Header:
TEXAS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 40. SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE
PART 1. DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES
CHAPTER 19. NURSING FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AND MEDICAID CERTIFICATION
SUBCHAPTER D. FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
Date:
08/31/2009
Document:
40 TAC § 19.303 (2011)
§ 19.303. Emergency Power
(a) An emergency electrical power system must supply power adequate at least for lighting all entrances and exits, equipment to maintain the fire detection, alarm, and extinguishing systems, and life-support systems if the normal electrical supply is interrupted. Emergency electrical services by generator or battery must be provided to comply with the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70. Battery systems must be capable of sustaining power for a duration of at least one and one-half hours.
(1) Life safety systems must include:
(A) illumination for means of egress, nurse stations, medication rooms, dining and living rooms, and areas immediately outside of exit doors;
(B) exit signs and exit directional signs required by the Life Safety Code;
(C) alarm systems, including fire alarms activated by manual stations, water flow alarm devices of sprinkler systems, fire and smoke detecting systems, and alarms required for nonflammable medical gas systems if installed (where hospital-type functions are included in the nursing home facility, applicable standards apply);
(D) task illumination and selected receptacles at any required or provided generator set location;
(E) selected duplex receptacles, including receptacles in resident corridors, each resident-bed location where life-support electrical appliances are utilized, nurse stations, medication rooms, including biological refrigerator, if a generator is required or provided;
(F) nurse calling systems;
(G) resident room night lights where required;
(H) elevator cab lighting, control, and communication systems;
(I) all facility telephone equipment; and
(J) those paging or speaker systems that are necessary for the communication plan for an emergency. Radio transceivers that are necessary for emergency use must be capable of operating for at least one hour upon total failure of both normal and emergency power.
(2) Where critical systems are provided, there must be a delayed automatic connection.
(3) The emergency lighting must be automatically in operation within 10 seconds after the interruption of normal electric power supply. Emergency service to receptacles and equipment may be a delayed automatic connection. Receptacles connected to emergency power must be of a uniform and distinctive color. Stored fuel capacity must be sufficient for not less than four-hour operation of required generator.
(4) Emergency motor generator, if required or provided, must meet the following standards:
(A) any emergency generator must be installed in accordance with NFPA 37 and NFPA 99;
(B) generators located on the exterior of the building must be provided with a noncombustible protective cover or be protected as per manufacturer's recommendations; and
(C) motor generators fueled by public utility natural gas must have the capacity to be manually or automatically switched to an alternate fuel source, as specified in NFPA 70.
(5) Wiring for the emergency system must be in accordance with NFPA 70.
(b) When life support systems are used, the facility must provide emergency electrical power with an emergency generator (as defined in NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities) located on the premises.
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