(a) Safety related details. A high degree of safety
for the occupants is needed to minimize accidents more apt to occur
with the residents in a nursing facility. Consideration must be given
to the fact that many have impaired vision, hearing, spatial perception,
and ambulation.
(1) Hazards such as sharp corners, edges, or unexpected
steps must be avoided.
(2) Drinking fountains, telephone booths, vending machines,
and portable equipment must not restrict corridor traffic or reduce
corridor width.
(3) Windows must be designed to prevent residents from
accidentally falling through the windows.
(4) Doors that normally stay open or are frequently
used must not swing out into the corridor unless required by NFPA
101 or another provision of this subchapter. Alcoves must be provided
for doors that must swing outward toward a corridor or way of egress.
(5) Safety glass must be used where required by local
building codes or NFPA 101.
(6) Thresholds and expansion joint covers must be flush
with the floor surface to facilitate use of wheelchairs and carts.
(7) A facility must provide grab bars at all residents'
toilets, showers, tubs, and sitz baths. The bars must be 1-1/4 to
1-1/2 inches in diameter and must have 1-1/2 inch clearance to walls.
Bars must have sufficient strength and anchorage to sustain a concentrated
load of 250 pounds. Grab bar standards must comply with standards
adopted under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(8) Handrails must be provided on both sides of corridors
used by residents, and must meet the following:
(A) A clear distance of 1-1/2 inches must be provided
between the handrail and the wall;
(B) Handrails must be securely mounted to withstand
downward forces of 250 pounds;
(C) Handrails may be omitted on wall segments less
than 18 inches in length;
(D) A window must be considered part of the wall segment
in which it is installed and must not interrupt the continuity of
the handrail;
(E) Handrails must be mounted 33 inches to 36 inches
above the floor, and must comply with standards adopted under the
Americans with Disabilities Act and with TAS.
(F) Where fixed furniture is provided in corridors,
as permitted by NFPA 101 and §19.326(n) of this subchapter (relating
to Safety Operations), the handrail may be omitted, provided the handrail
terminates no more than 18 inches from the fixed furniture.
(9) Ends of handrails and grab bars must be constructed
with return ends to walls to prevent snagging the clothes of residents.
(10) Ceiling fan blades must be at least seven feet
above the floor and be located so as not to interfere with the operation
of any ceiling-mounted smoke detectors.
(b) General details.
(1) Concrete floors, whether finished by sealant, or
similar product, must not be used as the finished floor unless specifically
approved in writing by HHSC. An exception is mechanical equipment
rooms and maintenance or similar areas.
(2) Sound separation must be provided in corridor walls
and resident room party walls. Provide a minimum Sound Transmission
Class of 30 per ASTM E90.
(3) A facility must provide attic access for building
maintenance and inspection.
(4) A facility must provide illumination and a safe
platform in the attic at all attic access locations.
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Source Note: The provisions of this §554.362 adopted to be effective March 22, 2018, 43 TexReg 1646; transferred effective January 15, 2021, as published in the Texas Register December 11, 2020, 45 TexReg 8871 |