1. (a) An entity shall ensure that room temperature in the facility is maintained at the following applicable draft-free temperature, adjusted as needed for the majority of adults or children in care to be comfortable:

   1. (1) 65° Fahrenheit for an entity licensed to provide care for children;
   2. (2) 68° Fahrenheit for an entity licensed to provide care for adults.

2. (b) The entity shall ensure that

   1. (1) each heating device is installed and maintained in a safe and serviceable manner and is

      1. (A) vented to the outside if the device is fuel burning; vents or stacks leading from a heating unit must be air-tight at joints so that fumes, smoke, or unburned gases cannot pass from the device, vent, or stack into the entity;
      2. (B) equipped with protective devices if presenting a hazard because of an exposed flame or heating element; heat sources must be shielded in a manner that prevents burn injury; the shield must be far enough from the heat source to prevent it from smoldering or burning; and
      3. (C) not placed or located in sleeping quarters during sleeping hours, unless the entity does not have a separate sleeping area, or in exit ways or corridors at any time; and
   2. (2) an open flame heater is not used, except for a fireplace that complies with 13 AAC 50, 13 AAC 55, and any applicable municipal building code; if a fireplace is used, it must have a protective screen or gate, and the area near the fireplace must be kept free of clutter and combustible or flammable material.
3. (c) The entity shall ensure that any portable electric heater is equipped with a tipover switch and is kept out of the reach of children, or adults with impaired judgment. A portable electric heater must be kept from flammable objects in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The entity must develop and implement a policy that outlines the safe and proper use of portable heaters.

(Eff. 6/23/2006, Register 178; am 7/1/2022, Register 242)

Authority: AS 18.05.010, AS 47.32.010, AS 47.33.005, AS 18.05.040, AS 47.32.020, AS 47.33.010, AS 44.29.020, AS 47.32.030