0940-05-05-.02
General Environmental Requirements For All Facilities
Cite as Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-05-05-.02
(1)
The facility must be maintained in a safe manner and a continuing effort made to eliminate
potential hazards.
(2)
The facility must be maintained in a sanitary and clean condition, free from all accumulation
of dirt and rubbish, well-ventilated, and free from foul, stale or musty odors.
(3)
The facility must be kept free of mice, rats and other rodents.
(4)
Housekeeping practices and standards must be maintained which will ensure the eradication
of files, roaches, and other vermin.
(5)
All interior and exterior stairs and steps must be equipped with securely and safely installed
handrails.
(6)
All interior and exterior stairways, halls, porches, walkways and all other means of egress
and areas of exit discharge must be maintained free of any obstacles, including furniture or
other stored items
(7)
A heating system must be provided which is capable of maintaining a minimum temperature
of sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit and a comfortable humidity level at all times within the
facility.
ADEQUACY OF FACILITY ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER 0940-05-05
AND ANCILLARY SERVICES
(8)
A cooling, natural ventilation or air conditioning system must be provided which is capable of
maintaining a maximum temperature of eighty-five (85) degrees Fahrenheit and a
comfortable humidity level at all times within the facility.
(9)
Operable windows for ventilation must be provided unless the requirement for operable
windows is otherwise exempted by the facility’s licensure life safety occupancy classification
and the facility is equipped with an air conditioning system.
(10) All operable windows used for ventilation must be equipped with screens which do not render
the window unusable if the windows also is required for escape or emergency rescue
purposes.
(11) A telephone system must be provided with is capable of ensuring prompt notification in cases
of emergencies and which is capable of meeting the needs of the clients served by the
facility.
(12) Emergency telephone numbers must be posted for the most local available agencies for fire
protection, police or sheriff, ambulance, or medical intervention, and poison control.
(13) An adequate first aid kit must be provided as recommended by the local chapter of the
American Red Cross or the facility’s medical staff, as applicable.
(14) Drinking water must be provided from a source approved by the Tennessee Department of
Health.
(15) A system for the disposal of sewage must be provided which is connected to a public sewage
system or which is connected to a private sewage system (septic tank and field system)
which has the approval of the local public health agency having jurisdiction.
(16) Natural or artificial lighting must be provided which is adequate for the needs of the clients
using the facility.