26 Tex. Admin. Code § 510.122

Current through Reg. 49, No. 45; November 8, 2024

Section 510.122 - New Construction Requirements

(a) Facility location. Any proposed new facility shall be easily accessible to the community and to service vehicles such as delivery trucks, ambulances, and fire protection apparatus. No building may be converted for use as a facility which, because of its location, physical condition, state of repair, or arrangement of facilities, would be hazardous to the health and safety of the patients.

(1) Hazardous locations.

(A) Underground and above ground hazards. New facilities or additions to existing facilities shall not be built within 125 feet of right away/easement of hazardous locations including but not limited to underground liquid butane or propane, liquid petroleum or natural gas transmission lines, high pressure lines, and not under high voltage electrical lines.

(B) Fire hazards. New facilities shall not be built within 300 feet of above ground or underground storage tanks containing liquid petroleum or other flammable liquids used in connection with a bulk plant, marine terminal, aircraft refueling, bottling plant of a liquefied petroleum gas installation, or near other hazardous or hazard producing plants.

(2) Undesirable locations.

(A) Nuisance producing sites. New facilities shall not be located near nuisance producing industrial sites, feed lots, sanitary landfills, or manufacturing plants producing excessive noise or air pollution.

(B) Cemeteries. New facilities shall not be located near a cemetery in a manner that allows direct view of the cemetery from patient windows.

(C) Flood plains. Construction of new facilities shall be avoided in designated flood plains. Where such is unavoidable, access and required functional facility components shall be constructed above the designated flood plain. This requirement also applies to new additions to existing facilities or portions of facilities which have been licensed previously as facilities but which have been vacated or used for purposes other than facilities. This requirement does not apply to remodeling of existing licensed facilities.

(D) Airports. Construction of new facilities shall be avoided in close proximity to airports. When facilities are proposed to be located near airports, recommendations of the Texas Aviation Authority and the Federal Aviation Authority shall apply. A facility may not be constructed within a rectangular area formed by lines perpendicular to and two miles (10,560 feet) from each end of any runway and by lines parallel to and one-half mile (2,640 feet) from each side of any runway.

(b) Environmental considerations. Development of a facility site and facility construction shall be governed by state and local regulations and requirements with respect to the effect of noise and traffic on the community and the environmental impact on air and water.

(c) Facility site.

(1) Paved roads and walkways. Paved roads shall be provided within the lot lines to provide access from public roads to the main entrance, entrances serving community activities, and to service entrances, including loading and unloading docks for delivery trucks. Finished surface walkways shall be provided for pedestrians.

(2) Parking. Off-street parking shall be available for visitors, employees, and staff. Parking structures directly accessible from a facility shall be separated with two-hour fire rated noncombustible construction. When used as required means of egress for facility occupants, parking structures shall comply with National Fire Protection Association 88A, Standard for Parking Structures, 1998 edition. This requirement does not apply to freestanding parking structures. All documents published by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as referenced in this section may be obtained by writing or calling the NFPA at the following address or telephone number: National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, P.O. Box 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 or (800) 344-3555.

(A) Number of parking places. In the absence of a formal parking study, one parking space shall be provided for each day shift employee plus one space for one and one-half patient beds. This ratio may be reduced in an area convenient to a public transportation system or to public parking facilities on the basis of a formal parking study. Parking shall be increased accordingly when the size of an existing facility is increased.

(B) Additional parking. Additional parking shall be required to accommodate medical staff, outpatient and other services when such services are provided.

(C) Delivery parking. Separate parking facilities shall be provided for delivery vehicles.

(D) Handicapped parking. Parking spaces for handicapped persons shall be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Public Law 101-336, 42 United States Code, Chapter 126, and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1191, Appendix A, Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities.

(d) Building design and construction requirements. Every building and every portion thereof shall be designed and constructed to sustain all dead and live loads in accordance with accepted engineering practices and standards and the local governing building codes. Where there is no local governing building code, one of the following codes shall be adhered to: Uniform Building Code, 1999 edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, 5360 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 90601, telephone (562) 699-0541; or the Standard Building Code, 1997 edition, published by the Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc., 900 Montclair Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35213-1206, telephone (205) 591-1853.

(1) General architectural requirements. All new construction, including conversion of an existing building to a facility, establishing a separately licensed facility in a building with an existing licensed health care occupancy, and establishing a licensed facility in a nonhealth care occupancy shall comply with Chapter 18 of the National Fire Protection Association 101, Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings and Structures, 2000 edition (NFPA 101), and subchapters F and G of this chapter (relating to Fire Prevention and Safety Requirements, and Physical Plant and Construction Requirements, respectively). The facility shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph and any specific architectural requirements for the particular unit or suite of the facility in accordance with § 510.123 of Title 40 (relating to Spatial Requirements for New Construction).

(A) Special design provisions. Special provisions shall be made in the design of a facility in regions where local experience shows loss of life or extensive damage to buildings resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods.

(B) Foundations. Foundations shall rest on natural solid bearing if satisfactory bearing is available. Proper soil-bearing values shall be established in accordance with recognized requirements. If solid bearing is not encountered at practical depths, the structure shall be supported on driven piles or drilled piers designed to support the intended load without detrimental settlement, except that one-story buildings may rest on a fill designed by a soils engineer. When engineered fill is used, site preparation and placement of fill shall be done under the direct full-time supervision of the soils engineer. The soils engineer shall issue a final report on the compacted fill operation and certification of compliance with the job specifications. All footings shall extend to a depth not less than one foot below the estimated maximum frost line.

(C) Physical environment. A physical environment that protects the health and safety of patients, personnel, and the public shall be provided in each facility. The physical premises of the facility and those areas of the facility's physical structure that are used by the patients (including all stairwells, corridors, and passageways) shall meet the local building and fire safety codes and subchapters F and G of this chapter.

(D) Construction type. A facility may occupy an entire building or a portion of a building, provided the facility portion of the building is separated from the rest of the building in accordance with subparagraph (E) of this paragraph and the entire building or the facility portion of the building complies with new construction requirements (type of construction permitted for facilities by NFPA 101, § 18-1.6.2), and the entire building is protected with a fire sprinkler system conforming with requirements of National Fire Protection Association 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 1999 Edition (NFPA 13).

(E) Separate buildings. Portions of a building divided horizontally with two-hour fire rated walls which are continuous (without offsets) from the foundation to above the roof shall be considered as a separate building. Communicating openings in the two-hour wall shall be limited to public spaces such as lobbies and corridors. All such openings shall be protected with self-closing one and one-half hour, Class B fire door assemblies.

(F) Design for the handicapped. Special considerations benefiting handicapped staff, visitors, and patients shall be provided. Each facility shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Public Law 101-336, 42 United States Code, Chapter 126, and Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1191, Appendix A, Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities.

(G) Other regulations. Certain projects may be subject to other regulations, including those of federal, state, and local authorities. The more stringent standard or requirement shall apply when a difference in requirements for construction exists.

