10A NCAC 70K .0316       BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT

(a)  The building and all fire safety, electrical, mechanical and plumbing equipment in a residential maternity home shall be maintained in a safe and operating condition.

(b)  There shall be a central heating system sufficient to maintain 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) under winter design conditions.  Built-in electric heaters, if used, shall be installed or protected to avoid hazards to residents (mothers and children) and room furnishings.  Unvented fuel burning room heaters and portable electric heaters are prohibited.

(c)  Air conditioning or at least one fan per resident bedroom, living and dining areas shall be provided when the temperature in the main center corridor exceeds 80 degrees F (26.7 degrees C).

(d)  The hot water tank shall be of such size to provide hot water to the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry.  The hot water temperature at all fixtures used by residents shall be maintained at a minimum of 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) and shall not exceed 116 degrees F (46.7 degrees C).

(e)  All resident areas shall be well lighted for the safety and comfort of the residents.  The minimum lighting required is:

(1)           30 foot candle of light for reading;

(2)           10 foot candle of light for general lighting; and

(3)           one foot candle of light at the floor for corridors at night.

(f)  Fireplaces, fireplace inserts and wood stoves shall be designed or installed to avoid a burn hazard to residents (mothers and children).  Solid fuel burning fireplace inserts and wood stoves shall be labeled and approved by a third party testing agency accredited by the North Carolina  Building Code Council for solid fuel heating equipment.

(g)  Gas logs may be installed if they are of the vented type, installed according to the manufacturers' installation instructions, approved through the local building department and protected by a guard or screen to prevent residents and furnishings from burns.

(h)  This rule shall apply to new and existing residential maternity homes.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D‑1; 143B‑153;

Eff October 1, 2008;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 5, 2016.