Fire marshal clarifies use of heating devices in ALs

ICAL recently received clarification from the state fire marshal regarding the use of space heaters and electric blankets in assisted living (AL) occupancies.

The state fire marshal provided the following guidance:

Electric space heaters
According to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2015 edition, electric space heaters are only prohibited in I-2 occupancies (foster care facilities, detoxification facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric hospitals). AL and residential care facilities (RCFs) are classified as I-1 occupancies in the 2015 Edition of the International Fire Code and therefore are allowed under specific conditions.

If used in an AL program, electric space heaters must be:

1. Listed and labeled.
2. Plugged directly into an approved receptacle – no extension cords, surge protectors, power strips or multi-plug adapters.
3. Not operated within three feet of any combustible materials.
4. Operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations, and the heaters shall be unmodified and undamaged. The listing requirement would likely include tip-over and overheat protections.

Also, if a facility elects to use electric space heaters, the state fire marshal would strongly encourage the facility to carefully evaluate the capabilities of any resident being allowed to operate them to ensure they can be used safely and within the requirements.

Electric blankets
There are no prohibitions against using electric blankets in an AL facility. However, as with space heaters, these devices should be:

1. Listed and labeled.
2. Not powered by any type of adapter, surge protector or extension cord.
3. Not tucked in or squeezed.
4. Used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It is advised that AL tenants should not go to sleep with an electric blanket or heating pad turned on. Tenants who are incontinent are also not appropriate for electric blanket or heating pad use.

IHCA Vice President of Quality Improvement and Clinical Affairs Mary Jane Carothers also warns AL programs to carefully assess tenants with cognitive impairment for the use of these items.

“Aging tenants are at significant risk for thermal burns which can become serious in a very short period of time,” said Carothers. “Risk for the use of these items should be extensively discussed with tenants and families prior to use in the program.”

For questions, contact Mary Jane Carothers, VP, Quality Improvement and Clinical Affairs, at 800-422-3106.