(H) Exceeding minimum requirements. Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prohibit a better type of building construction, more exits, or otherwise safer conditions than the minimum requirements specified in this subchapter.

(I) Equivalency. Nothing in this subchapter is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety to those prescribed by this subchapter, providing technical documentation which demonstrates equivalency is submitted to the department for approval.

(J) Freestanding buildings (not for patient use). Separate freestanding buildings for nonpatient use such as the heating plant, boiler plant, laundry, repair workshops, or general storage may be of unprotected non-combustible construction, protected non-combustible construction, or fire-resistive construction and be designed in accordance with other occupancy classifications requirements listed in NFPA 101.

(K) Freestanding buildings (for patient use other than sleeping). Buildings containing areas for patient use which do not contain patient sleeping areas and in which care or treatment is rendered to ambulatory inpatients who are capable of judgment and appropriate physical action for self-preservation under emergency conditions, may be classified as ambulatory health care occupancies or business occupancies as listed in NFPA 101, Chapters 20 and 38, respectively, instead of facility occupancy. Such buildings shall be located at least 20 feet from the facility unless protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.

(L) Energy conservation. In new construction and in major alterations and additions to existing buildings and in new buildings, electrical and mechanical components shall be selected for efficient utilization of energy.

(2) General detail and finish requirements. Details and finishes in new construction projects, including additions and alterations, shall be in compliance with this paragraph, with NFPA 101, Chapter 18, with local building codes, and with any specific detail and finish requirements for the particular unit or suite as contained in § 510.123 of Title 40.

(A) General detail requirements.

(i) Fire safety. Fire safety features, including compartmentation, means of egress, automatic extinguishing systems, inspections, smoking regulations, and other details relating to fire prevention and fire protection shall comply with § 510.121 of Title 40 (relating to Requirements for Buildings in which Existing Licensed Facilities are Located), and NFPA 101, Chapter 18 requirements for facilities. The Fire Safety Evaluation System for Health Care Occupancies contained in the National Fire Protection Association 101A, Alternative Approaches to Life Safety, 1998 edition, Chapter 3, shall not be used in new building construction, renovations or additions to existing facilities.

(ii) Access to exits. Corridors providing access to all patient, diagnostic, treatment, and sleeping rooms and exits shall be at least six feet in clear and unobstructed width (except as allowed by NFPA 101, § 18-2.3.3, Exceptions 1 and 2), not less than 7 feet 6 inches in height, and constructed in accordance with requirements listed in NFPA 101, § 18-3.6.

(iii) Corridors in other occupancies. Public corridors in outpatient, administrative, and service areas which are designed to other than facility requirements and are the required means of egress from the facility shall be not less than five feet in width.

(iv) Encroachment into the means of egress. Items such as drinking fountains, telephone booths or stations, and vending machines shall be so located as to not project into and restrict exit corridor traffic or reduce the exit corridor width below the required minimum. Portable equipment shall not be stored so as to project into and restrict exit corridor traffic or reduce the exit corridor width below the required minimum.

(v) Doors in means of egress. All door leaves in the means of egress shall be not less than 36 inches wide or as otherwise permitted for facilities by NFPA 101, § 18-2.3.5.

(vi) Sliding doors. When sliding doors are provided to a means of egress corridor, the sliding doors shall have break-away provisions, positive latching devices, and shall be installed to resist passage of smoke.

(vii) Control doors. Designs that include cross-corridor control doors should be avoided. When unavoidable, cross-corridor control doors shall consist of two 32-inch wide leaves which swing in a direction opposite from the other, or of the double acting type, and be provided with view panels.

(viii) Emergency access. Rooms containing bathtubs, showers, or water closets, intended for patient use shall be provided with at least one outswinging door or special frame and hardware which will permit the door to swing out for staff access to a patient who may have collapsed against the door. The width of such doors shall not be less than 36 inches.

(ix) Obstruction of corridors. All doors which swing towards the corridor must be recessed. Corridor doors to rooms not subject to occupancy (any room that you can walk into and close the door behind you is considered occupiable) may swing into the corridor, provided that such doors comply with the requirements of NFPA 101, § 7-2.1.4.3.

(x) Stair landing. Doors shall not open immediately onto a stair without a landing. The landing shall be 44 inches deep or have a depth at least equal to the door width, whichever is greater.

(xi) Doors to rooms subject to occupancy. All doors to rooms subject to occupancy shall be of the swing type except that horizontal sliding doors complying with the requirements of NFPA 101, § 18-2.2.2.9 are permitted. Door leaves to rooms subject to occupancy shall not be less than 36 inches wide unless noted otherwise.

(xii) Operable windows and exterior doors. Windows that can be opened without tools or keys and outer doors without automatic closing devices shall be provided with insect screens.

(xiii) Glazing. Glass doors, lights, sidelights, borrowed lights, and windows located within 12 inches of a door jamb or with a bottom-frame height of less than 18 inches and a top-frame height of more than 36 inches above the finished floor which may be broken accidentally by pedestrian traffic shall be glazed with safety glass or plastic glazing material that will resist breaking and will not create dangerous cutting edges when broken. Similar materials shall be used for wall openings in activity areas such as recreation and exercise rooms, unless otherwise required for fire safety. Safety glass, tempered or plastic glazing materials shall be used for shower doors and bath enclosures, interior windows and doors. Plastic and similar materials used for glazing shall comply with the flame-spread ratings of NFPA 101, § 18-3.3.

(xiv) Fire doors. All fire doors shall be listed by an independent testing laboratory and shall meet the construction requirements for fire doors in National Fire Protection Association 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, 1999 edition. Reference to a labeled door shall be construed to include labeled frame and hardware.

(xv) Elevator doors. Elevator shaft openings shall be protected with a B labeled one-hour fire protection rated doors in buildings less than four stories; and one and one-half hour fire protection rated doors in buildings four or more stories.

(xvi) Elevator lobbies. Elevator lobbies shall have at least 10 feet of clear floor space in front of the elevator doors.

(xvii) Grab bars. Grab bars shall be provided at patient toilets, showers and tubs. The bars shall have sufficient strength and anchorage to sustain a concentrated vertical or horizontal load of 250 pounds. Grab bars are not permitted at bathing and toilet fixtures unless designed and installed to eliminate the possibility of patients harming themselves. Grab bars intended for use by the disabled shall also comply with ADA requirements.

(xviii) Soap dishes. Recessed soap dishes shall be provided at all showers and bathtubs.

(xix) Hand washing facilities. Location and arrangement of fittings for hand washing facilities shall permit their proper use and operation. Hand washing fixtures with hands-free operable controls shall be provided within each procedure room, workroom, examination and treatment room and all toilet rooms unless noted otherwise. Hands-free includes blade-type handles, and foot, knee, or sensor operated controls. Particular care shall be given to the clearances required for blade-type operating handles. Lavatories and hand washing facilities shall be securely anchored to withstand an applied vertical load of not less than 250 pounds on the front of the fixture. In addition to the specific areas noted, hand washing facilities shall be provided and conveniently located for staff use throughout the facility where patient care and services are provided.

