Safety

Watch out for space heaters in healthcare facilities

Hospital Safety Connection, November 30, 2005

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As cold weather arrives in many parts of the country, it seems like a good time to remind folks about fire safety requirements for portable space heaters.

The Life Safety Code®, which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations enforce, generally prohibits space heaters in hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulatory care centers.

There is an exception to this rule: Employee areas where staff don't sleep can have portable space heaters as long as their heating elements don't exceed 212 degrees F.



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