Opinion ID: 398038
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Fire Safety

Text: 128 Defendants shall forthwith develop specific fire safety regulations, and evacuation plans, construct adequate fire exits to ensure the safety of prisoners and staff, and otherwise comply with the current edition of the Life Safety Code of the National Fire Protection Association. Defendants shall file a report with the court by November 1, 1981, stating the measures taken or planned, together with timetables for completion, which will assure compliance with the applicable provisions of the Life Safety Code. Every TDC unit shall be in compliance with the fire safety standards, and no prisoner may be confined in any unit, or assigned to a work or program activity area that is not in compliance, by May 1, 1982. In addition, the report shall specifically address and provide for: 129 1. The inspection of all TDC facilities on a regular basis by an independent qualified fire safety officer to assess compliance with fire and safety standards and a weekly fire and safety inspection by a staff member or TDC employee. 130 2. The prompt release of prisoners from locked areas in case of emergency. 131 3. An assessment of fire fighting plans, procedures, and equipment on hand or readily available. 132 4. An evacuation corridor between rows of beds in dormitory housing, which shall be at least four feet wide.