4.3 Dormitory/Provided Housing
Standard: When dormitory or other housing is provided, it includes sufficient living space that meets all
emergency safety standards and applicable laws. Expectation: The provided dormitory or other housing
provided (such as single dwelling homes, or apartments) includes the same standard of living for all
residents. The physical and structural integrity of living quarters are assessed by experts to guarantee
that they are capable of and suitable for housing people. Living quarters should afford a minimum of
approximately 20 square feet (1.8 square meters) per person, which includes sleeping area and available
floor space. Everyone should be provided with a secure locker of at least one cubic foot (0.3 cubic
meters).
• A dormitory or provided housing is structurally sound and in good repair.
• There are sufficient secondary emergency evacuation exits. See Appendix F. for further guidance
on what is sufficient
• Emergency evacuation exits are unlocked from the inside. (This may not apply to other provided
housing, such as apartments or single dwelling homes).
• All emergency evacuation exit doors, aisles, stairways and passageways are free from blockage in
the dormitory.
• All emergency evacuation exits are clearly marked, exit doors are free to open and side-hinged to
swing in the direction of exit travel.
• Emergency evacuation stairways are equipped with handrails, where needed.
• Firefighting equipment is correct for the nature of operations in terms of quantity and the correct
type.
• All firefighting equipment is free from blockage.
• Fire extinguishers are current and correct for the nature of operations in terms of quantity and
the correct type, with signage as appropriate, are placed/stored and installed according to law.
Emergency lighting is sufficient, maintained, and in working order (Note: This may not apply to
all types of provided housing).
• Records are available to indicate the fire alarm system (and/or smoke detector in other provided
housing) is working properly.
• Emergency evacuation plot plans are posted showing the route of evacuation, indicating users’
physical location with “you are here” in language(s) understood by residents.
• Emergency evacuation drills occur at least every 12 months (or more frequently according to
law). Everyone staying in provided housing understands where to "meet" in case of an
emergency.
• The physical condition of buildings and surrounding property such as walls, floors, and sidewalks
are to be maintained free of damage that can cause personal injury. Holes, uneven surfaces, and
cracks can cause hazards if left unrepaired.
• Residents are permitted to exit and/or re-enter the dormitory freely during their personal time.
• The dormitory is separate from the production and warehouse building, and/or as required by
law.
• Dormitories are clean and well maintained.
• Living space (per resident) is adequate (separated by gender, adequate temperature, ventilation
and lighting, not overcrowded).
• Provided with an adequate number of clean toilet and shower and/or bath facilities, potable water.
• Provided with storage area for each occupant.
• Management Systems are in place to ensure compliance to standard.