(xx) Hand drying. Provisions for hand drying shall be included at all hand washing facilities except scrub sinks. There shall be hot air dryers or individual paper or cloth units enclosed in such a way as to provide protection against dust or soil and ensure single unit dispensing.

(xxi) Mirrors. Mirrors shall not be installed at hand washing fixtures where asepsis control and sanitation requirements would be lessened by hair combing.

(xxii) Ceiling heights. The minimum ceiling height shall be eight feet with the following exceptions.

(I) Minor rooms. Ceilings in storage rooms, toilet rooms, and other minor rooms shall be not less than 7 feet 6 inches.

(II) Boiler rooms. Boiler rooms shall have ceiling clearances not less than 2 feet 6 inches above the main boiler header and connecting piping.

(III) Overhead clearance. Suspended tracks, rails, pipes, signs, lights, door closers, exit signs, and other fixtures that protrude into the path of normal traffic shall not be less than 6 feet 8 inches above the finished floor.

(xxiii) Areas producing impact noises. Recreation rooms, exercise rooms, and similar spaces where impact noises may be generated shall not be located directly over patient bed area unless special provisions are made to minimize noise.

(xxiv) Noise reduction. Noise reduction criteria in accordance with the Table 1 in § 510.131(a) of Title 40 (relating to Tables) shall apply to partitions, floor, and ceiling construction in patient areas.

(xxv) Rooms with heat producing equipment. Rooms containing heat-producing equipment such as heater rooms, laundries, etc. shall be insulated and ventilated to prevent any occupied floor surface above from exceeding a temperature differential of 10 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient room temperature.

(xxvi) Chutes. Linen and refuse chutes shall comply with the requirements of National Fire Protection Association 82, Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment, 1999 edition, and NFPA 101, § 18-5.4.

(xxvii) Thresholds and expansion joint covers. Thresholds and expansion joint covers shall be flush with the floor surface to facilitate the use of wheelchairs and carts. Expansion and seismic joints shall be constructed to restrict the passage of smoke and fire and shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

(xxviii) Housekeeping room.

(I) In addition to the housekeeping room(s) required in certain suites, sufficient housekeeping rooms shall be provided throughout the facility as required to maintain a clean and sanitary environment.

(II) Each housekeeping room shall contain a floor receptor or service sink and storage space for housekeeping equipment and supplies.

(xxix) Public toilets. In addition to the public toilets required for the main lobby, a public toilet(s) shall be provided convenient to each public and visitor waiting area. This may be a single unisex toilet for small waiting areas.

(B) General finish requirements.

(i) Cubicle curtains and draperies.

(I) Cubicle curtains, draperies and other hanging fabrics shall be noncombustible or flame retardant and shall pass both the small scale and the large scale tests of National Fire Protection Association 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films, 1999 edition. Copies of laboratory test reports for installed materials shall be submitted to the department at the time of the final construction inspection.

(II) Cubicle curtains shall be provided to assure patient privacy.

(ii) Flame spread, smoke development and noxious gases. Flame spread and smoke developed limitations of interior finishes shall comply with Table 2 of § 510.131(b) of Title 40 and NFPA 101, § 10-2.1. The use of materials known to produce large or concentrated amounts of noxious or toxic gases shall not be used in exit accesses or in patient areas. Copies of laboratory test reports for installed materials tested in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2000 edition, and National Fire Protection Association 258, Standard Research Test Method for Determining Smoke Generation of Solid Materials, 1997 edition, shall be provided.

(iii) Floor finishes. Flooring shall be easy to clean and have wear resistance appropriate for the location involved. Floors that are subject to traffic while wet (such as shower and bath areas, kitchens, and similar work areas) shall have a nonslip surface. In all areas frequently subject to wet cleaning methods, floor materials shall not be physically affected by germicidal and cleaning solutions. The following are acceptable floor finishes:

(I) painted concrete;

(II) vinyl and vinyl composition tiles and sheets;

(III) monolithic or seamless flooring. Where required, seamless flooring shall be impervious to water, coved and installed integral with the base, tightly sealed to the wall, and without voids that can harbor insects or retain dirt particles. Welded joint flooring is acceptable;

(IV) ceramic and quarry tile;

(V) wood floors;

(VI) carpet flooring. Carpeting installed in patient rooms and similar patient care areas shall be treated to prevent bacterial and fungal growth;

(VII) terrazzo; and

(VIII) poured in place floors.

(iv) Wall finishes. Wall finishes shall be smooth, washable, moisture resistant, and cleanable by standard housekeeping practices. Wall finishes shall comply with requirements contained in Table 2 of § 510.131(b) of Title 40, and NFPA 101, § 18-3.3.

(I) Wall finishes shall be water resistant in the immediate area of plumbing fixtures.

(II) Wall finishes in areas subject to frequent wet cleaning methods shall be impervious to water, tightly sealed and without voids.

(v) Floor, wall and ceiling penetrations. Floor, wall and ceiling penetrations by pipes, ducts, and conduits shall be tightly sealed to minimize entry of dirt particles, rodents and insects. Joints of structural elements shall be similarly sealed.

(vi) Ceiling types. All occupied rooms and spaces shall be provided with finished ceilings. Ceilings which are a part of a rated roof/ceiling assembly or a floor/ceiling assembly shall be constructed of listed components and installed in accordance with the listing. Three types of ceilings that are required in various areas of the facility are:

(I) Ordinary ceilings. Ceilings such as acoustical tiles installed in a metal grid which are dry cleanable with equipment used in daily housekeeping activities such as dusters and vacuum cleaners.

(II) Washable ceilings. Ceilings that are made of washable, smooth, moisture impervious materials such as painted lay-in gypsum wallboard or vinyl faced acoustic tile in a metal grid.

(III) Monolithic ceilings. Ceilings which are monolithic from wall to wall (painted solid gypsum wallboard), smooth and without fissures, open joints, or crevices and with a washable and moisture impervious finish.

(vii) Special construction. Special conditions may require special wall and ceiling construction for security in areas such as storage of controlled substances and areas where patients are likely to attempt suicide or escape.

(viii) Materials finishes. Materials known to produce noxious gases when burned shall not be used for mattresses, upholstery, and wall finishes.

(3) General mechanical requirements. This paragraph contains common requirements for mechanical systems; steam and hot and cold water systems; air-conditioning, heating and ventilating systems; plumbing fixtures; piping systems; and thermal and acoustical insulation. The facility shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph and any specific mechanical requirements for the particular unit or suite of the facility in accordance with § 510.123 of Title 40.

(A) Cost. All mechanical systems shall be designed for overall efficiency and life cycle costing, including operational costs. Recognized engineering procedures shall be followed to achieve the most economical and effective results. In no case shall patient care or safety be sacrificed for conservation.

(B) Equipment location. Mechanical equipment may be located indoors or outdoors (when in a weatherproof enclosure), or in separate building(s).

