Minnesota Administrative Rules
Agency 144 - Health Department
Chapter 4660 - BOARDING CARE HOMES; PHYSICAL PLANT
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Part 4660.8200 - HEATING AND COOLING, NEW CONSTRUCTION

Subpart 1. Design and installation.

All heating and/or cooling systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of chapters 1300 to 1365, the State Building Code, 1971 edition. The heating system shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit in all patient and resident areas. Areas shall be zoned according to use and exposure, and be provided with thermostatic temperature controls. Provision is recommended for humidification of up to 25 percent relative humidity.

Subp. 2. Isolation of major components.

A means of isolating major sections or components in the heating system shall be provided. Supply and return mains, and risers of space heating 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. Any pump on which the heating system is dependent should be installed in duplicate for standby service in a nursing home.

Subp. 3. Controls and gauges.

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

Subp. 4. Heating elements.

Heating elements shall be located so as not to interfere with beds in patients' or residents' rooms. Tubing and casing of gravity type heating convectors shall 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/cooling units shall be sturdy and shall be mounted either continuously along the floor with a tight fit or at least four inches above the floor. Outside air shall be filtered. The interior air grill for recirculation shall be located not less than four inches above the floor on floor mounted units. Fans or blowers shall be of a quiet operating type, and the fan or blower housing shall not be directly connected to the metal of the unit cabinet. It is recommended that recirculated air also be passed through the filter, and that the filter be replaceable from within the room.