- (a) The building and all fire safety, electrical, mechanical and plumbing equipment in a residential child-care facility shall be maintained in a safe and operating condition.
- (b) There shall be a central heating system sufficient to maintain 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) under winter design conditions. Built-in electric heaters, if used, shall be installed or protected to avoid hazards to the children and room furnishings. Unvented fuel burning room heaters and portable electric heaters are prohibited.
- (c) Air conditioning or at least one fan per resident bedroom, living and dining areas shall be provided when the temperature in the facility exceeds 80 degrees F (26.7 degrees C).
- (d) The hot water tank shall provide hot water to the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry. The hot water temperature at all fixtures used by residents shall be maintained at a minimum of 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) and shall not exceed 116 degrees F (46.7 degrees C).
(e) All resident areas shall be well lighted for the safety and comfort of the residents. The minimum lighting required is:
- (1) 30 foot‑candle of light for reading; and
- (2) 10 foot‑candle of light for general lighting.
- (f) Fireplaces, fireplace inserts and wood stoves shall be designed or installed to avoid a burn hazard to children. Solid fuel burning fireplace inserts and wood stoves shall be labeled and approved by a third party testing agency accredited by the North Carolina Building Code Council for solid fuel heating equipment.
- (g) Gas logs may be installed if they are of the vented type, installed according to the manufacturers' installation instructions, approved through the local building department and protected by a guard or screen to prevent children and furnishings from burns.
- (h) This Rule shall apply to new and existing licensed facilities.
History Note: Authority G.S. 131D-10.5; 143B-153;
Eff. October 1, 2008;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. April 5, 2016.