(C) Vibration isolation. Mechanical equipment shall be mounted on vibration isolators as required to prevent unacceptable structure-borne vibration. Ducts, pipes, etc. connected to mechanical equipment which is a source of vibration shall be isolated from the equipment with vibration isolators.

(D) Performance and acceptance. Prior to completion and acceptance of the facility, all mechanical systems shall be tested, balanced, and operated to demonstrate to the design engineer or his representative that the installation and performance of these systems conform to the requirements of the plans and specifications.

(i) Material lists. Upon completion of the contract, the owner shall be provided with parts lists and procurement information with numbers and description for each piece of equipment.

(ii) Instructions. Upon completion of the contract, the owner shall be provided with instructions in the operational use of systems and equipment as required.

(E) Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. All HVAC systems shall comply with and shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of National Fire Protection Association 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 1999 edition, (NFPA 90A), NFPA 99, Chapter 5, the requirements contained in this subparagraph, and the specific requirements for a particular unit in accordance with § 510.123 of Title 40.

(i) General ventilation requirements. All rooms and areas in the facility listed in Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40 shall have provision for positive ventilation. Fans serving exhaust systems shall be located at the discharge end and shall be conveniently accessible for service. Exhaust systems may be combined, unless otherwise noted, for efficient use of recovery devices required for energy conservation. The ventilation rates shown in Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40 shall be used only as minimum requirements since they do not preclude the use of higher rates that may be appropriate. Supply air to the building and exhaust air from the building shall be regulated to provide a positive pressure within the building with respect to the exterior.

(I) Cost reduction methods. To reduce utility costs, the building design and systems proposed shall utilize energy conserving procedures including recovery devices, variable air volume, load shedding, systems shut down or reduction of ventilation rates (when specifically permitted) in certain areas when unoccupied, insofar as patient care is not jeopardized.

(II) Economizer cycle. Mechanical ventilation shall be arranged to take advantage of outside air supply by using an economizer cycle when appropriate to reduce heating and cooling systems loads. Innovative design that provides for additional energy conservation while meeting the intent of this section for acceptable patient care will be considered.

(III) Outside air intake locations. Outside air intakes shall be located at least 25 feet from exhaust outlets of ventilating systems, combustion equipment stacks, medical-surgical vacuum systems, plumbing vents, or areas which may collect vehicular exhaust or other noxious fumes. (Prevailing winds and proximity to other structures may require other arrangements.) Plumbing and vacuum vents that terminate five feet above the level of the top of the air intake may be located as close as 10 feet.

(IV) Low air intake location limit. The bottom of outside air intakes serving central systems shall be located as high as practical but at least six feet above ground level, or if installed above the roof, three feet above the roof level.

(V) Contaminated air exhaust outlets. Exhaust outlets from areas (kitchen hoods, ethylene oxide sterilizers, etc.) that exhaust contaminated air shall be above the roof level and arranged to exhaust upward.

(VI) Directional air flow. Ventilation systems shall be designed and balanced to provide directional flow as shown in Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40. For reductions and shut down of ventilation systems when a room is unoccupied, the provisions in Note 4 of Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40 shall be followed.

(VII) Areas requiring fully ducted systems. Fully ducted supply, return and exhaust air for HVAC systems shall be provided for all general patient care areas and where required for fire safety purposes. Combination systems, utilizing both ducts and plenums for movement of air in these areas shall not be permitted. Such areas include isolation rooms and food preparation areas.

(VIII) Ventilation start-up requirements. Air handling systems shall not be started up and operated without the filters installed in place. This includes the 90% efficiency filters where required. Ducts shall be cleaned thoroughly by an air duct cleaning contractor when the air handling systems have been operating without the required filters in place.

(IX) Humidifier location. When duct humidifiers are located upstream of the final filters, they shall be located at least 15 feet from the filters. Ductwork with duct-mounted humidifiers shall be provided with a means of removing water accumulation. An adjustable high-limit humidistat shall be located downstream of the humidifier to reduce the potential of condensation inside the duct. All duct take-offs should be sufficiently downstream of the humidifier to ensure complete moisture absorption. Reservoir-type water spray or evaporative pan humidifiers shall not be used.

(ii) Filtration requirements. All central air handling systems serving patient care areas, including nursing unit corridors, shall be equipped with filters having efficiencies equal to, or greater than, those specified for those types of areas in Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40. Filter efficiencies shall be average efficiencies tested in accordance with American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Inc., Standard 52, 1999 edition, (relating to Gravimetric and Dust Spot Procedures for Testing Air Cleaning Devices Used in General Ventilation for Removing Particulate Matter). All joints between filter segments, and between filter segments and the enclosing ductwork, shall have gaskets and seals to provide a positive seal against air leakage. Air handlers serving more than one room shall be considered as central air handlers. All documents published by ASHRAE as referenced in this section may be obtained by writing or calling the ASHRAE, Inc. at the following address or telephone number: ASHRAE, Inc., 1791 Tullie Circle, N. E., Atlanta, GA 30329; telephone (404) 636-8400.

(I) Filtration requirements for air handling units serving single rooms requiring asepsis control. Dedicated air handlers serving only one room where asepsis control is required, such as, but not limited to, operating rooms, delivery rooms, special procedure rooms, and nurseries shall be equipped with filters having efficiencies equal to, or greater than, those specified for patient care areas in Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40.

(II) Filtration requirements for air handling units serving other single rooms. Dedicated air handlers serving all other single rooms shall be equipped with nominal filters installed at the return air grille.

(III) Location of multiple filters. Where two filter beds are required by Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40, filter bed number one shall be located upstream of the air-conditioning equipment, and filter bed number two shall be downstream of the supply fan or blowers.

(IV) Location of single filters. Where only one filter bed is required by Table 4 of § 510.131(d) of Title 40, it shall be located upstream of the supply fan. Filter frames shall be durable and constructed to provide an airtight fit with the enclosing ductwork.

(V) Pressure monitoring devices. A manometer or draft gauge shall be installed across each filter bed having a required efficiency of 75% or more including hoods requiring high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

(iii) Thermal and acoustical insulation for air handling systems. Asbestos insulation shall not be used.

(I) Thermal duct insulation. Air ducts and casings with outside surface temperature below ambient dew point or temperature above 80 degrees Fahrenheit shall be provided with thermal insulation.

(II) Insulation in air plenums and ducts. Linings in air ducts and equipment shall meet the Erosion Test Method described in Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., Standard Number 181 (relating to Factory-Made Duct Materials and Air Duct Connectors). This document may be obtained from the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

(III) Insulation flame spread and smoke developed ratings. Interior and exterior insulation, including finishes and adhesives on the exterior surfaces of ducts and equipment, shall have a flame spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke developed rating of 50 or less as required by NFPA 90A, Chapters 2 and 3.

(IV) Linings and acoustical traps. Duct lining and acoustical traps exposed to air movement shall not be used in ducts serving critical care areas. This requirement shall not apply to mixing boxes and acoustical traps that have approved nonabrasive coverings over such linings.

