R501-12-7. Safety

  (1) A foster parent shall not smoke any substance in the foster home or when a foster child is present. All smoking materials shall be inaccessible to foster children.

  (2) Foster parents shall provide training to children regarding response to fire warnings and other instructions for life safety upon the initial placement of a child and annually thereafter. This includes an evacuation plan that also anticipates the evacuation of a child who is non-ambulatory or who has a disability.

  (3) The home shall have a telephone on-site during all times that a foster child is present. This may be a land line or a mobile phone, but must be able to receive and make calls and be recognized by the 911 system. Telephone numbers for emergency assistance and the address of the home shall be posted next to the telephone or in a central location visible to the child.

  (4) The home shall have a fully supplied first aid kit such as recommended by the American Red Cross.

  (5) Foster parents shall inform the Office of Licensing or the Agency if they possess or use a firearm or other weapon.

  (6) Firearms, ammunition, and other weapons shall be inaccessible to children. Foster parents shall not provide a weapon to a child or permit a child to possess a weapon except as outlined in Sections 76-10-509 through 76-10-509.7.

  (a) Foster parents do not have the authority of a parent or guardian under Section 76-10-509.

  (b) Firearms may be stored together with ammunition only in a locked container commercially manufactured for the secure storage of firearms.

  (c) Firearms not stored in a locked container commercially manufactured for the secure storage of firearms shall be unloaded and securely locked. Ammunition for these firearms shall be kept securely locked in a separate location.

  (i) The locked storage for firearms and ammunition shall not be accessible through the same keys or combinations.

  (ii) Keys and combinations utilized to open locked storage for firearms and ammunition shall not be accessible to a foster child.

  (d) Firearms may be stored in display cases only if unloaded and rendered inoperable through the effective use of trigger locks, bolts removed, or other disabling methods.

  (e) This does not restrict an individual's rights regarding concealed weapons permits pursuant to UC 53-5-704.

  (7) Foster parents who have alcoholic beverages in their home shall ensure that the beverages are closely monitored and inaccessible to children at all times.

  (8) Hazardous materials shall be stored securely and remain locked when not in active use, and closely monitored while in active use.

  (i) Hazardous materials shall be stored in the manufacturer's original packaging together with the manufacturer's directions and warnings; or

  (ii) a container that complies with the manufacturer's directions and warnings and is clearly labeled with the contents, manufacturer's directions and warnings.

  (9) Flammable substances, including but not limited to gasoline and kerosene, shall be locked in a ventilated storage area separate from living areas. This requirement does not include substances contained within the storage tanks of equipment, including but not limited to automobiles, lawnmowers, ATV's, boats and snow blowers.

  (10) General, common use, household items (excluding those identified as hazardous materials) shall be stored responsibly in consideration of the age, behavior, history, and cognitive and physical ability of each foster child in the home. The foster parent is responsible for consulting with the caseworker and child and family team regarding individual restrictions. General, common use, household items include, but are not limited to the following:

  (a) oral hygiene products;

  (b) hair and cosmetic products;

  (c) facial and skin hygiene products;

  (d) cutlery;

  (e) laundry and dish detergent (excluding concentrated pods);

  (f) cleaning wipes;

  (g) rubbing alcohol;

  (h) nail polish remover;

  (i) laundry stain remover;

  (j) propane attached to a grill;

  (k) air fresheners and deodorizers; and

  (l) spray furniture polish.

  (11) Foster parents shall comply with all laws regarding the care and number of animals on their property.

  (12) Foster parents shall ensure that the foster child has the safety equipment, supervision, and training necessary for the child to safely participate in an activity that has an inherent risk of bodily harm, injury, or death.

  (a) These activities include but are not limited to participation in rock climbing, swimming, hunting, target practice, camping, hiking, use of recreational vehicles, and sports.

  (b) Every precaution must be taken to participate in the respective activity as safely as possible. This includes, but is not limited to: wearing DOT/Snell approved helmets when riding off-highway vehicles (OHV), completing OHV education, personal watercraft or boating education, wearing Coast Guard approved lifejackets, and completing hunter's education.

  (c) Foster parents shall follow any applicable statute pertaining to minors operating OHV's, personal watercraft, boats, and firearms.

  (d) Foster parents shall not permit a foster child any access to firearms without first obtaining the written approval of the child's caseworker.

  (13) Foster parents shall comply with any written safety plan required by the Office of Licensing or Agency which establishes additional safety requirements to protect the child from hazardous conditions on the foster parent's property. A safety plan shall not waive any requirement of this R501-12.

  (14) Verification of compliance with the Utah Department of Health's recommended immunization schedules shall be provided for each individual residing in the home who is not a foster child.

  (a) Recommended influenza immunizations are optional unless a foster child in the home has an immunocompromised condition.

  (b) If compliance of all residents in the home cannot be verified, the license shall be restricted to only placements of children who are over the age of 2 months and who are immunized in accordance with the Utah Department of Health's recommendations for their age.

  (i) Foster parents must disclose if any individual residing in the home is not in compliance with the Utah Department of Health's recommended immunization schedules to the child placing agency prior to accepting a placement.

  (ii) Newborn infants must reach the required age and receive their first dose of required vaccinations to be considered appropriately immunized for their age.

  (15) Foster parents shall not accept the placement of a child into their home in violation of any license conditions.