Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 144 - Health Department
Chapter 4658 - NURSING HOMES
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS; NEW CONSTRUCTION
Part 4658.4510 - HEATING AND COOLING; NEW CONSTRUCTION

Subpart 1. Design and installation.

Heating and cooling systems must be capable of maintaining a temperature of 71 degrees Fahrenheit to 81 degrees Fahrenheit in all resident areas. Areas must be zoned according to use and exposure, and must be provided with thermostatic temperature controls. The humidification system must be capable of maintaining a space humidity between 25 percent relative humidity and 50 percent relative humidity.

Subp. 2. Isolation of major components.

A means of isolating major sections or components in the heating and cooling systems must be provided. Supply and return mains, and risers of space heating and cooling systems must be valved to isolate the various sections of each system. Each piece of equipment must be valved at the supply and return ends. Any pump on which the heating and cooling systems are dependent should be installed in duplicate for standby service in a nursing home.

Subp. 3. Controls and gauges.

All valves and controls must be placed for convenient access and use, and thermometers and gauges must be mounted for easy observation.

Subp. 4. Heating and cooling elements.

Heating and cooling elements must be located so as not to interfere with beds in residents' rooms. Tubing and casing of gravity-type heating and cooling convectors must be mounted at least four inches above the floor and be provided with removable sturdy covers in order to facilitate cleaning.

Subp. 5. Forced flow room units.

Cabinets for forced flow heating or cooling units must be sturdy and must be mounted either continuously along the floor with a tight fit or at least four inches above the floor. Outside air must be filtered. The interior air grill for recirculation must be located not less than four inches above the floor, on floor mounted units. Fans or blowers must be of a quiet operating type, and the fan or blower housing must not be directly connected to the metal of the unit cabinet. Recirculated air must be passed through the filter. The filter must be replaceable from within the room.