(V) Frangible insulation. Insulation of soft and spray-on types shall not be used where it is subject to air currents or mechanical erosion or where loose particles may create a maintenance problem.

(VI) Existing duct linings. Internal linings shall not be used in ducts, terminal boxes, or other air system components supplying operating rooms, delivery rooms, birthing rooms, labor rooms, recovery rooms, nurseries, trauma rooms, isolation rooms, and intensive care units unless terminal filters of at least 90% efficiency are installed downstream of linings.

(iv) Fire damper requirements. Fire dampers shall be located and installed in all ducts at the point of penetration of a two-hour or higher fire rated wall or floor in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 101, § 18-5.2.

(v) Smoke damper requirements. Smoke dampers shall be located and installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 101, § 18-3.7.3, and NFPA 90A, Chapter 3.

(I) Fail-safe installation. Smoke dampers shall close on activation of the fire alarm system by smoke detectors installed and located as required by National Fire Protection Association 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 1999 edition (NFPA 72), Chapter 5; NFPA 90A, Chapter 4; and NFPA 101, § 18-3.7; the fire sprinkler system; and upon loss of power. Smoke dampers shall not close by fan shut-down alone.

(II) Interconnection of air handling fans and smoke dampers. Air handling fans and smoke damper controls may be interconnected so that closing of smoke dampers will not damage the ducts.

(III) Frangible devices. Use of frangible devices for shutting smoke dampers is not permitted.

(vi) Acceptable damper assemblies. Only fire damper and smoke damper assemblies integral with sleeves and listed for the intended purpose shall be acceptable.

(vii) Duct access doors. Unobstructed access to duct openings in accordance with NFPA 90A, § 2-3.4, shall be provided in ducts within reach and sight of every fire damper, smoke damper and smoke detector. Each opening shall be protected by an internally insulated door which shall be labeled externally to indicate the fire protection device located within.

(viii) Restarting controls. Controls for restarting fans may be installed for convenient fire department use to assist in evacuation of smoke after a fire is controlled, provided that provisions are made to avoid possible damage to the system because of closed dampers. To accomplish this, smoke dampers shall be equipped with remote control devices.

(ix) Make-up air. If air supply requirements in Table 3 of § 510.131(c) of Title 40 do not provide sufficient air for use by exhaust hoods and safety cabinets, filtered make-up air shall be ducted to maintain the required air flow direction in that room. Make-up systems for hoods shall be arranged to minimize short circuiting of air and to avoid reduction in air velocity at the point of contaminant capture.

(4) General piping systems and plumbing fixture requirements. All piping systems and plumbing fixtures shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of the National Standard Plumbing Code, published by the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC), 2000 edition, and this paragraph. The National Standard Plumbing Code may be obtained by writing or calling the PHCC at the following address or telephone number: Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, P. O. Box 6808, Falls Church, VA 22040; telephone (800) 533-7694. The facility shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph and any specific piping systems and plumbing requirements for the particular unit or suite of the facility in accordance with § 510.123 of Title 40.

(A) Piping systems.

(i) Water supply systems. Water service pipe to point of entrance to the building shall be brass pipe, copper tube (not less than type M when buried directly), copper pipe, cast iron water pipe, galvanized steel pipe, or approved plastic pipe. Water distribution system piping within buildings shall be brass pipe, copper pipe, copper tube, or galvanized steel pipe. Piping systems shall be designed to supply water at sufficient pressure to operate all fixtures and equipment during maximum demand.

(I) Valves. Each water service main, branch main, riser, and branch to a group of fixtures shall be valved. Stop valves shall be provided at each fixture.

(II) Backflow preventers. Backflow preventers (vacuum breakers) shall be installed on hose bibbs, laboratory sinks, janitor sinks, bedpan flushing attachments, and on all other fixtures to which hoses or tubing can be attached.

(III) Flushing valves. Flush valves installed on plumbing fixtures shall be of a quiet operating type, equipped with silencers.

(IV) Capacity of water heating equipment. Water heating equipment shall have sufficient capacity to supply water for clinical, dietary and laundry use at the temperatures and amounts specified in Table 5 of § 510.131(e) of Title 40.

(V) Water temperature measurements. Water temperatures shall be measured at hot water point of use or at the inlet to processing equipment.

(VI) Water storage tanks. Water storage tank(s) shall be fabricated of corrosion-resistant metal or lined with noncorrosive material.

(VII) Hot water distribution. Water distribution systems shall be arranged to provide hot water at each hot water outlet at all times.

(VIII) Emergency water supply. Emergency potable water storage shall be provided. The storage capacity shall not be less than 500 gallons or 12 gallons per patient bed, whichever is greater. Capacity of hot water storage tanks may be included as part of the required emergency water capacity when valves and piping systems are arranged to make this water available at all times.

(ii) Fire sprinkler systems. Fire sprinkler systems shall be provided in facilities as required by NFPA 101, § 18-3.5. All fire sprinkler systems shall be designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the requirements of NFPA13, and shall be certified as required by § 510.127(d)(3)(C) of Title 40 (relating to Preparation, Submittal, Review and Approval of Plans).

(iii) Nonflammable medical gas and clinical vacuum systems. Nonflammable medical gas and clinical vacuum system installations shall be designed, installed and certified in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 99, § 4-3 for Level I systems and the requirements of this clause.

(I) Outlets. Nonflammable medical gas and clinical vacuum outlets shall be provided in accordance with Table 6 of § 510.131(f) of Title 40.

(II) Installer qualifications. All installations of the medical gas piping systems shall be done only by, or under the direct supervision of a holder of a master plumber license or a journeyman plumber license with a medical gas piping installation endorsement issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.

(III) Installer tests. Prior to closing of walls, the installer shall perform an initial pressure test, a blowdown test, a secondary pressure test, a cross-connection test, and a purge of the piping system as required by NFPA 99.

(IV) Qualifications for conducting verification tests and inspections. Verification tests and inspections by a party, other than the installer, shall be conducted by individuals who are technically competent and experienced in the field of piped medical gas systems.

(V) Verification tests. Upon completion of the installer inspections and tests and after closing of walls, verification tests of the medical gas piping systems, the warning system, and the gas supply source shall be conducted. The verification tests shall include a cross-connection test, valve test, flow test, piping purge test, piping purity test, final tie-in test, operational pressure tests, and medical gas concentration test.

(VI) Verification test requirements. Verification tests of the medical gas piping system, the warning system, shall be performed on all new piped medical gas systems, additions, renovations, or repaired portions of an existing system. All systems that are breached and components that are added, renovated, or replaced shall be inspected and appropriately tested. The breached portions of the systems subject to inspection and testing shall be all of the new and existing components in the immediate zone or area located upstream of the point or area of intrusion and downstream to the end of the system or a properly installed isolation valve.

(VII) Warning system verification tests. Verification tests of piped medical gas systems shall include tests of the source alarms and monitoring safeguards, master alarm systems, and the area alarm systems.

