26 Tex. Admin. Code § 551.70 - Electrical Systems and HVAC - All Facilities
(a) Cooling and heating must be provided, as
necessary, for resident comfort. Heating systems in resident use areas must be
capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and
cooling of 81 degrees Fahrenheit maximum, with humidity in the normal comfort
range.
(b) The facility must be
well ventilated using windows, mechanical ventilation, or a combination of
both. Rooms and areas which do not have outside windows and which are used by
residents or staff must be provided with functioning mechanical ventilation to
change the air on a basis commensurate with the room usage.
(c) Air systems must provide for the
induction and mixing of at least 10 percent outside fresh air into the facility
unless otherwise approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
(HHSC), that is, 100 percent continuous recirculation of interior air in most
areas is not acceptable; or the system must be designed to meet the American
Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
requirements.
(d) Operable outside
windows must be provided with insect screens that prevent insect
entry.
(e) Rooms such as baths,
toilets, soiled linen, trash or garbage rooms, soiled utilities, janitor's
closets, and other such areas which produce odors, fumes, excessive moisture,
etc., must be provided with an exhaust system ducted to the exterior, meeting
nationally recognized standards for capacity and function.
(f) Electrical and mechanical systems must be
safe and in working order. HHSC may require the facility sponsor or licensee to
submit evidence to this effect, consisting of a written report by the local
fire marshal, city/county building official having jurisdiction, or a
registered professional engineer.
(g) Use of electrical appliances, devices,
and lamps must be such as not to overload circuits.
(h) Portable heaters and open-flame heating
devices are prohibited. All fuel burning devices must be vented. Working
fireplaces are acceptable if of safe design and construction, and if screened
or otherwise suitably enclosed.
Notes
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