with appropriate sections for documenting fire drills and testing of the fire detection device or system monthly. See Appendix 1.

If the certified child care center or group child care (not operating in a residence) is not in compliance with any of these requirements, an OCDEL certification representative will issue a citation. If the certified child care center or group child care (not operating in a residence) does not have an operable fire detection device or system, smoke detector or valid certificate of occupancy, the regional manager will determine if a complaint should be made to the building code official to determine compliance with Act 62 and any other applicable requirements.

All certified child care facilities must demonstrate the fire detection device or system is operable when the OCDEL certification representative conducts an annual inspection and may be required to demonstrate the device or system at other inspections. The OCDEL certification representative will be assessing for compliance with all the components of the requirements outlined above. If the fire detection device or system cannot be tested or demonstrated as operable due to system design (not lack of functionality), then the facility must show the certification representative the documentation of testing by a fire safety professional.

OCDEL citations for non-compliance began Dec. 11, 2020.

Verified non-compliance by OCDEL will result in a citation of 62 P.S. § 1016(c), 55 Pa. Code §§ 3270.95, 3280.95, or 3290.95 relating to fire detection, and/or 55 Pa. Code §§ 3270.21, 3280.20, or 3290.18 relating to general health and safety. When non-compliance with fire safety requirements with respect to smoke detectors under the “Fire and Panic Act” and the “Pennsylvania Construction Code Act” is suspected, notice of any suspected failure to satisfy the safety requirements shall be provided to the building code official by an OCDEL certification representative as a complaint.