(VIII) Source equipment verification tests. Source equipment verification tests shall include medical gas supply sources (bulk and manifold) and the compressed air source systems (compressors, dryers, filters, and regulators).

(IX) Written certification. Upon successful completion of all verification tests, written certification for affected piped medical gas systems and piped medical vacuum systems including the supply sources and warning systems shall be provided by a party technically competent and experienced in the field of medical gas pipeline testing stating that the provisions of NFPA 99 have been adhered to and systems integrity has been achieved. The written certification shall be submitted directly to the facility and the installer. A copy shall be forwarded to the department by the facility.

(X) Facility responsibility. Before new piped medical gas systems, additions, renovations, or repaired portions of an existing system are put into use, the facility shall be responsible for ensuring that the gas delivered at the outlet is the gas shown on the outlet label and that the proper connecting fittings are checked against their labels.

(XI) Documentation of medical gas and clinical vacuum outlets. Documentation of the installed, modified, extended or repaired medical gas piping system shall be submitted to the department by the same party certifying the piped medical gas systems. The number and type of medical gas outlets (oxygen, vacuum, medical air, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, etc.) shall be documented and arranged tabularly by room numbers and room types.

(iv) Steam and hot water systems.

(I) Boilers. Boilers shall have the capacity, based upon the net ratings as published in The I-B-R Ratings Book for Boilers, Baseboard Radiation and Finned Tube (commercial) by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA, to supply the normal requirements of all systems and equipment. The number and arrangement of boilers shall be such that, when one boiler breaks down or routine maintenance requires that one boiler be temporarily taken out of service, the capacity of the remaining boiler(s) shall be sufficient to provide hot water service for clinical, dietary, and patient use, steam for sterilization and dietary purposes, and heating for emergency, recovery, treatment, and general patient rooms. However, reserve capacity for space heating of noncritical care areas (e.g. general patient rooms and administrative areas) is not required in geographical areas where a design dry bulb temperature equals 25 degrees Fahrenheit or higher as based on the 99% design value shown in the Handbook of Fundamentals, 1999 edition, published by ASHRAE, Inc. The document published by the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA as referenced in this rule may be obtained by writing or calling the Hydronics Institute Division of GAMA, P. O. Box 218, Berkeley Heights, N.J.07922-0218, telephone (908) 464-8200.

(II) Boiler accessories. Boiler feed pumps, heating circulating pumps, condensate return pumps, and fuel oil pumps shall be connected and installed to provide normal and standby service.

(III) Valves. Supply and return mains and risers of cooling, heating, and process steam systems shall be valved to isolate the various sections of each system. Each piece of equipment shall be valved at the supply and return ends except that vacuum condensate returns need not be valved at each piece of equipment.

(v) Drainage systems.

(I) Above ground piping. Soil stacks, drains, vents, waste lines, and leaders installed above ground within buildings shall be drain-waste-vent (DWV) weight or heavier and shall be: copper pipe, copper tube, cast iron pipe, or galvanized iron pipe.

(II) Underground piping. All underground building drains shall be: cast iron soil pipe, hard temper copper tube (DWV or heavier), acrylonitrile-butodiene-styrene (ABS) plastic pipe (DWV Schedule 40 or heavier), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe (DWV Schedule 40 or heavier), or extra strength vitrified clay pipe (VCP) with compression joints or couplings with at least 12 inches of earth cover.

(III) Drains for chemical wastes. Separate drainage systems for chemical wastes (acids and other corrosive materials) shall be provided. Materials acceptable for chemical waste drainage systems shall include chemically resistant glass pipe, high silicone content cast iron pipe, VCP, plastic pipe, or plastic lined pipe.

(IV) Drains above sensitive areas. Drainage pipes shall not be located above sensitive clean or sterile areas such as sterile processing, storage of food or of food preparation and serving areas, etc. unless protected from leaks or condensation by an approved method such as drip pans.

(V) Sewers. Building sewers shall discharge into a community sewerage system. Where such a system is not available, a facility providing sewage treatment must conform to applicable local and state regulations.

(vi) Thermal insulation for piping systems and equipment. Insulation shall be provided for the following:

(I) boilers, smoke breeching, and stacks;

(II) steam supply and condensate return piping;

(III) hot water piping and all hot water heaters, generators, converters, and storage tanks;

(IV) chilled water, refrigerant, other process piping, equipment operating with fluid temperatures below ambient dew point, and water supply and drainage piping on which condensation may occur. Insulation on cold surfaces shall include an exterior vapor barrier;

(V) other piping, ducts, and equipment as necessary to maintain the efficiency of the system.

(vii) Pipe and equipment insulation rating. Flame spread shall not exceed 25 and smoke development rating shall not exceed 150 for pipe insulation as determined by an independent testing laboratory in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2000 edition. Smoke development rating for pipe insulation located in environmental air areas shall not exceed 50.

(viii) Identification. All piping including heating, ventilating, air-conditioning (HVAC) shall be color coded or otherwise marked for easy identification.

(ix) Asbestos insulation. Asbestos insulation shall not be used.

(B) Plumbing fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be made of nonabsorptive acid-resistant materials and shall comply with the recommendations of the National Standard Plumbing Code, and this paragraph.

(i) Sink and lavatory controls. All fixtures used by medical and nursing staff and all lavatories used by patients and food handlers shall be trimmed with valves which can be operated without the use of hands. Blade handles used for this purpose shall not be less than four inches in length. Single lever or wrist blade devices may be used.

(ii) Clinical sink traps. Clinical sinks shall have an integral trap in which the upper portion of a visible trap seal provides a water surface.

(iii) Back flow or siphoning. All plumbing fixtures and equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent the back-flow or back-siphonage of any material into the water supply. The over-the-rim type water inlet shall be used wherever possible. Vacuum-breaking devices shall be properly installed when an over-the-rim type water inlet cannot be utilized.

(iv) Drinking fountain. Each drinking fountain shall be designed so that the water issues at an angle from the vertical, the end of the water orifice is above the rim of the bowl, and a guard is located over the orifice to protect it from lip contamination.

(v) Sterilizing equipment. All sterilizing equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent not only the contamination of the water supply but also the entrance of contaminating materials into the sterilizing units.

(vi) Hose attachment. No hose shall be affixed to any faucet if the end of the hose can become submerged in contaminated liquid unless the faucet is equipped with an approved, properly installed vacuum-breaker.

(vii) Bedpan washers and sterilizers. Bedpan washers and sterilizers shall be designed and installed so that both hot and cold water inlets shall be protected against back-siphonage at maximum water level.

(viii) Flood level rim clearance. The water supply spout for lavatories and sinks required in patient care areas shall be mounted so that its discharge point is a minimum of five inches above the rim of the fixture.

(ix) Floor drains or floor sinks. Where floor drains or floor sinks are installed, they shall be of a type that can be easily cleaned by removal of the cover. Removable stainless steel mesh shall be provided in addition to grilled drain cover to prevent entry of large particles of waste which might cause stoppages.

(x) Under counter piping. Under counter piping and above floor drains shall be arranged (raised) so as not to interfere with cleaning of floor below the equipment.

(xi) Ice machines. All ice making machines shall be of the self-dispensing type, unless otherwise specified.

(5) General electrical requirements. This paragraph contains common electrical requirements. The facility shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph and with any specific electrical requirements for the particular unit or suite of the facility in accordance with § 510.123 of Title 40. Electrical systems shall comply with NFPA 99, Chapter 3.

(A) Electrical installations. All new electrical material and equipment, including conductors, controls, and signaling devices, shall be installed in compliance with applicable sections of the National Fire Protection Association 70, National Electrical Code, 1999 edition (NFPA 70), and NFPA 99 and as necessary to provide a complete electrical system. Electrical systems and components shall be listed by nationally recognized listing agencies as complying with available standards and shall be installed in accordance with the listings and manufacturers' instructions.

(i) All fixtures, switches, sockets, and other pieces of apparatus shall be maintained in a safe and working condition.

(ii) Extension cords and cables shall not be used for permanent wiring.

(iii) All electrical heating devices shall be equipped with a pilot light to indicate when the device is in service, unless equipped with a temperature limiting device integral with the heater.

(iv) All equipment, fixtures, and appliances shall be properly grounded in accordance with NFPA 70.

(v) Under-counter receptacles and conduits shall be arranged (raised) to not interfere with cleaning of floor below the equipment.

(B) Installation testing and certification.

(i) Installation testing. The electrical installations, including alarm, nurses calling system and communication systems, shall be tested to demonstrate that equipment installation and operation is appropriate and functional.

(I) Grounding continuity shall be tested as described in NFPA 99 for new or existing work.

(II) A written record of performance tests on special electrical systems and equipment shall show compliance with applicable codes and standards.

(ii) Installation certification. Certifications in affidavit form signed by a registered electrical engineer attesting that the electrical service, electrical equipment, and electrical appliances have been installed in compliance with the approved plans and/or applicable standards, shall be submitted to the department when requested.

(C) Electrical safeguards. Shielded isolation transformers, voltage regulators, filters, surge suppressors, and other safeguards shall be provided as required where power line disturbances are likely to affect fire alarm components, data processing, equipment used for treatment, and automated laboratory diagnostic equipment.

(D) Services and switchboards. Main switchboards shall be located in separate rooms, separated from adjacent areas with one-hour fire rated enclosures containing only electrical switchgear and distribution panels and shall be accessible to authorized persons only. These rooms shall be ventilated to provide an environment free of corrosive or explosive fumes and gases, or any flammable and combustible materials. Switchboards shall be located convenient for use and readily accessible for maintenance as required by NFPA 70, Article 384. Overload protective devices shall operate properly in ambient temperatures.

(E) Panelboards. Panelboards serving normal lighting and appliance circuits shall be located on the same floor as the circuits they serve. Panelboards serving critical branch emergency circuits may serve three floors, the floor where the panelboard is located, the floor above and the floor below. Panelboards serving life safety branch circuits may serve three floors, the floor where the panelboard is located, and the floors above and below.

(i) Circuiting shall minimize the number of receptacles on a single branch circuit, in order to limit the effects of a branch circuit outage, caused by one faulted device. Any life-support equipment on that circuit would be lost.

(ii) Loading of branch circuits is limited by NFPA 70, Articles 210, 220, and 384.

(F) Wiring. All conductors for controls, equipment, lighting and power operating at 100 volts or higher shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 70, Article 517. All surface mounted wiring operating at less than 100 volts shall be protected from mechanical injury with metal raceways to a height of seven feet above the floor. Conduits and cables shall be supported in accordance with NFPA 70, Article 300.

(G) Lighting.

(i) Lighting intensity for staff and patient needs shall comply with Chapter 17, Institution and Public Building Lighting, Health Care Facilities, of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) Lighting Handbook, published by the IES, 345 East 47th Street, N.Y., N.Y. 10017.

(I) Consideration should be given to controlling intensity and wavelength to prevent harm to the patient's eyes (i.e., cataracts due to ultraviolet light).

(II) Approaches to buildings and parking lots, and all spaces within buildings shall have fixtures that can be illuminated as necessary. All rooms including storerooms, electrical and mechanical equipment rooms, and all attics shall have sufficient artificial lighting so that all parts of these spaces shall be clearly visible.

(III) Consideration should be given to the special needs of the elderly. Excessive contrast in lighting levels that makes effective sight adaptation difficult shall be minimized.

(ii) Means of egress and exit sign lighting intensity shall comply with NFPA 101, §§ 7-8, 7-9 and 7-10.

(iii) Electric lamps which may be subject to breakage or which are installed in fixtures in confined locations when near woodwork, paper, clothing, or other combustible materials, shall be protected by wire guards, or plastic shields.

(iv) Ceiling mounted examination light fixtures shall be suspended from rigid support structures mounted above the ceiling.

(H) Receptacles. Only listed "hospital" grade single-grounding or duplex-grounding receptacles shall be used in all patient care areas. This does not apply to special purpose receptacles.

(i) Installations of multiple ganged receptacles shall be permitted in patient care areas.

(ii) Electrical outlets powered from the critical branch shall be provided in all patient care, procedure and treatment locations in accordance with NFPA 99, § 3-4.2.2.2(c). At least one receptacle at each patient treatment or procedure location shall be powered from the normal power panel.

(iii) Replacement of malfunctioning receptacles and installation of new receptacles powered from the critical branch in existing facilities shall be accomplished with receptacles of the same distinct color as the existing receptacles.

(iv) In locations where mobile X-ray or other equipment requiring special electrical configuration is used, the additional receptacles shall be distinctively marked for the special use.

(v) Each receptacle shall be grounded to the reference grounding point by means of a green insulated copper equipment grounding conductor.

(I) Equipment.

(i) Equipment required for safe operation of the facility shall be powered from the equipment system in accordance with the requirements contained in NFPA 99, § 3-4.2.2.3.

(ii) Boiler accessories including feed pumps, heat-circulating pumps, condensate return pumps, fuel oil pumps, and waste heat boilers shall be connected and installed to provide both normal and standby service.

(J) Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs shall comply with NFPA 70. When GFCIs are used in critical areas, provisions shall be made to ensure that other essential equipment is not affected by activation of one interrupter.

(K) Nurses calling systems. Three different types of nurses calling systems are required to be installed in a facility: a nurses regular calling system; a nurses emergency calling system; and a staff emergency assistance calling system. The facility shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph and any specific requirements for nurses calling systems for the particular unit of the facility in accordance with § 510.123 of Title 40.

(i) A nurses regular calling system is intended for routine communication between each patient and the nursing staff. Activation of the system at a patient's regular calling station will sound a repeating (every 20 seconds) audible signal at the nurse station, indicate type and location of call on the system monitor, and activate a distinct visible signal in the corridor at the patient suites door. In multi-corridor nursing units, additional visible signals shall be installed at corridor intersections. The audible signal shall be canceled and two-way voice communication between the patient room and the nursing staff shall be established at the unit's nursing station when the call is answered by the nursing staff. The visible signal(s) in the corridor shall be canceled upon termination of the call. An alarm shall activate at the nurses station when the call cable is unplugged.

(ii) A nurses emergency calling system shall be installed in all toilets used by all patients to summon nursing staff in an emergency. Activation of the system shall sound a repeating (every 5 seconds) audible signal at the nurse station, indicate type and location of call on the system monitor, and activate a distinct visible signal in the corridor at the patient suites door. In multi-corridor nursing units, additional visible signals shall be installed at corridor intersections. The visible and audible signals shall be cancelable only at the patient calling station. Activation of the system shall also activate distinct visible signals in the clean workroom, in the soiled workroom, medication, charting, clean linen storage, nourishment, nurse lounge and equipment storage. When conveniently located and accessible from both the bathing and toilet fixtures, one emergency call station may serve one bathroom. A nurses emergency call system shall be accessible to a collapsed patient lying on the floor.

(iii) A staff emergency assistance calling system (code blue) is intended to be used by staff to summon additional help in an emergency. In open suites, an emergency assistant call system device shall be located at the head of each bed and in each individual room. The emergency assistance calling device can be shared between two beds if conveniently located. Activation of the system will sound an audible signal at the nursing unit's nurses station, indicate type and location of call on the system monitor and activate a distinct visible signal in the corridor at the patient suites door. In multi-corridor nursing units, additional visible signals shall be installed at corridor intersections. Activation of the system shall also activate visible and audible signals in the clean workroom, in the soiled workroom, medication, charting, clean linen storage, nourishment, equipment storage, and examination/treatment room(s) with back up to a continuously staffed area (other than the nurse station or an administrative center) from which assistance can be summoned. The system shall have voice communication capabilities so that the type of emergency or help required may be specified.

(L) Emergency electric service. A Type I essential electrical system shall be provided in each facility in accordance with requirements of NFPA 99; NFPA 101, and National Fire Protection Association 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, 1999 edition. Exception: Crisis stabilization units have the option of providing a Type II essential electrical system in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 99 and NFPA 101.

(i) The number of transfer switches to be used shall be based on reliability, design and load considerations.

(ii) All wiring installation of the emergency system of the essential electrical system shall be mechanically protected in nonflexible metal raceways in compliance with NFPA 70, § 517-30(c)(3).

(iii) The stored fuel capacity for emergency generators shall be sufficient to permit continuous operation for at least 24 hours at full load.

(M) Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system which complies with NFPA 101, § 18-3.4, and with NFPA 72, Chapter 3 requirements, shall be provided in each facility. The required fire alarm system components are as follows:

(i) A fire alarm control panel (FACP) shall be installed at a continuously attended (24 hour) location. A remote fire alarm annunciator listed for fire alarm service and installed at a continuously attended location and is capable of indicating both visual and audible alarm, trouble and supervisory signals in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 may be substituted for the FACP.

(ii) Manual fire alarm pull stations shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 101, § 18-3.4.

(iii) Smoke detectors for door release service shall be installed on the ceiling at each door opening in the smoke partition in accordance with NFPA 72, § 2-10.6, where the doors are held open with electromagnetic devices conforming with NFPA 101, § 18-2.2.6.

(iv) Ceiling mounted smoke detector(s) shall be installed in room containing the FACP when this room is not attended continuously by staff as required by NFPA 72, § 1-5.6.

(v) Smoke detectors shall be installed in supply air ducts in accordance with NFPA 72, § 2-10.4.2 and § 2-10.5, and with NFPA 90A § 4-4.2.

(vi) Smoke detectors shall be installed in return air ducts in accordance with requirements of NFPA 72, § 2-10.4.2.2 and § 2-10.5, and NFPA 90A, § 4-4.2(2).

(vii) Fire sprinkler system water flow switches shall be installed in accordance with requirements of NFPA 101, § 9-6.2; NFPA 13, § 3-10; and NFPA 72, § 3-8.5.

(viii) Sprinkler system valve supervisory switches shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72, § 3-8.6.

(ix) Audible alarm indicating devices shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 101, § 18-3.4., and NFPA 72, § 6-3.

(x) Visual fire alarm indicating devices which comply with the requirements of § 510.122(d)(1)(F) of Title 40 (relating to New Construction Requirements) and NFPA 72, § 6-4, shall be provided.

(xi) Devices for transmitting alarm for alerting the local fire brigade or municipal fire department of fire or other emergency shall be provided. The devices shall be listed for the fire alarm service by a nationally recognized laboratory, and be installed in accordance with such listing and the requirements of NFPA 72.

(xii) A smoke detection system for spaces open to corridor(s) shall be provided when required by NFPA 101, § 18-3.6.1.

(xiii) A fire alarm signal notification which complies with NFPA 101, § 9-6.3, shall be provided to alert occupants of fire or other emergency.

(xiv) Wiring for fire alarm detection circuits and fire alarm notification circuits shall comply with requirements of NFPA 70, Article 760.

(xv) A smoke detection system for elevator recall shall be located in elevator lobbies, elevator machine rooms and at the top of elevator hoist ways as required by NFPA 72, § 3-9.3.7.

(I) The elevator recall smoke detection system in new construction shall comply with requirements of American Society of Mechanical Engineers/American National Standards Institute (ASME/ANSI) A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, 1996 edition. The publications of the ASME/ANSI referenced in this section may be obtained by writing ASME/ANSI, United Engineering Center, 345 East 47th Street, New York, N.Y. 10017.

(II) The elevator recall smoke detection system in existing facilities shall comply with requirements of ASME/ANSI A17.3, Safety Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, 1995 edition.

(xvi) A smoke detection system for initiating smoke removal from atriums shall be located above the highest floor level of the atrium and at return intakes from the atrium in accordance with National Fire Protection Association 92B, Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas, 1995 edition.

(xvii) Smoke detector(s) for shut-down of air handling units shall be provided. The detectors shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 90A, § 4-4.2.

(xviii) New or modified fire alarm systems shall be certified as meeting pplicable NFPA standards such as NFPA 101, 72A, 72E, etc. on form FML-009 040392 of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. A copy of the fire alarm system certification shall be submitted to the department.

(N) Telecommunications and information systems. Telecommunications and information systems central equipment shall be installed in a separate location designed for the intended purpose. Special air conditioning and voltage regulation shall be provided as recommended by the manufacturer.

(O) Lightning protection systems. When installed, lightning protection systems shall comply with National Fire Protection Association 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, 1997 edition.

26 Tex. Admin. Code § 510.122

The provisions of this §510.122 adopted to be effective January 1, 2004, 28 TexReg 5154; Chapter Transferred from Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 134 by Texas Register, Volume 44, Number 20, May 17, 2019, TexReg 2469, eff. 6/1/2019